Internships
Poets & Writers, Inc. offers unpaid internships in its New York and California offices each semester. Interested students should e-mail a cover letter, indicating which internship position you are 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.
Internship application deadlines are as follows:
- Fall/Winter Semester: September 1
- Spring Semester: January 15
- Summer: April 1
- Poets & Writers Magazine Internship Description
- Readings/Workshops Program Internship Description
- Accounting Department Internship Description
- Administrative Volunteer Description
Poets & Writers Magazine Internship (New York Office, Spring and Summer Only)
Poets & Writers Magazine delivers to its readers 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. The magazine also produces an online educational companion for each issue, the Teachers Guide, which serves teachers of creative writing and literature. With a circulation of 60,000, the bimonthly magazine is the leading journal of its kind for creative writers.
The responsibilities of a Poets & Writers Magazine intern include:
- developing and maintaining a comprehensive index of all articles published in the magazine
- conducting research for the Resources section of the magazine
- proofreading and fact-checking articles
Candidates should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, 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.
Readings/Workshops Program Internship (New York and 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 sponsor and writer report forms
- 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 to 10 to 15 hours a week. Days and hours are negotiable.
Accounting Department Internship (New York 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 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.
