Join the 2026/2027 Writer’s Block Editorial Board
Are you interested in learning what it takes to put together a literary magazine? Do you enjoy working collaboratively in an editorial team? Would you like to work hands-on with poetry and short fiction by a wide range of emerging writers? Then join the 2026/2027 Writer’s Block editorial board.
Writer’s Block is currently looking for passionate, creative, and committed new board members for the upcoming academic year. Whether you are interested in editing, design, publishing, social media, or literary culture in general, Writer’s Block offers a unique opportunity to gain practical editorial experience.
About Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block is the literary magazine of the English department at the University of Amsterdam. Run entirely by students, the magazine publishes poetry, short fiction, essays, reviews, and visual art by both emerging and established writers.
As a board member, you will be involved in every stage of the editorial process: reading submissions, discussing and editing texts, and helping bring each issue into the world. In addition to the magazine itself, we also publish weekly articles on our website by our own board members, giving each member of the team the opportunity to write their own pieces. Being a part of Writer’s Block is both a collaborative and a creative process, in which you develop editorial, organisational, and writing skills while working closely with literature.
Responsibilities of the Editorial Board
All board members work together as general editors while also taking on a specific role within the organisation. As a general editor, you will read submissions for weekly meetings and discuss them, give constructive feedback to writers, and work closely with contributors to help their pieces reach their full potential. Editors are expected to actively participate in discussions, share opinions on submissions, and contribute thoughtfully to the editorial direction of the magazine. In addition, all editors contribute to the Writer’s Block website by writing occasional articles, reviews, essays, or columns, and by giving feedback on each other’s work.
Available Roles
Editor-in-Chief
The Editors-in-Chief coordinate the magazine and lead the editorial board throughout the year. They organise meetings, oversee deadlines, communicate with the study association, and ensure the publication process runs smoothly from submissions to print. You make sure that each board member does their tasks and send reminders when necessary. It is important to stay on top of this and know what individual board members are doing. You also need to attend all ALPHA meetings and additional meet-ups with them or other associations. This role is ideal for someone organised, communicative, and enthusiastic about leading a creative team. You should be available and ready to take on big responsibilities.
Secretary
The Secretary keeps the board organised behind the scenes. Responsibilities include managing the Writer’s Block email account, taking meeting minutes, tracking submissions and editorial decisions, and maintaining communication with contributors. The Secretary works closely with the Editors-in-Chief to ensure that the board stays informed and on schedule. This role suits someone detail-oriented who enjoys structure, communication, and organisation.
Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees the financial side of Writer’s Block. Tasks include managing budgets, tracking expenses, applying for subsidies, coordinating printing costs, and maintaining contact with Etcetera and ALPHA regarding funding. You will also need to attend ALPHA meetings a few times a year, where all important information regarding subsidies is discussed. This role is perfect for someone responsible and organised who wants experience with budgeting and cultural funding in a creative setting.
Final Editor
Final Editors are responsible for the final proofreading stage before publication. They carefully check all texts for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency while respecting each author’s stylistic choices. Final Editors help ensure that both the magazine and website maintain a polished and professional standard. This role is especially suited for someone with a strong eye for detail and a love for language.
Website Manager
The Website Manager takes care of Writer’s Block website and online publications. Responsibilities include uploading articles and magazine issues, as well as maintaining the website layout. The role also involves keeping the website current and accessible. Familiarity with WordPress is helpful but not required.
Graphic Designer
The Graphic Designer shapes the visual identity of Writer’s Block. They design the layout of the magazine and help maintain and develop the magazine’s minimalist black-and-white aesthetic. This role offers significant creative freedom and is ideal for someone interested in visual storytelling, editorial design, and publication aesthetics. Previous experience in graphic design and/or other means of illustration is a must–or at least a strong desire to learn these skills.
Social Media Manager
The Social Media Manager is responsible for Writer’s Block’s online presence, primarily on Instagram. They create promotional content, publicise events and submission calls, and help build the magazine’s identity and visibility. The role encourages creativity and collaboration with the rest of the board to develop engaging content and maintain an active online presence. An in-depth understanding of social media and previous experience in designing and managing an Instagram page are preferred.
If you are interested in joining the Writer’s Block board for 2026/2027, we would love to hear from you. Send us an email at writerssblock@gmail.com including a CV and a motivation letter specifying: why you would like to join Writer’s Block, what experience you bring to the table, and which role you would prefer. Applications are open until 5th of June. Interviews will be held in late June.
Writer's Block Magazine 