Contributing Writer

Responsibilities:

• Research: Research assigned historical letters and the figures and events at the center of them
• Write: Write an entertaining & educational postscript article, in line with our style guide and editorial guidelines, meeting deadlines
• Edit: Work closely with our editor through up to two rounds of revisions per piece.
• Pitch: Occasionally pitch letters you would like to write about

Benefits

• Competitive pay: We believe in the power of writers and pay accordingly. Rates negotiable depending upon experience
• Potential for ongoing work: We're always curating new letters and seeking talented writers to tell each letter's story
• Unique Opportunity to dive deep into American history: Our assignments are a history buff's dream
• Fully remote: Contractors can work from anywhere

Pay is per-assignment. $50-75/hour hourly rate range is estimated based on expected workload.

Requirements

• Published bylines in major magazines, newspapers, or equivalent outlets
• Demonstrated experience writing about American history for a general audience
• Deep working knowledge of American history
• A genuine love for the subject and the patience to do real research
• The ability to write clean, propulsive prose under tight constraints of length and time
• Comfort working independently and responding promptly to editorial notes
• Reliable internet access and the ability to deliver clean copy on schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, history, or related field from a top school
• Familiarity with primary-source archives (Library of Congress, NARA, presidential libraries, and similar)
• A specific period, region, or theme of American history that you know deeply

This position is part-time, contract, & remote.

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Researcher

Responsibilities:

• Locate interesting and relevant letters for upcoming Letterjoy themes and collections.

• Research the individuals and events involved in selected letters.

• Summarize research in well-written 2-4 paragraph “postscript” summaries.

• Brainstorm new monthly themes for Letterjoy collections.

Qualifications:

• Strong research and writing skills.

• Passion for history

• Preferred: B.A. or M.A. in history, english or related subject

This position is part-time.

Hiring Timeline: We do not have an immediate need to fill this role, but we encourage qualified and interested applicants to apply. When the hiring need arises, we will reach out to applicants about next steps.

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Print/Graphic Designer

Responsibilities:

• Develop reusable design assets for Letterjoy letters, including letterhead, stamps, and handwriting-simulating typefaces.

• Develop reusable templates and assets for Letterjoy online properties, including podcast covers and social media graphics.

• Restore historic letterheads in Photoshop and Illustrator (or your design software of choice)

• Lay out letters for print

• Design authentic letterheads for historical and fictional figures using reference material.

• Handwrite letters in very readable styles reminiscent of various historical and/or fictional figures.

Qualifications:

• Strong fundamental design skills and good taste

• Diverse portfolio of past works.

• Careful attention to detail

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud

• Drawing & calligraphic skills preferred

This position is part-time & remote.

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