The BYU English Department has a longstanding tradition in excellence in the field of Creative Writing. Many of our graduates have seen success across nonfiction and fiction spanning multiple genres and age categories, including six-figure traditional publishing deals and #1 New York Times bestselling status.
In order to better prepare students for the rigors of publishing and prepare for a lifelong creative writing career, this internship will pair a creative writing student with a local author for a professional, hands-on experience in the writing, book marketing, and publishing world. THIS INTERNSHIP IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO BYU STUDENTS.
While most of our students will be working in the genre of contemporary romance, historical romance, or middle grade historical thrillers, they do not need experience or interest in those areas to benefit from this internship.
The majority of work will be done virtually, but ideally, the chosen candidate will meet with the local author in person at least once over the term of the internship. At the completion of the internship, the student will be better prepared for the process of traditionally or independently publishing and marketing their own work.
Each participating author mentor has demonstrated impressive career success in both traditional and independent publishing. Some of the accomplishments and qualities of our local authors include:
- 13+ years of experience in the publishing field
- Literary agent representation (current or previous)
- Books sold at auction with New York publishers such as Random House publishing and/or with large advances
- Best-selling status across multiple books, genres, and age categories of fiction (currently historical and contemporary romance) and nonfiction.
- #1 New York Times or otherwise best-selling status across multiple books, genres, and age categories of fiction and nonfiction
- Passion, skill, and experience in teaching and helping new writers, as demonstrated at local writing conferences
The chosen candidate will assist the author with tasks such as the following:
Production
- Editing, beta reading, and proofreading manuscripts
- Formatting manuscripts for publication
- Market research (studying covers, sales copy, and content of “comp” titles)
- Content research (online research regarding places and history for setting details)
- Outlining or discussing the author's work in progress
Marketing & Promotion
- Facebook and Instagram social media management
- Running an author social media group
- Promotion planning and marketing
- Creating book marketing videos
- Packaging and shipping sold books
- Updating the author's website
- Scheduling or assistance at author events such as book signings
- Helping to write, edit, and send the author's marketing newsletter
Please note that the author will not read and edit student manuscripts, but rather teach the student how to better align their work with industry standards and expectations, introduce it to agents and editors or publish their work themselves, and market it to targeted readers for the best chance of career success.
Ideal candidates will have the following:
- Experience and interest in writing and publishing their own work
- A command of the English language and attention to detail for tasks such as editing, proofreading, and creating marketing content
- The ability to work independently and reliably
My internship experience not only helped me expand my employable skills, but acted as a catalyst for new passions and growth! Through the English + program, I found an internship that was perfect for me and my career aspirations. Without interning for a romance author, I never would've found my passion for the publishing world, and I'm excited to pursue this career path upon my graduation!
—Ella Memmott, Winter 2025 Intern
I learned so much about the writing and publishing industry and it really showed me that my dream of becoming an author myself is possible!
—Ku'uliko Willing, Fall 2025 intern
Program Dates: Fall, Winter, Sp/Su
Commitment: min 126 total hours
Virtual with in-person meeting
Unpaid Internship (College funding may be available for English majors—partial funding for English minors)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
If you would like to be informed with applications open for the next cycle, fill out the form HERE.
Application Deadlines:
Sp/Su: Feb. 9, 2026
Fall: July 6, 2026 (extended to July 9)
Winter: Oct 6. 2026
Questions? Contact trina_harding@byu.edu
