Internships

About Poets & Writers

Poets & Writers, Inc. offers unpaid internships in its New York City and Los Angeles offices each semester. Interested students should e-mail a cover letter, indicating which internship position he/she is applying for, and a resume to internships@pw.org by the deadlines specified below. Poets & Writers is happy to participate in any internship program that offers students credit at the high school or college level.

Application deadlines are:

Fall/Winter Semester: September 1
Spring Semester: February 15
Summer: April 1

Poets & Writers Editorial Internship Description Currently Accepting Applications for Spring 2010
Poets & Writers Magazine Advertising Internship Description Currently Accepting Applications for Spring 2010
Readings/Workshops Program Internship Description Currently Accepting Applications for Spring 2010
Accounting Department Internship Description Currently Accepting Applications for Spring 2010
Administrative Volunteer Description

Poets & Writers Editorial Internship (New York City Office, Spring and Summer Only)

Poets & Writers delivers editorial content to readers through its national magazine, Poets & Writers Magazine, and its Web site, pw.org. The magazine publishes profiles of noted authors and publishing professionals, practical how-to articles, a comprehensive listing of grants and awards for writers, and special sections on subjects ranging from small presses to writers conferences. Our Web site, pw.org, features select content from the magazine, an aggregate of daily news, blogs, and advice from writers, as well as databases on MFA programs, literary magazines, small presses, and writing contests.

The responsibilities of a Poets & Writers Editorial intern include:

reading submissions to the magazine and writing reader reports
conducting research for select articles and for the Resources section of the magazine
proofreading and fact-checking articles
conducting research related to the maintenance of various online databases
other administrative duties, including filing, organizing the office library, and updating internal documents.

Candidates should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, be Web savvy, and must be able to work independently. Knowledge of word processing and Microsoft Access is essential. Familiarity with contemporary poetry and fiction is a plus. Candidates should be able to commit at least four hours per day, two to three days a week.

Poets & Writers Magazine Advertising Internship (New York City Office)

The advertising department of Poets & Writers Magazine is responsible for generating advertising revenue for both Poets & Writers Magazine, the leading literary trade magazine for poets and writers of literary prose, and pw.org.

The responsibilities of a Poets & Writers Magazine advertising intern include:

researching literary organizations for online advertising prospects
assisting with database maintenance
assisting with advertising production
contacting current advertisers and acquiring testimonials and other information.

Candidates should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and must be able to work independently. Familiarity with contemporary poetry and fiction a plus. Candidates should be able to commit between eight and 12 hours per week.

Readings/Workshops Program Internship (New York City and Los Angeles, California, Offices)

The Readings/Workshops program provides grants to writers to present readings of their work or to facilitate writing workshops in diverse community settings, including senior centers, homeless shelters, libraries, literary arts centers, and prisons. Writers working in New York State and California, as well as in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, Tucson, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., are eligible for funding.

Interns working with this program will gain an overview of literary and community venues for readings; become familiar with a group of contemporary writers; gain insight into nonprofit administration.

The responsibilities of a Poets & Writers intern in the Readings/Workshops program include:

tracking and filing grant applications, and sponsor and writer reports
sending out mailings and materials to sponsors and writers
gathering information (via the Internet and telephone) about writers or community organizations
possibly attending readings or performances
general office duties (photocopying, filing, mailings).

Candidates should possess excellent organizational and communication skills. Familiarity with contemporary poetry and fiction a plus. Candidates should be able to commit between eight and 15 hours a week. Days and hours are negotiable.

Accounting Department Internship (New York City Office)

The accounting department intern will be exposed to the full aspects of accounts payable and some nonprofit accounting principles.

The responsibilities of a Poets & Writers intern in the Accounting Department include:

code and enter accounts payable invoices and expense reports
process accounts payable checks
mail checks to vendors
maintain department filing system
photocopy financial statements for board members.

Candidates should be pursuing a degree in accounting or finance, have some knowledge of QuickBooks Pro, and be efficient and accurate. Candidates should be able to commit to at least 10 hours a week. Days and hours are negotiable.

Administrative Volunteer (New York City Office)

Poets & Writers seeks a volunteer to assist staff with distributing promotional materials and magazine to book fairs, responding to requests for information, and general clerical duties. Volunteers should be able to help two to three days per month for four hours per day.