Get up, GEMs! It’s Internship Time in Publishing ✨
Publishing interns, rise and shine — your guide just dropped.
The long-awaited internship guide is here! If you’re eyeing book or magazine publishing internships, consider this your pep talk and playbook in one. HarperCollins just dropped their summer 2026 applications this morning (timing is everything, right?), so let’s get into the tips first. I’ll share a separate post with listings, publishing in like ten minutes, so you’re not scrolling forever.
📝 My Top Tips for Publishing Internships
1. Apply Early
I know, I know — everyone says this. But in publishing, it’s real. Some internships close within days of going live. Don’t wait until the deadline when hundreds of apps are already in the pile.
2. Be Distinct About Why You’re Applying
Your cover letter isn’t just “I love books.” And, unfortunately, they reallllyy matter since there are hundreds of applicants with usually the same educational experience. Everyone applying loves books. What’s different about you? Did you grow up obsessed with a particular imprint’s titles? Do you nerd out over magazine features? Be specific — it makes you memorable.
3. Show Interest Even Without Experience
Not having publishing on your résumé yet is fine. (That’s literally why internships exist.) What matters is how you frame your interest. Maybe you’ve volunteered at a library, worked retail where you hand-sold books, or run a bookstagram. Connect the dots so they can see your genuine passion.
4. Lean Into Your Unique Skills
We’re all digital natives, but what’s your extra edge? For example:
Sales brain → Do you track industry news, mergers, or bestseller lists?
Communicator → Have you done public speaking, journalism, or even customer service?
Organizer → Ever planned events, fundraisers, or group projects?
These transferable skills matter, even for roles like sales or editorial.
5. Pick the Internship That Fits You
If there are multiple listings, apply for the one that best matches your actual interests and strengths. Example: If you’ve never cracked open a fantasy book, don’t apply to a fantasy imprint just because you want in. During interviews, real interest (or the lack of it) shows.
Here’s my own quick story: Two cycles ago, I made it to the second round for a marketing internship at PRH. But in the end, the candidate who got it lived in NYC and could talk more fluently about the imprint’s books. Lesson? Don’t fake it, but do your homework so you can at least name their biggest hits.
6. Understand Remote vs. In-Person
Some internships are fully remote. Others are “open to remote,” which can get tricky (as I learned above). Flexibility matters, but so does book knowledge.
7. Human Review Still Matters
At NYU’s SPI program, recruiters stressed that Big 5 applications are still being read by humans, not AI. Whether or not that’s 100% true across the board, it’s reassuring to know they claim to be combing through every app.
8. Think Beyond the Big 5
The Big 5 aren’t the only way in. Indie and hybrid publishers are everywhere, and sometimes offer better hands-on experience. I work at a mid-sized hybrid press, and because departments overlap, I get exposure to the entire publishing process. Smaller presses can give you incredible experience.
9. For Magazine Publishing Hopefuls
One of the best things about magazines? You can start building clips right now. Blogs, Substacks, TikToks, digital zines — editors want to see that you can create and sustain an audience. Same goes for book publishing social/marketing roles: publishers love candidates with their own platforms because you bring an audience with you.
10. Use Your Network (Yes, Even as a Student)
LinkedIn is still the powerhouse for book publishing because the industry is corporate at its core. Don’t just follow editors or recruiters in your dream departments — actually engage. Like their posts, comment with insight, and build a genuine digital relationship.
Here’s how it can look in real life: I’m proud to be mutuals with one of my favorite social media directors at a Big 5. I first connected with her after meeting at NYU SPI, but I kept engaging with her posts because I genuinely like her content (and, tbh, we’re both super chronically online 😅). That’s what networking looks like — not just coffee chats, but showing up with authentic interest over time.
That’s Part 1 — the tips. 💡
Next up in Part 2, I’ll share current internship openings to put these strategies into practice. Stay tuned!