Michigan State University Press | Internship_Description

The editorial internship, which focuses on the editorial aspect of publishing, will help the student develop the skills necessary to gain an entry-level position in publishing. Interns will learn through experience how to edit online and proof pages. They will interact with outside editors, in-house editors, and authors in order to prepare manuscripts for production. Interns will also have the opportunity to become familiar with industry standards and trends in academic publishing.

Applicants should have good computer skills, good oral and written communication skills, and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word. In addition, they should be able to analyze and solve problems and handle multiple projects with deadlines. The Press requires a time commitment of 12 hours a week. In order to follow the entire book publishing process, the Press recommends that the student take both the editorial and production internships.

PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP — BOOKS
Prerequisite: Editorial Internship

The number of positions per semester varies.
Full semester only for Summer; no half term appointments

1 Semester = 4 Credits (12 hours per week)*
2-semester appointment maximum

The production internship, which focuses on the bookmaking aspect of publishing, will help the student develop the skills necessary to gain an entry-level position in publishing. Interns will learn the process of turning an edited manuscript into a book. They will interact with outside authors, editors, in-house editors, indexers, designers, and printers. Interns will become familiar with industry standards and trends in academic publishing.

Applicants should have good computer skills, good oral and written communication skills, and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word. In addition, they should be able to analyze and solve problems and handle multiple projects with deadlines. The Press requires a time commitment of 12 hours a week. In order to follow the entire book publishing process, the Press recommends that the student take both the editorial and production internships.

PUBLICATION MARKETING INTERNSHIP

The number of positions per semester varies.
Full semester only for Summer; no half term appointments

1 Semester = 4 Credits (12 hours per week)*
2-semester appointment maximum

The MSU Press is in search of an intern to assist in the Marketing Department, 8–10 hours per week. The Marketing intern will be expected to assist in the maintenance of our publishing review database; book blurb and review process; setting up author events at bookstores and organized meetings and tradeshows; scholarly advertising; and local trade show coverage if available. Opportunities for advanced projects, including copy writing and press release construction, will be available depending on the level of experience, skills, and talents of the individual. Microsoft Access and Excel spreadsheet experience are preferred. The intern must have a strong attention to detail, customer service focus, and comfort with both web research and direct phone contact with businesses and media individuals. The intern must have reliable transportation to the Southwest corner of the MSU campus. To see MSU maps, CLICK HERE

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP — JOURNALS

One position available for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters
Full semester only for Summer; no half term appointments

1 Semester = 4 Credits (12 hours per week)*
2-semester appointment maximum

During this one-semester internship, the student will focus on the overall process of serial journal publishing. Responsibilities will include but will not be limited to: preparing manuscripts/electronic files for editing; copyediting manuscripts online; updating manuscript files; proofreading galley pages; working with outside copyeditors, designers, typesetters, and printers to assemble a serial journal issue from a raw manuscript; subscription database management; marketing/advertising; and miscellaneous duties to support the division. The Press requires a time commitment of 12 hours per week.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills: ability to touch type; general computer skills; a strong knowledge of MS Word 2000; excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to problem solve; the ability to effectively handle multiple projects under tight deadline constraints. It takes approximately four months to produce a journal issue from the receipt of manuscripts to delivery to subscribers. Seeing a project through from start to finish is critical to preparing a student for an entry-level position in any area of publishing.

*Internship arrangements may vary from college to college. Credits are granted by academic units. Students should consult their academic advisors to verify their internship credit options and to obtain and complete the paperwork required to apply for credit.