I’m hiring! Or, more specifically, I’m hiring a new intern to work with me 2.5 days a week through the fall. For the right person, this is a great opportunity (I’m biased, I know, but I’m not lying), BUT it’s an internship, meaning remuneration is in the form of an honorarium (plus attractive-to-employers skills; loads of contacts; a fun and fabulous time, etc.) and you ought to be a student to apply to qualify for exemption under ESA regulations.

If this is you (or if you know someone who fits this bill), read on:

Communications/Publishing Intern, Toronto

ME:

Becky Toyne | www.beckytoyne.com
Publicist, The Writers’ Trust of Canada | Books columnist, CBC Radio One | Contributing Editor, Open Book: Toronto | Event host & interviewer | Editorial Consultant

I am an independent books columnist, editor and publicist looking for an aspiring communications or publishing professional to work with me through the busy fall publishing season.

YOU:

You will assist with the national publicity campaigns for: the Writers’ Trust Awards, including the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize; the $60,000 Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction; and the Writers’ Trust Gala, an annual black-tie fundraiser in support of Canadian writers and writing.

Additional responsibilities will include providing some research and admin support for my work as a print and broadcast books columnist and literary event host, and for the day-to-day running of my independent business.

This is a part-time position. Previous interns have used this as an opportunity to work a part-time job, or to work two concurrent part-time internships in the publishing industry. You would benefit from one-on-one mentoring while working on the national publicity campaigns for some of Canada’s most prestigious literary awards. My former interns all had a great time, learned a lot, and went on to get good permanent jobs in the book biz.

Responsibilities include:

  • Research mailing lists and media contacts
  • Compile and update media reports
  • Assist in preparation, coordination and execution of press conferences
  • Assist in preparation of press kits
  • Assist with researching and writing press materials, as necessary (including media releases and advisories, photo captions etc.)
  • Media outreach and follow-up, as necessary (with guidance)
  • Media advisory mailings
  • Assist with social media efforts
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Passion for books, reading, and to begin a career in arts communications or publishing
  • Confident communicator with an eye for detail
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Energetic self-starter able to work under own initiative
  • Social media, HTML and WordPress savvy

Period of internship: 12 weeks. September 8 to November 26, 2015.

Hours: 2.5 days per week. This could be 5 half days every week, or 2 full days and 1 half day, or 2 days one week and 3 the next, etc. Schedule to be mutually agreed. Please note that in addition to the 2.5 days there would be some evening events (award ceremonies etc.).

Remuneration: $750

Tools of the trade: Bring your own laptop, please.

Send cover letter and resumé to Becky Toyne at bt@beckytoyne.com by August 4, 2015.

Please write “Fall Intern” in the subject line.

Only those selected for interview will be contacted.