The DRF David Miller Internship Programme
The David Miller internship Programme focusses on creating entry pathways for people from groups under-represented in the sector, in partnership with Creative Access, a leading social enterprise specialised in diversity, equality and inclusion.
The annual award has an educational brief and supports two paid internships over a six-week period.
The programme offers an entry-level introduction to rights and agenting in publishing companies and literary agencies, aiming to give candidates a full understanding of the roles of rights professionals within the wider industry. This goal is achieved through first-hand experience and intensive training, providing participants with a significant stepping stone in their search for future employment. Topics covered include the concepts underpinning intellectual property and copyright; how publishing licenses work; how authors and agents work together; the role of the publisher both domestically and in international markets; the ways in which translation rights are sold; the role of literary scouts; how publishers exploit the rights they have acquired; and insights into some translation publishing markets in a variety of countries. The educational schedule includes a visit to the Frankfurt Book Fair, the key yearly rights event in October. The two interns are given mentoring and guidance throughout their placements.
Payment for the internship is made at the current rate of the London living wage, and travel to Frankfurt is covered by the Foundation. Accommodation in London for the six-week period is provided if needed.
In 2024 the companies who are providing placements and training include David Higham Associates, ILA, Penguin Random House, Faber, Profile Books, PEW Literary, Greyhound Literary, Lutyens and Rubinstein and Eccles Fisher Associates.
Creative Access manages the search for candidates with a particular focus in attracting those from communities under-represented in the sector. They facilitate the initial long-listing of potential candidates, from which a shortlist is agreed. The selection of the two successful interns is made by an interview panel comprising of highly experienced rights professionals associated with the Foundation.
The internships are overseen and managed by the Trustees of the DRF together with senior executives from the collaborating publishing houses and agencies.
The DRF David Miller Internship Programme is named in memory of RCW agent David Miller who died in 2016. Originally The DRF David Miller Bursary, in 2017 and 2019 it was awarded to a developing rights professional already working in the business. In 2022 it was refocussed by the DRF as an internship programme, in partnership with Creative Access.
The interns who will complete the programme in 2024 is Leanne Francis.
DRF David Miller Internship Programme 2024
Leanne Francis
Leanne Francis is a writer from Stockton-on-Tees who graduated with a first-class degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Newcastle University. She has since been a writer for The Publishing Post, co-editing the first full issue celebrating Black History Month, and for Big Black Books. She was shortlisted for the Poets of Colour incubator programme in 2023.
DRF David Miller Internship Programme participants
Milan Sehmbi (2023)
Milan commented on her experience saying: “The 6 weeks flew by, but I've learnt so much and I'm so excited to learn more! I’ll be forever grateful for such an amazing experience”.
Wiggy Bob Snow (2023)
Wiggy is a transgender writer and activist based in Folkestone. They have a first-class degree in English Literature from the University of Warwick and have recently completed their master’s in writing. Wiggy commented: “This internship has done more for me than you can imagine. On my own, without your endless support and generosity, I’m not sure how long it would have taken me to break into the publishing industry. You’ve opened a door that I thought might be locked, and for that, I will never thank you enough … I have never felt more comfortable or safe in a working environment before. I have felt welcome, respected and seen. It’s gone by so fast, and I’m sad that it's over, but also so excited to see where I go next.”
Valentia Adarkwa-Afari (2022)
Valentia said: “The DRF Internship has been one of the most invaluable experiences of my life. As a recipient of the internship, I have felt nothing but appreciation and gratitude towards everyone involved in creating such a wonderful experience for me in these past six weeks. With the support and knowledge I have gained I am confident in my ability to enter the profession and begin my journey with books!”. Valentia has joined Hachette as a Rights and Co-Editions assistant.
Hannah Asikhia (2022)
After completing the internship, Hannah also joined CAA as a translation rights assistant.
Hannah said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be one of the recipients of the David Miller Internship Programme. The experience has provided such an in-depth entry into the world of rights and I’m so excited to take everything I’ve learnt in these six weeks onto the next stage of my career.”
The previous winners of the DRF David Miller Bursary
Prema Raj
The 2019 DRF David Miller Bursary was won by Prema Raj, of AM Heath Literary Agency. Prema spent her 8 weeks working at Rosinante, Profile Books, Vintage, Grove and Einaudi. The runners-up were Camille Morard and Hana Murrell. Prema is currently Head of Rights at Lutyens and Rubinstein.
Prema said: “The Bursary has been an enormously valuable experience allowing me to expand my knowledge of translation rights and international contacts, and the publishing industry as a whole.”
