In the summer of 2003, the Beloit Poetry Journal
changed editorship and moved its offices to Farmington, Maine, where
it joins Alice James Books and the University of Maine at Farmington’s Creative
Writing Program program in contributing to the region's literary
culture. We are now able to offer internships (unpaid, we regret)
and other opportunities for young writers to participate in our
operation. Our plans for the future include sponsoring readings
and workshops, opening a poetry library, and continuing to publish
poems that make a difference.
The intern's role
Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with the editors.
The individual intern’s interests and skills will determine her
or his particular responsibilities, which may include
• screening manuscripts
• participating in quarterly editorial board meetings
• proofreading issues about to go to press
• developing features for the BPJ website
• working on contracts and subscriptions
• carrying out marketing and distribution campaigns
• designing brochures and flyers
• writing press releases
• staffing the BPJ table at local or national conferences
• developing special projects such as chapbooks, readings, and workshops
How we both benefit
Because we are a small organization, as an intern you will have
the chance to see, and participate in, almost every phase of a little
magazine’s operation, from the daily routine of screening manuscripts
and recording subscriptions through the quarterly ritual of preparing
an issue for publication. This experience will put classroom writing
workshops in a new perspective and help you develop skills you’ll
carry into your graduate studies or the world of professional writing
and publishing.
In addition to getting interns’ help with the ongoing business
of editing and publishing a poetry quarterly, we benefit by involving
young people in the broader BPJ community. Without such
involvement, the magazine won’t survive.
How to apply
One to three internships are available during the Fall and Spring
semesters and in the summer. Academic credit is available in accordance
with the guidelines of your university.
Applicants for internships must fill out an application form and
interview in person, if possible, with the editors. It’s best to
do this several months in advance of the internship. We will give
preference to students with a strong literature background, excellent
writing skills, a passion for poetry, and an interest in independent
literary publishing. Computer and design skills are a plus.
For more information or an application, write to:
Beloit Poetry Journal
P.O. Box 151
Farmington, ME 04938
or email bpj@bpj.org
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