Announcing the DRF David Miller Internship Programme 2025

• The DRF David Miller Internship Programme returns in partnership with Creative Access
• Two paid internships providing an entry level insight into rights and agenting in publishing
• Host partners include Penguin Random House, Faber, Profile Books, David Higham, Greyhound Literary, ILA, and PEW Literary.
• Interviews in June, 6-week placements from mid-September including a visit to the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

Applications should be made to Creative Access.

The DRF David Miller Internship Programme

Now in its fourth year, the DRF David Miller Internship programme creates entry pathways for people from groups under-represented in the publishing rights sector, in partnership with Creative Access, a leading social enterprise specialising in diversity, equity and inclusion.

The DRF David Miller Internship Programme with its educational brief supports two paid internships over a 6-week period.

The programme offers an entry level introduction to rights and agenting in publishing companies and literary agencies, providing a full understanding of the role of rights professionals within the wider industry. This will be achieved through first-hand experience and intensive training, with the specific aim of providing a significant stepping stone to the successful candidates in their search for future employment.  Their educational schedule will include a visit to the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, the key yearly rights event.

Accommodation will be provided and paid for if needed. The internships will be overseen and managed by the Trustees of the Deborah Rogers Foundation, together with senior executives from the collaborating publishing houses and agencies. The two interns will be given mentoring and guidance throughout their placements. 

Payment will be made in two stages, based on the current rate of the London living wage @ £13.85 per hour for seven hours per day for six weeks (£2,908.50). Expenses of £100 per week will be included for travel and other costs.  The total payable to each intern will therefore be £3,508.50, of which £2000 will be paid at the start of the programme and the balance after four weeks.

Companies committed to the programme who previously provided placements include Penguin Random House, Faber, Profile Books, David Higham, Greyhound Literary, ILA, PEW Literary, Lutyens & Rubinstein and Eccles Fisher.

The DRF David Miller Internship Programme is named in memory of RCW agent David Miller who died in 2016.

For further information about the programme, please visit the DRF website: https://www.deborahrogersfoundation.org/bursary

Application via Creative Access

Creative Access will lead the search for candidates with a particular focus in attracting those from communities under-represented in the sector. They will facilitate the initial longlisting of potential candidates, from which a shortlist will be agreed. The selection of the two successful interns will be made by an interview panel of highly experienced rights professionals associated with the Foundation. The internships will run 15 September - 24 October.

Applications should be made to Creative Access and will be open until 5 May 2025.

Praise for the DRF David Miller Internship Programme

In 2024  Leanne Francis completed the internship programme reflecting:

‘The David Miller Internship Programme has been a truly life-changing experience for me. I am incredibly grateful to the DRF, along with the collaborating agencies and publishing houses, for their invaluable support throughout the internship. I feel so excited to begin a career in publishing, confident in the knowledge and skills I have gained from this programme.’

Gill Coleridge, Founder of the Deborah Rogers Foundation, comments:

‘I am delighted that the Internship programme is returning once more. It is very exciting to witness its ongoing success.  I am incredibly grateful to all those who are involved with the scheme. It is a very fitting tribute to both David Miller and Deborah Rogers.’

Richard Cable, Director of the Deborah Rogers Foundation, says:

‘The internship programme continues to highlight the crucial work of rights teams in publishing. With our partner organisations‘ support we provide a unique cross industry opportunity to those from under represented communities to build skills and contacts and potentially begin a career in rights management.’

Mel Rodrigues, CEO of Creative Access says: 

‘At Creative Access, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Deborah Rogers Foundation for the 2025 David Miller Internship Programme. Financial barriers remain a significant obstacle to entering the literary world, and this initiative plays a vital role in breaking down those systemic challenges. By providing invaluable opportunities for individuals from under-represented backgrounds to gain essential experience in publishing rights and agenting, this programme is helping to build a more inclusive and diverse literary industry. We are proud to be part of this ground-breaking effort.’