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

The board is PEN’s governing body. It oversees activities, establishes policies, and makes decisions for the organization and its members. PEN members and the public are welcome to approach any board member with suggestions, questions, or concerns. We all strive to make our organization the best it can be. If you have a question for the board as a whole rather than an individual member, contact info@pensite.org.
Renee LaPlume, President

Renee presides at board meetings and ensures that board resolutions and directives are carried out in coordination with other board members.

president@pensite.org

Renee Nelson
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.

secretary@pensite.org

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
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.

marketing@pensite.org

Tia Ross
Tia Ross, Volunteer Liaison

Tia finds, coordinates, and documents PEN volunteers. She keeps track
of members’ interests and contacts them when opportunities arise.

volunteers@pensite.org

Eden Kaiser
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.

events@pensite.org

Jackie Cannon
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.

mentors@pensite.org

Misha Kydd
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.

membership@pensite.org

Volunteers

In addition to our board, a number of other volunteers help PEN run smoothly. Roles include:
  • 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
Are you a member interested in becoming a volunteer? Email volunteers@pensite.org or visit the Volunteer with PEN page in the members-only section of the website to learn about current openings!