How to Earn a Literary Internship

Every career field has its prerequisites and the literary world is no different. If you want to earn a literary internship and later on a career in literature, there are certain steps you should follow to guarantee your success. First and foremost, that means reading a wide range of books, magazines, newspapers, and websites with a critical eye. Secondly, it means practicing and polishing your writing---even if you want to become an editor or publisher and not a writer. Often this will mean writing for nobody but yourself or only small groups of people but, in the words of Mark Twain, "Write without pay until somebody offers to pay."

Of course, reading and writing alone won't land you a literary internship. You have to be focused and motivated. But what does that exactly mean? Here's important advice for earning a literary internship:

Work for school publications: Write for your school newspaper, literary journal, student magazine, and other publication your campus offers. Submit high-quality pieces and earn as many clips as you can; always keep at least three to five copies of any publication that prints your work. If possible, land an editorial position for at least on semester, too. This way you can learn from firsthand experience the difference between being a writer and an editor; you'll probably discover that you like one role more than the other.

Enter contests: Submit your writing to school, community, state, regional and national contests. Each state, for instance, has a poetry society and each poetry society holds at least one student contest a year. Student newspapers and magazines are also eligible for awards so find out which ones are available for your campus publications. Many libraries also have writing contests, especially around famous writers' birthdays. April 23, for instance, is Shakespeare's birthday so many libraries and theatres across the country celebrate it with poetry and play competitions. If you are also a talented performer, you might try entering a "spoken word" contest at a coffee house or theatre.

Declare a humanities major: Many, if not most, people who work in the literary world majored in English, Literature, Writing, or Communications. If none of these majors appeal to you or work with your course schedule, then consider another major in the humanities. History, Theatre, Spanish/French (or another foreign language), Anthropology, and Women's Studies are all examples of other majors suitable for a career in literature. If your major does not have a strong literature and writing component, make sure that you practice critical reading and clear, concise writing whenever possible; taking English electives would probably be a wise choice.

Volunteer at the right places: Shelving books at the library, teaching English to immigrants, fundraise for a literacy non-profit---these are all examples of the type of volunteer work in which you should be involved. You'll not only have something to add to your resume but you'll also gain some real experience (something you can write about later!) and feel good knowing that you are helping your community and people in need.

Create a portfolio: Collect every single publication that prints your work, whether it's creative writing, journalism, photography, or fine art. Most literary companies are more interested in print work but it doesn't hurt to print out copies of any e-zines or online journals that have published your work, either. Keep all of these samples in a folder, binder, or briefcase, depending upon the length of your publication credits.

Start a blog: Blogs provide another great venue for you to showcase your writing ability. You can set up most blogs for free, unless you want to secure a unique domain name (in which case you'll probably spend about $10 a year to reserve that name; www.paisleyandparasols.com is an example of a blog created on www.blogger.com with its own "vanity" domain name). If you can find some kind of literary angle---perhaps your blog's devoted to book reviews, for example---consider it a plus.

Make connections: The literary world is a fast-paced, elite atmosphere so begin networking as soon as you can. Attend book and writing fairs, email publishers, tour company offices, arrange lunch dates with editors, and do whatever else you can think of in order to meet people in the industry.

Complete the application: This is most critical part of earning a literary internship. If you don't finish the necessary application, no company can possibly consider you for an internship. There are, of course, exceptions; inside connections always help and often mean you don't even have to look at an application, let alone put your pen to one. Some companies have a very specific application that you must complete. This application may just ask for basic information (home address, college, phone number, etc.) or may have a more personal leaning with short responses and even essay prompts. Whatever the nature of the application, fill it out thoroughly. If the company does not have an application, write a cover letter and attach your resume. You may also have to submit a reference letter (or two or three).