Duration

We ask that interns work approximately 200 hours. Duration of internship and work times are open to negotiation and agreement between Copper Canyon and the intern. Usually the internship takes place in a two-to-four month period, with variable options for an intern’s work time; examples might be 16-20 hours/week for three months, 30-40 hours/week for six to eight weeks, or eight to twelve hours/week for five to six months.

Compensation

Unpaid. Copper Canyon Press offers interns a generous sampling of books, broadsides and CDs during the intern’s time with us. Participation in occasional special events, author readings, and the Port Townsend Writers’ Conference is an added benefit. Above all else, you will earn our undying gratitude.

Send Resumes To

Janet Jones, Operations Facilitator
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271
Port Townsend WA 98368
janet@coppercanyonpress.org
360.385.4925, ext. 111

Housing

Copper Canyon Press does not provide housing although we facilitate an affordable housing option at Fort Worden State Park, where the Press is located. First come, first serve. $350.00 per month.

Do Internships Lead to Jobs at Copper Canyon? At Other Presses?

In some cases, yes, but rarely. Over the past few years a few interns have been hired on a “per job” basis to help the Press. Several interns have gone on to jobs with a variety of publishers, including Blue Heron Press, University of Arizona Press, Milkweed Editions, and Mountaineers Press.

Where Do Interns Work Within the Press?

Copper Canyon Press offers internships in production, publicity, marketing and development, including nonprofit finances. Internship responsibilities depend on current needs at the Press. The staff and intern develop projects for the intern to work on independently, endeavoring to employ some of the intern's interests, skills, and prior work experience. Projects may include any of the following:

Publicity and Marketing responsibilities often include research, copywriting and proofreading for press releases, publicity and sales kits, assisting with review copy distribution, web site management, processing reviews of our books, and preparing drafts of catalogs.

Editorial responsibilities could include compiling final manuscripts, researching and seeking permissions, reading unsolicited submissions, and assisting the editor in research.

Production responsibilities include preparing manuscripts for design, entering corrections, reviewing galleys, archiving, and managing inventory.

Development responsibilities include researching appropriate funding organizations, assisting in the preparation of the annual report, and updating donor databases.

What Will I Learn?

You will learn much of what it takes to be a small publisher, no matter what specific job you do. We take internships very seriously and expose the intern to many aspects of the business. We encourage questions and invite the interns to attend and contribute to staff meetings.

I’m a Writer...

Internships at publishing houses are excellent exposure for writers. You will learn first-hand how a manuscript works its way from an idea into becoming a real book, which then seeks a larger place in the marketplace.

I’m a Student…

We have hosted student interns (during both the school year and summer break) from a number of colleges and universities, including Western Washington University, The Evergreen State College, University of Washington, Barnard College, Lewis & Clark College, Oregon State University, Kalamazoo College, Yale University, Brown University, Swarthmore College, Warren Wilson College and Reed College.

Application

We are open to applications from people in all stages of their careers interested in a working experience with a poetry publishing press. We encourage applications from students and recent graduates from colleges, universities and certificate programs.

To apply for an internship at Copper Canyon Press, please submit your resume, a cover letter, and three references. We’ll contact you for an interview.