The word feedback can mean many things in practice. As editors, our work centers on providing thoughtful, constructive feedback to authors. As mentors, we try to provide growth-inducing feedback to stretch and mold students. And as creatives, we must actively seek regular feedback ourselves if we hope to continue to improve our craft.
Feedback is not always easy. It is not always flattering or comfortable. But it is always valuable. While there is nothing more fulfilling than someone telling you you’ve done a good job, the most meaningful feedback often challenges us to do better—to be better. The team culture at FPS is built on feedback, and this year we worked deliberately to embed that culture into everything we do. As we look back on this year and all that FPS has accomplished, I am grateful for the many voices—students, faculty, and staff—who have shared both encouragement and insight. Although there is still much room for growth, it is clear we are having an impact for the better.
From multiple surveys sent out in 2025, I’ve enjoyed reading the comments shared by those we have worked with. One professor shared, “[FPS] has been indispensable to me over many years as I have published several academic books and articles; . . . FPS always returns the manuscript with dozens and scores of improvements and refinements. The popular saying is precise: ‘Behind every successful author is a great editor!’” When I meet with students who are preparing to graduate, their feedback is overwhelmingly positive. During an exit survey, one intern reflected, “My internship at FPS has been a game changer for my editing career! I gained so much practical experience that helped me land the job I wanted in publishing after graduation.” Because of comments like this one and others, we’ve redoubled our efforts to focus on mentorship and experiential learning experiences to better prepare students to enter the workforce both excited and prepared for what lies ahead.
On our website, you can find our newest annual report. This annual report is not just a record of what we have accomplished this year—it is a showcase of feedback in action. Just as we help authors refine their work, with the help of feedback, we are continuing to seek improvement, accomplish goals, and work toward a vision where FPS can help as many as possible.