Five things that helped me get a publishing internship

Posted on July 20, 2026 in INTO, North

Experience is key to getting into publishing; the main way to gain this being an internship. But internships can be hard to get, so I thought I would share what helped me get mine, in the hope it helps other aspiring professionals.

1) Sell Yourself

At entry-level, you are likely not going to have direct experience. Publishers are not looking for the complete package, just potential. What is more important is selling yourself. Focus on transferable skills you have gained and discuss them in a way that answers common interview questions. The STAR model helped me frame my answers, but I also followed up with a short reflection about what I learned- this way, Interviewers will see your pro-activity and willingness to learn.

Make notes before your interview, but don’t become reliant. Practice your answers verbally so you sound confident. I recorded myself answering questions, so I could see how I appeared and had practice talking on camera- helpful for online interviews. If you are comfortable, your interviewer will be.

Something that will help you stand out is having high-quality, tailored applications. Avoiding spelling and grammar errors is key, as is clearly presenting your CV. Research the company, its imprints, recent releases and ethos. Never send a generic cover letter- explain what stands out about the publisher and what makes you the best fit.

In my opinion, the best way to sell yourself is to bring your personality and enthusiasm to the table. Don’t panic if you need time to think; a well-thought out response is preferable. Most importantly, don’t forget to smile and thank them for their time. These things may seem small, but are always appreciated.

2) Build Your Skills

When I graduated, I thought my degree alone made me job-ready. I spent months trying and failing, making me wonder, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ Turns out, the skills I graduated with alone were not enough.

I identified important skills to work on and completed digital courses to develop my knowledge in digital marketing and Excel. Whilst this knowledge was foundational, it was excellent for helping me understand how publishers reach readers and the tools they use. Courses are great for boosting your CV, helping you get an internship and succeed long-term.

But many agree that the best way to learn is through doing. Any experience teaches you useful things and any exposure to books informs you about audience behaviour, book trends and what makes a book sell. It gives you a chance to apply the skills you are learning.

I would tell other aspiring publishers to be committed to ongoing learning, in whatever form it takes. Publishing is fast-paced and competitive, so developing your skills is important for making you stand out in internship applications

It is not just about skills, but how you show you have applied them- both in applications and at interviews. Do not just state what you did- use action verbs to help explain how your experience demonstrates relevant skills. But keep it brief, as this is not an essay!

3) Learn from mistakes/feedback

Getting an internship is not easy. With applications, you are bound to make mistakes, but every mistake delivers chances for growth. If you’re getting lots of no’s, or nothing at all, it is time to think why. 

Look at your CV and cover letter, your answers to application questions and reflect on your performance. It can be helpful to ask for feedback, as it will give you a starting point for reflection.

During creative writing workshops, I dreaded getting feedback, until I realised that work critiques were not personal. Most gave thoughtful, helpful insights that allowed me to produce better work. Interview feedback is similar, so read it and take it forward. 

It can be easy to focus on the negatives, but remember to give yourself credit! Think about what you did well, along with areas for improvement. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you have towards the outcome, then create an action plan for future applications.

4) Network

For introverts, this is daunting, but nowadays, this is how many creatives get work. Networking forms long-term relationships, which can provide access to publishing internships and help you learn from people. They can offer new perspectives, information and ideas.

There’s infinite ways to network. Platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to talk to those in roles you want, or companies you wish to work for. Engage with their posts, ask questions and share your thoughts. As long as you’re polite, then most will be happy to talk!

5) Stay curious

Publishing is shaped by people, ideas and stories. As an aspiring publisher, it is crucial that you stay curious about books and the industry. 

You will need to read a lot, but don’t be limited to your favourites. Expand your horizons by exploring new genres, formats and audiences. Look at bestseller lists, book displays and what people rave about online. Ask questions about why those books are successful, their audience and how they are being marketed. 

It is helpful to stay updated with industry news. Follow publishers, bookshops, agents and other aligned organisations, attend events and read publishing newsletters. This will help you understand trends and give you plenty to discuss in interviews.

I found answering questions easier when I referenced a book I enjoyed, publishers I admired or current industry developments. It showed that I was interested in publishing beyond a job.  But don’t worry about knowing everything. Publishing evolves, meaning there’s always something new to learn. Don’t just research for interviews- indulge your curiosity!

Conclusion

I hope these insights have been helpful for those trying to break into the industry. A publishing internship is a valuable way to gain experience, knowledge of the publishers’ inner workings, building skills and networking. Sometimes, it is about timing and persistence, so keep applying, building your experience and skills, and I promise you will get there.

Written by Emilia Roe