Breaking into the publishing industry has never been easy, especially for aspiring editors without formal training or insider connections. Traditional routes often require costly degrees or unpaid internships, leaving many talented individuals without opportunities. However, Edioak’s ‘Review It’ Mentorship Competition is changing that narrative. Launched in April 2025, this free, global initiative has quickly gained traction, attracting over 5,500 applicants from 30+ countries.
To understand why this initiative was created and what makes it a game-changer, we spoke with Archita Babuta, Co-Founder of Edioak, about the vision behind Review It, its impact, and what’s next for the program.
Interviewer: The publishing industry has long been seen as difficult to break into. What inspired the creation of Review It at Edioak?
Archita Babuta: Honestly, this came from hearing the same frustrations over and over again from aspiring editors. People would reach out saying they wanted to break into publishing but didn’t know where to start. The industry can feel like a closed door if you don’t have the right connections or the means to afford expensive courses. We thought, why should skill be locked behind financial barriers? Review It was our way of saying, “If you have the talent and dedication, we’ll help you get the experience you need.”
Interviewer: The response has been overwhelming, with 5,500+ applicants from over 30 countries. Were you expecting this level of interest?
Archita Babuta: Not at this scale! We knew there was a demand for something like this, but the sheer volume of applicants was incredible. It just goes to show how many talented people are out there looking for opportunities that are often just out of reach. It’s both exciting and a little humbling to see how much Review It resonated with so many aspiring editors.
Interviewer: How does the Review It competition work? What makes it different from traditional editing courses?
Archita Babuta: The big difference is that we focus on real-world experience rather than just theory. Editing isn’t something you can truly learn just by reading about it—you have to get your hands on real manuscripts, work on live projects, and see the impact of your edits in real time. That’s why Review It starts with a sample editing test to gauge skill, followed by masterclasses in Fiction Writing and Book Editing. But the real magic happens with the live projects, mentorship, and internship opportunities that follow.
Interviewer: Some critics argue that free programs often lack depth. How does Review It ensure real skill development?
Archita Babuta: I totally understand that concern because a lot of “free” programs out there are just surface-level introductions. But we built Review It to be the opposite of that. Participants don’t just complete exercises—they work on real manuscripts, get mentor feedback, and tackle actual editorial challenges. The access to 100+ real-world projects isn’t just for show; it’s about replicating the kind of work editors face in the industry. And with four live training sessions and guest lectures from established editors, participants get the insider knowledge they need to truly grow.
Interviewer: The publishing industry is evolving rapidly with AI tools and automation. How does Review It prepare editors for the future of publishing?
Archita Babuta: That’s something we’ve thought about a lot. While AI can handle basic grammar corrections, storytelling, structure, and context-based editing still require a human touch. Review It teaches editors how to refine an author’s voice, enhance narrative flow, and make creative decisions—things AI just can’t do. We also discuss working alongside AI tools rather than against them, so editors leave with a modern skillset that makes them indispensable in the industry.
Interviewer: With 5,500+ applicants, how do you select who gets in? What do you look for in a potential editor?
Archita Babuta: It’s not about perfection—it’s about potential. We look for applicants who have a strong eye for detail, an instinct for storytelling, and a willingness to learn. The sample editing test helps us gauge this. We’re not expecting people to be experts from day one, but we do want to see curiosity, a critical eye, and an understanding of how words flow together.
Interviewer: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while launching Review It? Any surprises along the way?
Archita Babuta: The biggest challenge? Keeping up with the sheer number of applicants! We had way more interest than we anticipated, which was great, but also meant we had to scale quickly. Another challenge was making sure the program remained high-quality while still being free. That balance took time to perfect, but seeing the impact it has made, I’d say it was worth every effort.
Interviewer: Review It attracted applicants from 30+ countries. How does the program ensure a diverse and inclusive learning experience?
Archita Babuta: We’re incredibly mindful of the fact that editing styles, language nuances, and even storytelling traditions vary across cultures. We encourage a global perspective in our masterclasses, bringing in mentors from different backgrounds to help participants understand the broad spectrum of editing styles. It’s one of the things that makes Review It unique—our editors leave with an understanding of how publishing works internationally, not just in one market.
Interviewer: What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone who wants to build a career in editing?
Archita Babuta: Read as much as you edit! Editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s about understanding different writing styles, structures, and pacing. And don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—build your portfolio, take on small projects, and keep learning. Programs like Review It exist to help you grow, but the drive to improve? That has to come from you.
Interviewer: Finally, for those who missed out on this edition, how can they get involved in the future?
Archita Babuta: We’ll be announcing updates on our website and social media, so I’d encourage anyone interested to keep an eye out. We’re already working on ways to make the next edition bigger and better, and we can’t wait to welcome the next batch of aspiring editors. If you’re serious about editing, we want to help you get there.
Conclusion
Edioak’s Review It is more than just a mentorship program—it’s a career accelerator for aspiring editors. By offering real-world training, industry mentorship, and direct job opportunities, it is leveling the playing field and opening doors that were once reserved for a select few. As publishing continues to evolve, initiatives like this prove that talent should be the only requirement for success—not privilege.
With an even bigger edition on the horizon, Review It is on track to become a definitive stepping stone for future editors worldwide. For those looking to get involved, keeping an eye on Edioak’s website and social media is the best way to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
