Internships
Coffee House Press is a nationally known and renowned nonprofit publishing house located in Northeast Minneapolis. We publish annually sixteen to twenty books—novels, short stories, poetry, and literary essays.
Our internship program is currently on hiatus. We will update on this page and our social media when applications open again.
About the internship
An internship at Coffee House Press will introduce you to all aspects of a small literary publisher, and will give you skills that can also easily transfer to larger publishing houses and other careers, both in the arts and elsewhere. Internships are currently in-person at our Minneapolis office.
Intern tasks
- Reading and reporting on submissions
- Manuscript fact-checking
- Proofreading
- Acquisitions and permissions research
- Researching donor and grant prospects
- Database upkeep, including spreadsheets and database software
- Writing copy for newsletters, reading group guides, and the CHP website
- Coordinating and assisting with mailings (galleys, press releases, catalogs, etc.)
- Assisting with upkeep of publicity materials
- Light page layout and editing of press materials, signs, and other documents
- Providing support before and during events
- Website maintenance
- Other tasks as assigned
Required skills, knowledge, and abilities
- Desire to be learn about all aspects of a small literary publisher
- Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills
- Ability to multitask, work independently, and manage deadlines
- Knowledge of contemporary, independent literature
- Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google suites
Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities
- Experience evaluating writing in a publishing, classroom, or other setting
- Knowledge of Coffee House Press titles
- Experience conducting independent research
- Some editorial, design, social media, or development experience
Internship hours are flexible, averaging 7 to 10 hours per week over the course of four months for a total of 120 hours. At the completion of the internship, interns receive a stipend of $1800, $100 worth of discounted Coffee House titles, and a discount on all future purchases. Internships are intended as fixed-length, educational experiences and should not be interpreted as job training. Interns are not entitled to or guaranteed employment upon the completion of the internship, but they are welcome to apply for open positions at the press at any time.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Our internship program is currently on hiatus. We will update on this page and our social media when applications open again.
Application materials
- A cover letter explaining why you’re applying for the program, along with your preferred start date
- A detailed resume with your work and academic background
- A list of five favorite contemporary books in any genre
- Optional: up to three pages of additional documents (e.g., references, work samples). Please do not send creative writing samples (poetry, stories, novel excerpts, memoir, and so on).
Diverse experiences and viewpoints are important to us. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, gender and sexual identities, and disability statuses. Please note that I-9 Employee Eligibility Verification is required.
Email the required application materials to the Intern Coordinators at internship@coffeehousepress.org. Please contact us at (612) 338-0125 if you are unable to email materials and instead need to provide applications via mail. We do not accept internship applications in person.