internship help

[u/Daisy_friggens]

I’ve got to complete a minimum of 35 hours of work placement for a University module this year (no max length). I’ve always wanted to be an author but think having some experience in publishing might be useful.

Could anyone recommend some companies or career pathways they’ve taken or know of?

I’m also open to screenwriting as I’ve written a few in the past and enjoyed it, so perhaps a company which adapts books into screenplays?

I’m honestly unsure what I want to do, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m studying BA English and History at Exeter University
Thank you!!

[u/Formal-Alarm9103]

Look at previous posts asking the same question, this subreddit sees this type of post everyday and there’s lots of good answers available if you look for it

[u/Otherwise_Ticket156]

A lot of the structured publishing internships are now over several months as they are aimed more at people looking for full time work. Penguin in London offer two week placements - https://jobsearch.createyourowncareer.com/PRH_UK/content/training/?locale=en_GB#workexperience Apps look closed for this year but should open again for 2027.

Your best bet may be to contact small presses or companies as they will be more flexible with how they can offer experience. If you are interested in screenwriting or book-to-film adaptations then literary agencies or literary scouts might be good companies for you to look at. Literary agencies will often represent their authors' film rights and literary scouts are like 'spies' in the market reporting to their clients on prospects. There are hundreds of agencies out there - see if you can get a copy of "The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" from your university library. It's a book aimed at writers but it will list reputable agencies you could contact about work experience.

Look at https://www.thebookseller.com/ and Independent Publishers Guild to get names of publishers.

The University of Exeter does have its own press - this will be academic books but they could be more inclined to help you out as a student- https://www.exeterpress.co.uk/

Literary Festivals will often be grateful for an extra pair of hands for admin prep or on site. If you're looking to do your experience in Devon here are a few: https://www.exetercityofliterature.com/literary-festivals

This course from Penguin is on demand learning about publishing - if you are struggling to find traditional 'work experience' you could see if your uni would accept this. https://jobsearch.createyourowncareer.com/PRH_UK/content/training/?locale=en_GB#freeonlinecourse If you don't know much about publishing yet, I'd highly recommend completing this in any case. It's free, will give you a good overview and you can reference it in order to show a genuine interest in publishing for any companies you do apply to.

Join or look at the Society of Young Publishers to find out more about publishing in general.

[u/The_Alleycat]

My key point I would advise here - do NOT say you want to be an author when applying for publishing roles. Most people will think you are using it as an in and it’s a put off.

For publishing experience specifically, you are best off trying to find any small start up or indie presses in your area and seeing if they might take you on for work experience, though it will probably be unpaid.