Authored by Stephanie Maddox, UNG Press Intern
I have always found the world of publishing to be a little intimidating. Like many other writers, I have no relatives, friends, or even mild acquaintances who are involved in publishing, so breaking into the industry seemed like an Ocean’s 8-level heist. My first attempt was through freelance writing, and while this provided me with a significant amount of both writing experience and carpal tunnel, it did little to help me understand the publishing process. As it turns out, the only real way to gain experience in publishing is to acquire a position at a press or literary agency. Shocking, I know.
Still, when the opportunity for an internship with UNG Press initially popped into my student email, I hesitated. I’m thirty-one this year, which isn’t so old, but it feels that way—especially when reintegrating into college life and considering an internship usually meant for those in their early twenties. For those who are mathematically challenged like me, that’s an entire decade between the target audience and myself. And yet, the members of that target audience were the ones who pressured me the most to apply. After completing this internship, I am so thankful they did.
Through this internship I have had the opportunity to work closely with a team of top-tier editors and learn about the publishing process from start to finish. I have read through book queries and learned the difference between what makes a book marketable or unmarketable. I have learned about metadata—those bits of information embedded into a title’s online listing—and all the ways editors ensure that their authors’ books are given the greatest opportunities to succeed. I have gained considerable experience in social media content creation, proofreading, and book formatting, all of which will be instrumental to my future career as an author. But most importantly, I now understand that editing is a multi-faceted job that involves much, much more than just rearranging words on a page.
Editing is the lifeblood of publishing. Editors are the ones who pluck a manuscript from a pile, assess its potential, and then bring that potential to life. Before this internship, I had no idea how much love editors sink into their accepted book manuscripts—love which often goes unnoticed by consumers. I did not understand how much dedication it takes to pull an author through the gauntlet of publication, for which many are unprepared. And I certainly was unaware that choosing an editor is really choosing a years-long relationship, one that could very well determine the difference between a book’s success and failure.
If anything, this layer of dimension has added to my already strong interest in editing as a career, and given me a new perspective on how to choose a publisher for my future manuscripts. My time at UNG Press will stick with me as I work towards publication, guiding my queries and providing encouragement as I face the sharp edge of rejection. I would advise anyone—especially non-traditional college students like myself—to give this internship a chance. It will do nothing but push you further towards your publishing goals, whatever they may be.
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