The Kepner Agency is excited to offer a dynamic and educational internship program designed for individuals aspiring to enter the fascinating world of book publishing. Under the mentorship of Chris Kepner, a seasoned literary agent with over 15 years of experience, successful candidates will gain invaluable insights into the publishing industry, refine their skills, and build a foundation for a rewarding career in this field. This unpaid internship program is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience and course credit in coordination with the candidate’s educational institution.
We have been proud to host interns from the following institutions:
- Arizona State University
- Columbia University
- University College Cork
- Emerson College
- George Washington University
- University of Iowa
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Robert Morris University
- University of Washington, Tacoma
Program Highlights:
- Mentorship: Interns will have the unique opportunity to work closely with Chris Kepner, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in literary representation, contract negotiations, and manuscript and proposal development. Chris will serve as a dedicated mentor, providing guidance and sharing insights gained from years in the industry.
- Industry Exposure: Interns will immerse themselves in the book publishing ecosystem. They will gain a deep understanding of the roles played by literary agents, authors, editors, and publishers. Exposure to the day-to-day operations of The Kepner Agency will provide a holistic view of the industry.
- Manuscript and Proposal Evaluation: Interns will learn how to assess and evaluate manuscripts and proposals for their commercial viability. They will receive hands-on experience in critiquing query letters and proactively searching to identify potential clients and projects.
- Contract Review and Negotiation: Gain insights into the critical process of contract negotiation and review. Learn how to protect an author's rights and navigate the legal aspects of publishing agreements.
- Pitch Letter Crafting: Develop the essential skill of crafting persuasive pitches that captivate the attention of publishers. Learn the art of effectively pitching literary works to publishing houses.
- Author-Agent Relations: Understand the dynamics of fostering positive relationships between authors and literary agents. Learn how to provide constructive feedback, manage client expectations, and support authors through the publishing process.
Program Requirements:
To participate in The Kepner Agency Internship Program, candidates must be enrolled in a degree-granting program that allows them to earn course credit for their internship experience. This requirement ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines regarding unpaid internships.
Application Process:
- Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to internship@kepneragency.com, along with their academic advisor's contact information, program requirements for course credit to be granted, and semester(s) for which they are applying (Fall, Spring, and Summer internships offered).
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess their suitability for the internship.
- Once selected, interns will work with their academic advisors to establish the necessary coursework and learning objectives to earn course credit for the internship.
Duration:
The internship program typically runs for a minimum of one semester, with opportunities for extension based on performance and academic requirements.
Location:
This position is fully remote with opportunities to meet in person if feasible.
Posted on BYU's Handshake at https://byu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/11055516
and at https://www.kepneragency.com/internships
