Internships

Join us as at Folio Literary Management!

We offer a comprehensive introduction to the world of publishing, including the “Intern Academy,” a weekly workshop taught by the agents with specific examples, stories, handouts, and hands-on information about the day-to-day world of publishing and agenting.

An internship at Folio is likely to include:

  • evaluating query letters and manuscript submissions;
  • editing manuscripts and nonfiction book proposals;
  • writing pitch letters;
  • communicating with authors, editors, and publicists; and
  • learning the ins and outs of publishing contracts.

Depending on your interests (multimedia, romance novels, etc.), we can often craft an internship specifically for you.

Currently, all Folio internships are unpaid, but we’re happy to work with university or graduate students to ensure that you get course credit for the internship if and when possible.

At the successful conclusion of an internship, we’ll also use our extensive network of contacts at major publishing houses and other literary agencies to help you find a job in book publishing. In addition, opportunities for employment at Folio may exist as well.

Former Folio interns have successfully entered the publishing world and are now employed throughout the industry. Some alumni of our internship program have gone on to:

Shifra Scout for Maria Campbell
Peter Editor at St. Martin’s Press
Michelle Intern Program, Little Brown
Lisa Author with book published by Grand Central Publishers
Jessica Editorial Assistant at Collins Publishers
Maggie WME
Batya Berkley Publishing, Promotions Department
John Author with book published by Viking
Caroline Editorial Assistant at Penguin
Jenny Agent
Adam Business Development, Market Partners Intl.
Renee Editorial Assistant at Penguin
Hannah Wiley
Katherine Wiley
Rachel Penguin
Lyndsay ICM
Sophia RMT PR Management
Clio Editorial Assistant at WME
Katie Agent at Donald Maas
Julia Assistant to Publisher at Henry Holt
Erica Production Assistant at Bedford/St. Martin’s
Jenn Assistant to Editorial Director at NAL
Sarah Contracts Assistant at Curtis Brown
Maggie Jo Assistant at WME
Allison Editorial/Publicity Assistant at Grove

Ready to apply?  Here’s how:

Duration of internship: Semester (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Requirements: Ideal interns will be interested in both the business and editorial side of publishing, be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Outlook), be proficient at researching and writing, and have a keen editorial eye. We require a minimum of 16 hours each week for both in-office and remote internships.To apply: please specify your interest in one or more of the positions below in *the subject line of your email*:Brower, Michelle: Interns applying to work with Michelle Brower should read contemporary novels, primarily women’s and literary fiction, and also be prepared to evaluate some genre fiction. Responsibilities include reading and evaluating unsolicited submissions, writing reader’s reports for requested manuscripts, and special projects as needed. Must be available for an in-office internship.

Cross, Claudia: I am looking for an intern who is interested in reading contemporary and regency era romance, southern fiction, women’s fiction, and general fiction. The ideal candidate will be able to read several partial and full-manuscripts at once with a quick turnaround for reader’s reports in which they offer useful critiques. The internship can be remote or in-office, and will be primarily focused on new acquisitions.

Fumich, Jita: The ideal intern will be interested in digital publishing, knowledgeable about eBooks, possess at least some knowledge of HTML and/or XML—and want to learn about what publishing is going to look like in the future. Digital interns will have the opportunity to evaluate queries and manuscripts, as well. Interest in urban fantasy and contemporary, paranormal, and/or historical romance is a bonus. 16-24 hrs/week, in-office preferred.

Harriot, Mike: I’m looking for a hardworking, detail-oriented intern interested in commercial non-fiction and/or fantasy. Good writing skills are a must. Being in NYC is a plus but not a requirement. Days/hours are open for discussion.

International Rights intern: This position is supervised by the co-directors of Folio’s International Rights department, Molly Jaffa and Melissa Sarver. You will assist them in the day-to-day handling of responsibilities related to the sale of international (translation) rights for Folio books. You will have the opportunity to observe how books of every genre are pitched and sold to international agents and editors (and have the opportunity to attend meetings whenever possible), develop a working knowledge of contracts and tax forms, and help prepare for the major international book fairs in Frankfurt, Bologna, and London. If interested, you will also have the opportunity to read submissions and write reader’s reports on manuscripts of various genres (this component is optional). This position is ideal for someone interested in pursuing an entry-level job in publishing, particularly in subsidiary rights or contracts. 24+ hr/wk availability preferred. Working knowledge of Word and Excel required. Required to work in-office.

Kleinman, Jeff: I’m looking for an intern with particular interest in upmarket/literary fiction and nonfiction, as well as an interest in the new digital landscape – ebooks, apps, multimedia books, and so forth. The ideal candidate will have very strong research, writing, and editing skills, as well as proficiency in MS Word and Excel.

Niumata, Erin: I’m looking for a smart, organized, self-starter. I’d like someone who is into reality TV, likes cooking and crafty type things, loves upmarket women’s fiction, mysteries, thrillers and anything pop culture. Must be able to read quickly and send back decent editorial reports within a week. It’s important to be in the Folio offices at least 20 hours a week. Remote readers are welcome to apply as well.

Posner, Marcy: I want an intern who is interested in reading Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction and commercial adult fiction as well, if possible, and in giving detailed evaluations. Thrillers, mysteries and non-genre romance specifically. They need to be a self-starter with strong organizational skills. I would like an intern in the New York office along with an intern who will work with me at my home in Chicago at least two days per week. I am happy have to remote readers as well.

Troha, Steve: I’m looking for someone creative with his/her finger on the pulse of pop culture, with fresh ideas about topics for books that will appeal to a wide commercial audience. Must be interested in working on mostly nonfiction, including memoirs, cookbooks, self-help, celebrity, and high profile projects. Intern should have excellent organizational, research and writing skills. Can be remote, although working in the NY office is preferred.

van Beek, Emily: Interns applying to work with Emily van Beek need to exhibit a love of children’s books from picture books through middle-grade and young adult fiction. Responsibilities include reading and evaluating submissions, writing reader’s reports, sharing editorial thoughts/feedback on current clients’ upcoming projects and works-in-progress, and drafting pitch letters as well as special projects. Emily does not require a NYC-based intern and days/hours are open for discussion.

Wheeler, Paige: I’m looking for an intern who loves to read and evaluate commercial fiction, particularly romances, crime fiction (mysteries/suspense), women’s fiction as well as some practical nonfiction. The intern should be knowledgeable about what’s selling successfully in the market, have strong Microsoft office and Outlook skills (word, excel, vcards, etc.), and be a self-starter. The intern may work remotely but I’d also love to have an intern in the NY office and one in the Richmond, Va office. I’d like a list of most recently read books (other than school books) and favorite books. Strong organizational skills if you’re in office. There will be one mandatory staff meeting per week, via conference call.

Location: New York, NY; Richmond, VA; Chicago, IL; Remote positions also available.
Payment: Unpaid
How To Apply For This Internship: If you are ready to apply, please submit the following required material to office@foliolit.com with the subject ‘SEMESTER YEAR-AGENT(S) OF INTEREST’ (i.e. ‘Spring 2013-Paige Wheeler’) or through your university’s internship website:1) A one-page cover letter (include publishing or office experience, availability and location during the semester, technical/computer-related skills, genre or position-interest)—again, remember to let us know who you would like to work with/what position you are most interested in and why you are interested in that position.
2) Your resume
3) A list of the last 3 books you’ve read, as well as your favorite 3 books
4) A writing sample of fewer than 5 pages (Literary analysis preferred if possible)