ORGANIZATION
The University of Virginia Press is the scholarly publishing division of the University of Virginia. The Press supports the academic mission of the University by publishing scholarship in a variety of print and digital formats that contributes to the progress of research and learning.
MENTOR
Mary Kate Maco, Publicist
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
This internship will prepare interns for careers in any of the following:
- Communication, Outreach, and Publishing
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
This internship will provide experiences to develop and polish the following skills:
- Communication (Written and/or verbal)
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Knowledge of Sector and Networking
- Marketing
- Thought Leadership and Innovation
MENTORING PLAN
The Sales, Marketing & Publicity Department intern will be mentored by a publishing professional to learn the full lifecycle of a book with a focus on how books are publicized, advertised, marketed and sold.
The intern will meet weekly with the Publicist for mentoring and be invited to "First-Look" meetings where book projects are considered, to "Decision-to-Publish" meetings where all departments discuss manuscript, peer reviews, budgets, etc. and approve issuing contracts, and Launch meetings where publishing plans for each book are made.
The intern will likely be asked to brainstorm marketing ideas (both traditional and social media opportunities) and help solicit endorsements, thus gaining a network of scholars within the academy.
On occasion, an intern might be invited to accompany an Acquisitions Editor to exhibit relevant books at scholarly conferences where they would meet publishing professionals at other scholarly presses.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Scholarly publishing is an excellent alternative career for PhDs, as it is a job involving close contact with scholars and libraries, engages with ideas and cutting-edge research, collaborates with colleagues who love books, and provides financial security. The PhD+ intern will gain invaluable, entry-level experience in book publishing and have the opportunity to develop skills in communication, research, and business. Further, interning at a smaller publisher like UVA Press offers exposure to every facet of book publishing--acquisitions, editing and production, publicity and marketing. The intern will gain a familiarity with book proposals, peer review, contracts, budgets, design and production, and marketing opportunities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Publicist, the PhD+ intern will become acquainted with sales and marketing tools; research media outlets with the publicity team; develop review lists and send out review copies of books; participate in the creation of seasonal catalogs; research and develop marketing plans for books using non-traditional marketing strategies; and assist with seasonal marketing correspondence with authors.
DESIRED QUALITIES
Applicants with good communication skills--both written and verbal--are ideally suited to a position in publicity, marketing, and sales. An interest and educational background in one of UVA Press's core strengths is also desired: American history, African American literature and culture, Architectural History, Environmental Studies, 18th-century and Victorian literature, or Religious Studies.
MODE OF INTERNSHIP
Willing to consider in-person, hybrid, or virtual depending on the intern’s availability/preference
DURATION
Combination of semesters (Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and/or Spring 2024)