First Reader Application

Due June 8

Apply to be an Augurian First Reader

We’re looking for 4-6 eagle-eyed First Readers with a passion for building compassionate, intersectional spaces. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Our all-volunteer team is eager to welcome you.

Starting June 15, 2020, here’s what our First Reader’s day to day would look like:

    • Read a min. of 60 submissions per submission period (two submission periods per year, with approx. 6-7 weeks to read submissions) or about 1-3 hours per week, depending on reading speed
    • Write brief, insightful comments that take into consideration the Augur method of reading: we don’t decide whether a story is “good” or “not good”—we decide whether it is something we can access, value, and responsibly showcase
    • Get engaged & chatty on Augur’s private slack channel
    • A perk, but not necessary: You want to help out with the mag in other ways (social, proofreading, fundraising, etc.)
    • A perk, but not necessary: If possible, attend & support Augur events OR attend literary events in your area while repping Augur

Here’s what you should come prepared with:

    • A love of dreamy, surreal, and speculative prose and poetry
    • Having read and loved the Augur Preview Issue and whatever free content we have online
    • A desire to listen and learn from the people you work with
    • An editorial eye
    • A perk, not necessary: Some experience as a First Reader or Beta Reader elsewhere

We prefer that applicants be living in or have previously lived in Canada/Turtle Island, but it is not necessary to apply.

Send us an email by June 8 that answers the following questions:

    1. Name
    2. Optional: Intersectional Identity (only if comfortable disclosing—not required)
    3. Favourite Books/Authors
    4. What relevant experience do you have? Soft skills? Reading experience? (Skills are transferable and specific experience is not required)
    5. Why do you want to join Augur?
    6. Favourite Augur story and why (pretend you’re writing a reader response!)
    7. How many stories/poems respectively can you read in a reading period (6-7 weeks)?
    8. Are you Canadian? Indigenous? Living in Canada and, if so, whereabouts? International?

Thanks so much for wanting to join the team—we’re looking forward to reading your application!