Job description
The Parliament House, an indie publisher specializing in Speculative Fiction, seeks highly motivated individuals that are interested in learning about the world of indie publishing for a variety of remote internship opportunities. Applicants who identify with traditionally underrepresented groups in the publishing industry (including but not limited to: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities), are strongly encouraged to apply. In general, interns need to possess strong reading and writing skills, the ability to work with a team, communication skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. Since this is a remote position, a computer and working internet are necessary. We specialize in speculative fiction, so a passion for/familiarity with fantasy, horror, and science fiction is a plus.
We have three positions available this fall:
Sensitivity reader internship
Duties include:
- Reading upcoming and backlist books and assessing the manuscript for any particular issues of representation.
- Light copyediting, making note of any editorial issues in assigned manuscripts.
- Submitting detailed notes by given deadlines.
- Participating in Zoom/Google meetings as needed to discuss any sensitivity concerns in a given manuscript.
*We are specifically seeking a BIPOC applicant for this position.
Production/Editorial internship
Duties include:
- Reading backlist and upcoming books and filling out detailed note templates to assist the marketing and editorial departments.
- Light copyediting
- Participating in Zoom/Google meetings as needed to discuss notes and provide ideas to the marketing and editorial teams.
- Submitting notes by given deadlines.
Production/Formatting
Duties include:
- Formatting manuscripts into eBooks in Vellum by given deadlines.
- Working closely with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure a polished final product.
- Occasionally participating in Zoom/Google meetings as needed.
*This position requires an applicant that is computer savvy. Previous experience with graphic design and/or the program Vellum is a plus. Training will be provided.
Reports to:
All interns report to the Associate Publisher, Cindy Kilbourne.
Qualifications:
- Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong close reading skills.
- Familiarity with various computer programs such as Word, Google Docs, and Zoom.
- Strong interest in Speculative fiction, including Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror.
- Ability to work effectively on a team.
- Familiarity with Vellum is desired, but not required.
Hours:
Interns will work 7-8 hours per week. The Parliament House allows for a flexible schedule. While we will track the hours our Intern puts in to report back to the University of Arizona English Department, we are more interested in the completion of tasks.
Compensation:
This is an unpaid internship.
Benefits:
Exposure to the world Indie Publishing. Previews of unpublished and newly published books for Young Adults. Networking opportunities and job skills development. A fun and engaging work environment. Remote positions.
Application Process:
Send a cover letter, resume and two short writing samples or editing samples of no more than 500 words. E-mail preferred: Send e-mail with Word or PDF attachments to:
Cindy Kilbourne at cindy@parliamenthousepress.com
Please put “U of A Intern” as the subject header. We will contact you only if you have been selected for an interview. Please do not call. Thank you for your understanding.
About The Parliament House:
At The Parliament House, we believe pen and ink is as good as magic, and we strive to provide a good home for those stories with a little extra magic. We work with our writers every step of the way on their literary journey, helping to bring out the most from their work. From multiple rounds of editing to unique, individualized marketing outreach, The Parliament House helps our authors produce brilliantly bizarre, original, and moving stories with some edge.
Why Parliament House? Pushing to become the "big kid" on the block in the publishing community, our team has a combined twenty-plus years of experience in editing, marketing, and design. We bring a Manhattan quality aesthetic to independent traditional publishing. We specialize in a niche market and are very selective about the sorts of titles we accept, because we want to ensure each of our projects gets the attention it deserves. Every title is selected specifically because we believe in its ability to stand out and deliver a meaningful message to readers.
The Parliament House curates fantasy and sci-fi of every scope with a specific taste for the weird, dark, and quirky. Be it contemporary, steampunk, paranormal, urban, or otherwise, it has to be the sort of magic that captures our attention and leaves a lasting impression.
Our mission is not only to provide the world with fantastic escapes into the impossible, but also to create a publishing home for the author, and more importantly, a family. Navigating through the business of publishing can feel daunting without the right support system and group of knowledgeable experts. The Parliament House prides itself on being a supportive place for new and seasoned authors alike to thrive.
Find out more on our website!