
Sofia Sears
@sofiasears
Editor at Hot Knife Magazine who directed digital literary publishing and established its style guide.
What I'm looking for
At Hot Knife Magazine, I directed editorial operations for a digital literary magazine, from content acquisition through publication. I coordinated editors and contributors, maintained a style guide, and helped issues meet their deadlines.
At Quake Magazine, I oversaw submissions and production timelines for two annual print issues and created a style guide adopted across the publication. I also copyedited and proofread submissions as an Editorial Assistant at Jacket2 Poetry Magazine.
As a Submission Reader at TriQuarterly, I evaluated and ranked literary submissions to support the editorial team's selection process. I also write cultural criticism, essays, and fiction, and have taught undergraduate creative writing at Northwestern University.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Freelance Writer
Self-Employed
Jan 2015 - Present (11 years 9 months)
Authored and published cultural criticism, essays, and fiction in prominent national literary journals, including Sonora Review, Waxwing, Diagram, and Solstice; collaborated closely with editors to meet submission deadlines and align with publication objectives.
Submission Reader
TriQuarterly
Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 (1 year 11 months)
Evaluated over 200 submissions annually, meticulously tracking and ranking literary works to support the editorial team's selection process and maintain prompt review timelines.
Developed syllabi, course schedules, and instructional materials for three sections of undergraduate creative writing courses; provided constructive and structured feedback on all student assignments throughout their development.
Editor-in-Chief
Hot Knife Magazine
Jan 2022 - Dec 2024 (2 years 11 months)
Pioneered and directed a digital literary magazine, orchestrating editorial operations from content acquisition to final publication, and coordinating a team of editors and contributors to ensure multiple issues met their deadlines. Instituted and maintained a comprehensive style guide and quality-control process to guarantee uniformity across all content and contributors.
Editorial Assistant
Jacket2 Poetry Magazine
Jan 2021 - Dec 2023 (2 years 11 months)
Copyedited and proofread submissions for a critically acclaimed poetry publication, strictly adhering to an established style guide to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. Assisted editorial staff in maintaining publication schedules and upholding quality benchmarks for all content.
Staff Member & Event Coordinator
Kelly Writers House
Jan 2021 - Dec 2023 (2 years 11 months)
Orchestrated the scheduling, budgeting, and logistical arrangements for literary events and workshops, acting as the primary liaison among visiting authors, students, and administrative personnel. Facilitated cross-departmental communications with prospective students and managed the distribution of programming materials on behalf of the Creative Writing department.
Editorial Head
Quake Magazine
Jan 2021 - Dec 2023 (2 years 11 months)
Oversaw submissions and production timelines for two annual print issues, tracking content from solicitation through copyediting to ensure timely publication. Formulated a style guide that was adopted across the publication, standardizing editorial quality and maintaining consistency.
Books Editor
Lithium Magazine
Jan 2019 - Dec 2022 (3 years 11 months)
Curated literature-focused editorial content and directed a team of contributors for a digital publication; assessed pitches and manuscripts, guiding pieces from initial development through to final publication.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Northwestern University
MFA + MA, Creative Writing and English
2023 -
Pursuing an MFA and MA in Creative Writing and English through the Litowitz Graduate Program, with an expected completion in 2026.
University of Pennsylvania
BA, English and Gender Studies
2021 - 2023
Grade: summa cum laude
Earned a BA in English and Gender Studies, graduating summa cum laude.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Website
sofsears.meSalary expectations
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