WTAW Press Publishing Assistant

WTAW Press Publishing Intern – REMOTE

WTAW Press is seeking interns to provide support to our organization. This is a remote position and can be based anywhere in the US. Interns will assist with projects from all areas of our operation, including editorial, publicity, marketing, online and community engagement, and development. Our goals for our interns are to gain an overview of the current publishing climate and nature of independent publishing, including such areas as digital publishing, foreign rights, the status of independent and corporate bookstores, copyright issues, sales, marketing, social media, and the stages of publishing from acquisition to post-publication, as well as the operational nuts and bolts and nitty-gritty details of running a small nonprofit business. Interns have responsibilities that matter, not busywork.

The comprehensive approach of our internship positions offers both breadth and depth of experience essential to a wide range of career trajectories. Interns have the opportunity to become involved in many types of projects according to their particular interests.

We offer valuable mentorships as interns work closely with our director to gain hands-on experience and firsthand knowledge of this rewarding and challenging occupation. While positions are not salaried, interns who successfully complete the minimum contractual period will receive a modest financial reward. Our standard internship period is 12 months, and interns commit to 10 hours per week.

Duties will vary day-to-day, but we rely on our interns for crucial, time-sensitive work.

Typical responsibilities may include

• Supporting the creation and maintenance of digital content, including WTAW Press’s website, newsletters, social media, and more
• Assisting in designing and developing publicity materials and marketing collateral, including press releases, catalogs, posters, signage, and galleys
• Assisting in the planning and execution of author events and fundraising activities, including working with partnering organizations and external vendors and coordinating logistics
• Assisting with proofreading, copyediting, and fact-checking a range of organizational materials
• Assisting in preparing work for publication, including communicating with writers, and shepherding books through the production process
• Conducting research and analysis, and offering recommendations on various projects, such as new initiatives, grant proposals, and community outreach
• Supporting a range of administrative tasks, including managing mailing lists and maintaining database records
• Assisting with educational outreach initiatives and activities
• Assisting in management of fulfillment and distribution
• Participating in staff meetings
• For relevant candidates: Assisting or leading in creation and editing of a range of audio, video, and other multimedia

We look for candidates who are ambitious, driven, and detail-oriented, and who possess excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills. Candidates who may be interested in long-term roles with our organization interest us.

Additional preferred qualifications

• ability to work well both independently and with others, take initiative, and juggle various deadlines
• dependability, flexibility, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• openness to constructive feedback and comfort with learning new skills
• familiarity with basic social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• basic computer skills and familiarity with Gmail and Google Drive/Docs—experience with graphic design, InDesign, Photoshop, audio or video editing tools, photography, and videography is a plus
• passion for publishing and a curiosity about the inner workings of the industry, as well as a knowledge of contemporary literature
• interest in learning the business of publishing and/or the operations of a small nonprofit

WTAW Press believes in the power of doing good work. We practice stewardship in the literary community by publishing debut and experienced authors with diverse backgrounds, participating in bookfairs and literary conferences, hosting readings and literary events, and providing educational outreach. We cultivate relationships with writers, artists, and the community, and we cherish creativity.

We publish full-length books of prose and offer the new annual Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize, beginning September 2023. We publish prose chapbooks through our annual Alcove Chapbook Series Competition. Betty, books by women for everyone, is our newly established innovative imprint as of May 2023.

To apply

Prior work experience in publishing is less important than the level of commitment and creativity applicants can bring to the press. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, gender and sexual identities, and disability statuses.

Please submit a resumé and a cover letter that describes your interest in the position. Include a personal statement of approximately no more than words describing your goals and interests, and how an internship at WTAW Press would help you achieve those goals. Please provide one to three professional references, and any social media handles you have. Additionally, please share a list of three to five books you’ve enjoyed in the past year, and three to five magazines or journals / websites / podcasts / other media you engage with regularly. Email to wtaw at wtawpress dot org. Finalists will be contacted for interviews. Interviews will take place by Zoom or other video platform.

Thank you for your interest in a position with WTAW.