by Megan Latin-De Bono

For the past couple of months, I’ve been the publishing intern at SparkPoint Studio. I recently graduated from Arizona State University with my Bachelor’s in creative writing and a minor in journalism. Going into this internship, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that I have always been fascinated with the editorial process and wanted to learn about the book industry—but I learned so much more than that.

My time as a publishing intern didn’t just teach me about the workings of the editorial process—I was able to experience it with my own eyes. I learned invaluable information that not only honed my skills, but exposed me to what it’s like to work in the industry. So, what was it like to be a publishing intern for SparkPoint?

What did my days look like?

A majority of my time was spent assisting with the SparkPress blog and creating content of my own. SparkPress is one of the publishing imprints at SparkPoint Studio. I enjoyed being able to write about some of my favorite topics, such as archetypes and crafting stories, but I also loved being able to learn something new. My blogging took me to some fun places, from exploring the history of banned books to creating roundups that celebrated special occasions.

When I wasn’t writing, I was assisting the editorial team with publishing-related tasks. They could range from inputting metadata into the system or working on spreadsheets. Somedays I found myself working on bookgrams or shipments. There is always something new and exciting going on and I’m so lucky to have been in such a supportive environment.

What was my favorite part?

There were a lot of things I loved about this internship—but one of my favorite parts was when the interns created our own BookSparks content issue. We brainstormed content, pitched ideas, and developed our Badass Witch’s issue with seven articles. Not only was I able to create a piece with writing tips, I also served as editor. It was a very fun experience to work with the interns from the other departments and create something special!

What is the most useful thing I learned?

I learned a lot about writing styles and time-management during my internship, but I also learned about the book publishing process. It was incredibly fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes development before the books hit the shelves. I was able to learn what happens when a manuscript is first submitted and all the phases that lead to the final copy.

What is my advice for future interns?

Always have your planner on you! I used it to keep track of posts, request media, and deadlines. The internship taught me better organizational skills that I will use in the future. I would also say it’s important keep an open mind. I’m leaving with new skills and experience that I never would have been exposed to if I didn’t join. Whether you’re blogging or inputting data, there is always something new to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make the most of your experience!

Bonus Question: What was my favorite Fall 2019 Book?

During my internship, I was able to read some books that were from my current internship season and past years. My favorite book from Fall 2019 was Squirrels in the Wall by Henry Hitz. The story tells the viewpoints of many different characters—both human and animal—as they all experience life in different ways. Each page is filled with twists I never saw coming and a dark humor that kept me hooked.

More from Megan: 7 Bestsellers Written During NaNoWriMo, Archetypes in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, How to Stay Encouraged During NaNoWriMo, Book Staging 101, Books to Read Based on Your Favorite Halloween Movie, 7 Ways to Make Your Characters Likeable, 6 Reasons to Do NaNoWriMo, The History of Banned Books, Your Manuscript is Complete: What’s Next?, Happy Birthday Agatha Christie, Does Bookstagram Influence Book Design?, 8 Novels to Give Book Lovers This Christmas, Happy Birthday J.R.R. Tolkien, and Trudging on Tuesday: Inspiration from Your Favorite Authors.