How to Apply for a Publishing Internship

There are many applicants for publishing internships.

Many careers in publishing start with internships. Breaking into publishing is not an easy task, so an internship is an excellent way to gain experience, contacts and opportunities. There are more applicants than internships, so concentrate your efforts on following the steps that will get you in the door. The best place to secure a publishing internship is in New York City, because the large, major publishers are headquartered there. But it is possible to find internships in smaller cities.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Blog
• List of publishers

Instructions

1. Learn how to write a resume. If you're in college, your career services office can help. If you're not in college, there are professional firms and resume writers available that will help you structure a resume -- one of the most important tools in your search.

2. List everything you have done that is pertinent to publishing on your resume. At the same time, don't discount anything, from language studies to part-time jobs, that demonstrates your resourcefulness and responsibility. If you've never worked in publishing, employers won't expect to see publishing experience. Life experience that demonstrates your talent and interests counts too.

3. Create a blog if you don't have one. Include it on your resume. A blog showcases your writing ability and gives insight into your capability. Many internship positions include working with blogs and social media. Use any experience you have in those areas on your resume.

4. Write a cover letter. This should be creative, grammatically correct and perfectly punctuated. It should explain why you are interested in publishing and give a brief summary of your qualifications. Limit the letter to one page.

5. 

   Research companies that offer internships.

   Research publishers. Make a list of potential publishers that offer internships and apply to as many as you can. Personalize each cover letter, including something you've learned about that particular publishing house or its work. Bookjobs.com is a resource for finding out about many publishers and internships.

6. 

   Start early in the year to apply for internships.

   Start early. Publishing internships are frequently filled with college graduates in the spring, so begin your search early in the year.

References

• Publishing Trendsetter; How to Get an Internship in Publishing: 5 Tips; Livia Nelson
• Her Campus; How to Get the Magazine Internship of Your Dreams; Cara Sprunk; January 2011

Resources

• Bookjobs.com: Jobs in Publishing: Internships