About Us
The Professional Editors Network is a nonprofit association of editors, writers, proofreaders, indexers, and other publishing professionals. For members, we provide opportunities to develop and share knowledge, exchange job leads, market services, and grow professionally. For those looking to hire, our searchable member directory is an easy way to find the right editorial professional for you. We are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but have members located throughout the United States and beyond.
We offer free professional development events monthly from September through May, with start times generally alternating between 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Any nonmember is welcome to attend up to two of these meetings before joining as a member. In addition to unlimited attendance at PEN meetings, membership unlocks access to an archive of meeting recordings and reference materials. We host casual in-person and virtual networking social hours on a more variable schedule as well as occasional one-off events such as paid workshops and webinars.
Browse our calendar to learn what’s coming up—and if you’re a member, be sure to participate in our annual planning process to have your voice heard as we decide on the next season’s programming.
We are a member of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and a proud partner of the Twin Cities Literary Calendar. PEN is not affiliated with PEN America or other similarly named organizations.
Board of Directors
Renee LaPlume, President
Renee presides at board meetings and ensures that board resolutions and directives are carried out in coordination with other board members.
Renee Nelson, Secretary
Renee receives membership payments and prepares reports of new and renewing members. She also calls special meetings when requested and takes minutes at board meetings and the annual meeting.
Jess Stampe, Treasurer
Jess prepares the annual budget and keeps records belonging to PEN. She reports on the state of our finances at quarterly board meetings and at the annual planning meeting and manages PEN’s accounts.
treasurer@pensite.org
Madeleine Vasaly, Marketing and Communications Manager
Madeleine manages PEN’s website, social media feeds, and member communications. She also drives overall marketing and outreach, plans happy hour events, and helps coordinate and run online meetings.
Lynn Varon, Managing Editor
Lynn coordinates the production of PEN’s member newsletter, Networking News. She solicits articles from members, reviews content in collaboration with the newsletter copyeditor and proofreader, and maintains the editorial calendar.
Tia Ross, Volunteer Liaison
Tia finds, coordinates, and documents PEN volunteers. She keeps track
of members’ interests and contacts them when opportunities arise.
Eden Kaiser, Event Coordinator
Eden oversees the planning of PEN’s professional development meetings and other programming in coordination with volunteer meeting organizers and other members of the board.
Jackie Cannon, Mentor Liaison
Jackie runs PEN’s member mentoring program. She pairs mentors and mentees based on interests and expertise, provides a roadmap for participants, and addresses any ongoing needs.
Misha Kydd, Member Registrar
Misha maintains the membership database and notifies members before their membership is due for renewal. She also keeps PEN’s records of member volunteering.
Volunteers
- working on our newsletter
- moderating our members-only email list
- planning monthly meetings
- posting on PEN social media
- staffing the PEN table at local literary events and workshops