Editorial Intern

Hours Per Week

15-20

Project Summary

The editorial intern works with editors in the MNHS Press (book publishing); MNopedia (the online encyclopedia of Minnesota history), and Minnesota History (quarterly peer-reviewed magazine). Each function has specific editorial needs, but our work processes overlap as we acquire manuscripts for publication, evaluate their quality, diagnose editorial tasks, work with authors to improve the text, and perform copyediting and proofing as the manuscripts move through production. Because much of the hiring in publishing houses relies on recommendations made by those who work at other publishing houses, this internship is intended to attract candidates who otherwise would not have access to publishing—and thus to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the industry.

Ideal Degrees

English, History, Anthropology, Native American studies, American studies, Journalism, or related field

Responsibilities

• Press: evaluate proposals and manuscripts; participate in development discussions; assist with copyediting and proofing; carry out photo research for Press titles; fact-check manuscripts; write and review metadata; other tasks as needed.

• Minnesota History: fact-check articles and endnotes; perform photo research; write/compile book notes for Take Three feature; log and acknowledge article submissions; review select article submissions.

• MNopedia: identify broken links; fact-check entries; research images; write an entry.
Attend editorial, acquisitions, launch, and production meetings to observe and contribute to the publishing process
Assist with mailings and database maintenance, take editing test, set up and do informational interviews.

Qualifications

Undergraduate work in English, history, journalism, American studies, anthropology, or related field. Must possess the following:

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Docs, FileMaker Pro, and other software applications, as well as MNHS library procedures.

• Ability to research, write, and communicate clearly and accurately.

• Ability to track details.

• Comfort level with taking on multiple tasks and working with more than one supervisor.

Knowledge Intern is Expected to Gain

• Understanding of editorial tasks, techniques, and outcomes.

• Understanding of editorial, production, and marketing functions in a press.

• Familiarity with historical resources in MNHS reference library.

• Experience in working with publishing professionals. 

Additional Required Materials

• Cover letter addressing reasons for interest in a career in publishing.

• Two writing samples, each between three and twenty-five pages.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials to internships@mnhs.org. 

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference--we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our volunteers, interns, employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.