Home ›

Internships

Kolb Net Works offers student interns an opportunity to learn the basics of the publishing industry, to receive hands-on experience in a variety of departments, and to polish communication talents in an intimate, supervised atmosphere.
The internship position requires an individual who is both responsible and versatile. While an effort is made to show the intern that a variety of skills are needed, many tasks are assisting the general staff as needed. While the following list of tasks tries to cover all the possibilities, it does not strictly reflect all you will do while here.
Skills preferred:

  • Computer and Internet research experience
  • Reliability
  • Writing skills along with word processing skills (preferably MS Office)
  • Ability to work independently
  • Organizational skills
  • Flexibility to perform a variety of tasks needed in each department

Specifics of the Job
The internship at KNW is an unpaid position.
College Credit: Many interns receive college credit (usually equal to one class) for their time at Kolb. Check with your college advisor on the correct procedure for applying.
Hours: Our regular hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. There are occasional after-hours meetings and programs that the intern is invited to attend. Kolb Net Works prefers that interns work a minimum 10 hours per week, to allow time to learn all aspects of publishing and the variety of jobs. Arrangements may be made to work flexible hours because of school requirements.
Books: The intern should be familiar with the current list of Kolb Net Work’s catalog of books. These will be provided in a packet along with other material. Manuscripts or galleys of upcoming titles are available for you to read online during the internship. To learn about the publishing industry and the bookselling industry, the intern is encouraged to read Publishers Weekly, American Bookseller, Bookstore Journal, School Library Journal, and Library Journal trade magazines.
Reports: The intern is responsible for writing a weekly report covering tasks accomplished. Kolb Net Works would appreciate a report at the end of the internship covering all aspects of the internship. If you have questions about the report, please ask the Intern Adviser.
Meetings: Intern will be invited to attend weekly meeting of promotional staff and executive board to report on projects in progress.

Intern Guidelines

Promotion
The task of the promotion department is closely linked with editorial. Its goal is to generate interest and excitement in Kolb Net Work titles that ultimately result in sales. This is accomplished by book reviews, feature stories, and mentions in the print and electronic media, advertising, and special-event promotions.
Media contact: Promoting books, preparing eBook copies for advance reviews, or sending actual printed books as a review copy. Assistance in author tours.
Writing: Select promotional pieces as needed. Writing skills test required for this portion.
Proofing: Checking promotional pieces for prices and typos. (This would then be checked by editorial staff.)
Filing: Weekly efiling and filing of correspondence, reviews, ad kits, etc.
Computer: Using Microsoft Word and CS3 Suite. Scanning, using OCR technology, and keying in copy that needs to be on the system: books, press releases, brochures, etc.
Market research: Assist in locating advertising opportunities such as magazines, newspapers, and mailing lists for consumer contacts. Additional library and in-house research may be necessary.
Press kits: Collating material into kits for e-mailings or printed for use at a convention.

Editorial
The task of the editorial department is to help acquire new titles for the company and to prepare contracted titles for publication. This is accomplished by critiquing submissions, editing manuscripts and computer disks (manuscript editing, line editing, and copyediting), checking artwork for accuracy and relevance, sending editing queries to authors, incorporating authors' final changes into the projects, proofreading the final book copy, editing indexes, checking corrections, and checking the books' layouts. This staff works closely with the production department to put manuscripts and artwork into correct book form.
Manuscript review: This is reading and writing a critique of a manuscript Kolb Net Works is considering. Much of this work is done outside of the office.
Queries: Reading initial submission to determine if additional material should be requested. Requesting additional material. Returning rejected queries.
Proofing: This is determined by the level of the intern's skills. The editor will give a proofing test to determine accuracy level. All proofing will be checked by one of the editorial staff.
Clerical: Filing for CIP Data. Filing for copyright. E-mailing or faxing letters. Sending out author guidelines and catalogs as requested. Miscellaneous typing/computer inputting.
Final copy: This involves checking corrected proofs and layout. An editor will supervise.
Artwork: This involves checking illustrations and final artwork for editorial accuracy.
Reprints: This involves drawing up suggested correction pages for departmental review, and then inputting them on the computer.
Indexes: Copyediting and proofing author indexes.
Editing: Under editorial supervision, the intern may "practice edit."

Production
It is the responsibility of the production department to produce quality, marketable books, ads, and supplementary materials in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Production works in tandem with the editorial department in getting book materials ready for digital and print production.
Freelance and in-house book designers also create attractive covers with input from the authors and the rest of the Kolb Net Work staff.
Computer: Using existing formats, formatting books, web pages, posters, page corrections, etc., based on production specifications and style sheets. Help with layout and design of new ads, following established styles.

Application Requirements
The following materials should be sent to the Intern Adviser.

  • Resume
  • Sample of writing (no more than 2 pages.)
  • All intern applications must include a letter from their parents indicating they know the student is applying for an unpaid internship.
  • Submissions must be sent via e-mail. Attachments should be named with your last name first and numbered.  For example Smith.doc, Smith1.doc. The e-mail should state how many attachments you are sending.