Navigating the World of Publishing Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

For many, the allure of working with books is a dream come true. Internships offer a vital entry point into the publishing industry. This article provides a comprehensive guide to securing a publishing internship, covering various organizations, application strategies, and essential tips for success.

Understanding the Publishing Landscape

Before embarking on the internship hunt, it's crucial to understand the different types of organizations within the publishing ecosystem. Familiarize yourself with both large and small publishing houses, and the diverse roles within these companies. Identify the publishers that produce the kind of literature that resonates most with you. Don't limit yourself to the biggest names; smaller presses often offer valuable experiences.

Types of Organizations

Literary Agencies: These agencies represent authors and sell their book manuscripts to publishers. Agents work closely with authors and receive a percentage of their profits. The Writers House Intern Program (WHIP) is both a publishing course and a practical internship, training participants in the ways of publishing through the lens of a literary agency.
Larger Publishing Houses: These include the "Big Five" (Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, Macmillan) plus W. W. Norton, Scholastic, and Candlewick. These companies typically offer cyclical internships in various departments.
Smaller Presses: Independent presses like Greywolf and Coffee House Press often provide excellent opportunities but may not offer them consistently. Copper Canyon Press offers internships with hands-on experience in marketing, fundraising, production, acquisitions, reader engagement, and publicity.
University Presses: These smaller, academic presses, such as MIT Press and Princeton University Press, offer internships, though opportunities may be limited.
Literary Scouting Agencies: These agencies seek out books that can be adapted for foreign markets or film and television. Internships are less common but can be found. Speaking an additional language, especially French, Italian, or Spanish, is a significant advantage.
Literary Organizations: This category includes literary sites, book review magazines, trade publications, literary arts organizations, and book marketing and PR firms.

Where to Find Internship Postings

Knowing where to look for internships is just as important as knowing what to look for. Here are some key resources:

College Career Center: Your college career center often has information about internships and may use platforms like Handshake.
Big Five Career Portals: Check the career portals of Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, HarperCollins, and Macmillan.
Bookjobs: This website has a dedicated internships section and is a valuable resource for finding opportunities.
Association of University Press Job Board: While it may require some searching, this job board can occasionally list internships not found elsewhere.

Consider reaching out directly to publishers or agencies that interest you, even if they don't have advertised internships. Proposing your own internship can be a bold but effective strategy.

Internship Seasons

While smaller organizations may offer internships sporadically, there are generally three main seasons in publishing:

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Fall (September - December): Start your search in late July and August.
Winter/Spring (January - May): Begin looking in November.
Summer (June - August): This is the most active season, with many organizations offering internships. Recruiting for summer internships can start as early as November of the previous year and continue through June. Penguin Random House, for example, closed applications for Summer 2024 internships in November 2023.

Crafting a Compelling Application

Tailoring your application to each specific position is essential. Hiring managers receive numerous applications, so make yours stand out.

Resume

Your resume should be clear, concise, and highlight experiences relevant to the internship.

If applying for a design internship, emphasize graphic design and illustration coursework.
Use a template to ensure a professional appearance.

Cover Letter

Customize your cover letter to explain why you are the right fit for the specific internship.

Showcase your skills and express your passion for publishing.
Emphasize your eagerness to learn and contribute.

References and Recommendations

References are usually required, and letters of recommendation can set your application apart.

Provide recommenders with the internship description so they can highlight your relevant qualities.
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference.

The Interview Process

The interview process typically involves several stages:

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Phone Screening: Larger companies may conduct a brief phone call to confirm your availability and suitability for remote or in-person work.
Interview: Be prepared to discuss your reading preferences, including recent favorites and constructive criticisms. You may also be asked about the role and your approach to it.
Writing Sample or Sample Project: Literary agencies may ask you to evaluate a manuscript and write a reader's report. Copyediting positions may require editing samples or tests. Some companies may request a writing sample, such as a college essay or marketing copy.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Persistent

Getting a publishing internship can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry. Don't be discouraged by rejections. Instead, consider these strategies:

Apply to Different Departments: While editorial roles are popular, consider internships in contracts, subsidiary rights, marketing, legal, production, or publicity.
Network: Attend publishing career fairs or the AWP Conference. Connect with people online to learn about their career paths and seek informational interviews.
Strengthen Your Application: Identify weaknesses in your application and address them. If your resume is heavily academic, demonstrate your active reading life and knowledge of current trends.

A Note on Unpaid Internships

Many publishing internships are unpaid or offer stipends that don't adequately compensate for the time invested. Carefully consider your financial situation and the potential career benefits before accepting an unpaid internship. Ensure that you will receive valuable connections, mentorship, and practical experience.

Organizations such as We Need Diverse Books and Inkluded Academy offer programs and grants to support interns from diverse backgrounds, addressing the financial barriers to entry.

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