Authored by Madelyn Huff, UNG Press Intern
I first learned about the UNG Press during my junior year summer internship search. I was fully submerged into my English major and itching to apply my skills to work that made a difference. I knew virtually nothing about how university presses functioned and thought it would be meaningful to learn about them through my own university’s press. At the time, I was ineligible for the internship because I had not taken Introduction to Publishing yet, but this opportunity was always on my radar. When the announcement that the Press was seeking interns for spring 2026 dropped, I jumped on the application and submitted it full of hope.
My interest in publishing naturally sparked from my love for books and writing. Throughout my adolescence, the books I read shaped the way I lived my life. Good prose kept me up all night, characters inspired me, and the act of writing itself became an intimate practice and outlet for me as I was “growing up.” It has been truly rewarding to work with a press that celebrates these elements.
I have learned so much from this opportunity that it honestly amazes me when I think back on all the tasks I have completed and knowledge I have gained. My assignments with the UNG Press helped to demystify preconceived ideas I held about publishing. Creating graphics for social media and writing mission-aligned educational blog posts emphasized the importance of design and made me realize how it is for a publishing press to have a distinct brand and image maintained through graphics. These assignments acted as a double-sided opportunity: I had the chance to practice my creativity in writing and graphic design, while also researching and learning about the industry. Topics on the stages of editing, university presses and libraries, and style guides have solidified the hazy, surface-level understanding I held at the beginning of the semester.
Similarly, reader’s reports guided me to analyze a manuscript for the elements that publishers consider, rather than my general opinion. I quickly trained my brain to realize that a manuscript’s writing or story could be superb, but, if at the end of the day the topic or scope does not fit in with the mission, a publisher will not acquire the manuscript. This realization introduced me to the “business” side of publishing. The industry is not just focused on letting bestselling books fall into an editor’s lap and then editing them to perfection; it is about marketing, public relations, printing, and so much more!
More reasoning behind why I enjoyed my time with the UNG Press so much is because of their collaborative approach and environment. The staff are willing to go the extra mile for each other, and for their authors. No one is left behind at the UNG Press! Questions and feedback are always welcome. It was beneficial for me to experience a professional environment where effort and achievements are recognized and applauded. My advice for future interns is to never let nerves or anxiety stop you from asking questions. The Press staff are so supportive and eager to help you throughout your learning process.
Interning with the UNG Press has been an eye-opening experience and one that has shaped the way I view publishing. I am lucky to have served as a supporter of the Press mission to educate, serve communities, and foster innovation this spring. I look forward to witnessing how the UNG Press grows and how this internship continues to provide educational opportunities for future interns as it did for me.
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