Editorial Intern (Children’s) – Hybrid

Job Overview: Editorial Intern (Children’s) – Summer 2026

ABRAMS, the prestigious publisher known for its stunning art and illustrated books, is seeking a Children’s Editorial Intern for its Summer 2026 program. This is a true apprenticeship within the Kids team, covering everything from board books to Young Adult (YA).

This role is ideal for a current student who is passionate about visual storytelling and the “concept-to-finished-product” journey of children’s literature. You will work within the creative heart of NYC, contributing to real-world projects that shape the next generation of readers.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Milestones

Editorial & Narrative Development

• Submission Review: Read incoming manuscripts across various formats and write professional readers’ reports to help editors evaluate potential acquisitions.

• Copywriting: Draft essential marketing and editorial copy, including flap copy (the “hook” on the inside cover) and fact sheets for new titles.

• Creative Input: Provide feedback on manuscripts, offer editorial notes, and participate in weekly Editorial Meetings to share your perspective on current projects.

Operational & Collaborative Support

• Market Research: Conduct competitive title research to prepare for acquisition meetings, helping the team understand where a new book fits in the current market.

• Meeting Shadows: Gain high-level exposure by attending and taking minutes for Cover Meetings, Pub Boards, and Sketch Reviews, seeing how art and text come together.

• List Launch Prep: Assist in the high-energy preparation for seasonal list launches, ensuring all materials are ready for the sales and marketing teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

Eligibility Standards

• Academic Status: Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution.

• Credit Requirement: This is an unpaid internship for academic credit only. You must be enrolled in a program that offers credit for internships.

• Note: This position is not open to recent graduates.

Professional Skills

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills are a must, particularly for drafting rejection letters and editorial notes.

• Organization: Ability to prioritize tasks and “juggle multiple tasks at once” in a fast-paced publishing environment.

• Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Interest: A deep, specific interest in the children’s book market, art, and visual culture.

Internship Details

• Duration: June 2, 2026 – August 14, 2026.

• Hours: Up to 35 hours per week.

• Location: Hybrid (NYC-based). Candidates are expected to commute to the Manhattan office on a semi-regular basis.

• Compensation: Academic credit only.

Why Start Your Career at ABRAMS?

• Hands-on Experience: You aren’t just getting coffee; you are proofreading passes, researching acquisitions, and providing creative input on major imprints like Amulet Books and Abrams Appleseed.

• Mentorship: Benefit from a structured program designed to provide coaching and feedback from some of the industry’s most respected editors and designers.

• Commitment to DEI: ABRAMS is dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through initiatives like the Amplify Award, offering you a chance to see inclusive publishing in action.

Application Requirements

To be considered, you must include a cover letter. Applications without one will not be reviewed. You may also include an optional writing sample (max 500 words) to showcase your editorial voice.

The Company & Culture Founded in 1949, ABRAMS holds the distinction of being the first U.S. publisher dedicated to art and illustrated books. This heritage deeply informs their Children’s division, where the motto “The Art of Books” is a living practice. The culture is characterized by visual excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a “boutique-feel” within a major house. Employees and authors frequently describe the environment as collaborative and family-oriented, where editors and designers work in tight-knit “apprenticeship” styles. The company is famously the home of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and creator Jeff Kinney has praised the team for being “sensitive to the nuances” of the creative process. It is a place where “bold ideas” are encouraged, and there is a strong, stated commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through initiatives like the ABRAMS Amplify Award.

The Location Headquartered in the “creative heart” of New York City (Lower Manhattan/Chelsea area), ABRAMS operates a hybrid model. For a Summer 2026 intern, this means experiencing the fast-paced energy of the NYC publishing world—specifically the “Silicon Alley” vibe—while maintaining the flexibility of remote work. The office is an experiential workspace where you’ll shadow “Pub Boards” and “Cover Meetings,” seeing firsthand how a sketch becomes a finished, award-winning book. Expect to commute “semi-regularly” to participate in high-level creative brainstorming and networking workshops.