Training Interns for Publisher Network and Certification Program
Agate Publishing Academy is seeking students pursuing humanities degrees from colleges and universities across the US to become training interns for a network of participating publishers, for periods roughly coinciding with the traditional fall and spring semesters. The aims of this new program are twofold:
- To offer professional development for aspiring publishing industry entrants—information and credentials that will help them get their first jobs in the industry—in a way that’s more focused, more affordable, and more accessible than existing programs.
- To be an outreach program that can diversify the ranks of new entrants to the industry by bringing this learning opportunity to people where they are.
Candidates will be matched with participating presses for either on-site or remote practicum internships; these presses will also enroll their training interns (costs to be paid by publishers) in Agate Publishing Academy’s "Publishing Basics” certification program. Successful participants will earn the Publishing Basics certification by the completion of their internship and gain valuable publishing experience, while earning credit from their college. Candidates will be considered all year round.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
- Candidates should be enrolled humanities students in good standing who have completed at least half their junior undergraduate year, and (ideally) eligible to earn credit for their internship
- Candidates who are enrolled graduate students will also be considered
- Applicants must supply a resume and a cover letter, and may later be asked to supply one nonfiction writing sample of no more than 2000 words in length
Agate will serve as a first-reviewer of candidate applications, and maintain communication with the individual candidates and their institutions.
Intern Job Responsibilities:
Participating interns may be asked to perform some of the following responsibilities for the independent press they are placed with, among others:
- Produce catalog and press materials, including press kits and pitches
- Draft and send out mass mailings
- Assist with publicity campaigns by communicating via email with media organizations
- Assist in pre-publication market research
- Compile and organize media contact information
- Produce social media postings
- Help maintain office inventory
- Write, edit, and post website information
- Read and review manuscript submissions
- Copyedit, proofread, and review educational and marketing content
- Write and research assessment and manuscript content
- Perform administrative and organizational tasks
Work Hours & Benefits
Interns will be referred to participating independent presses for consideration, but neither the presses or the candidates are required to extend or accept an offer facilitated by Agate Publishing Academy. Terms as to hours, tasks, or compensation of any kind is to be negotiated between the participating candidates and presses.
Intern Qualifications / Skills:
- Strong reading, writing, and personal communication skills
- Solid grasp of English grammar and style.
- Previous experience in manuscript editing and/or familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style or other major style guides is very welcome.
- Solid organizational skills and computer skills
- Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) is a bonus but not required.
How To Apply – PLEASE READ
To apply, email internship[at]agatepublishing.com a resume and a cover letter with the words “Training Intern Application” in the subject line.