Applications open for the DRF David Miller Internship Programme 2024


Applications open for the DRF David Miller Internship Programme 2024

  • Announcing the return of the DRF David Miller Internship Programme in partnership with Creative Access
  • Two paid internships providing an entry level insight into rights and agenting in publishing
  • Focus on attracting candidates from communities under-represented in the industry
  • Interviews in June, 6-week placements from mid-September including a visit to the Frankfurt Book Fair 2024
  • Host partners include Penguin Random House, Faber, Profile Books, David Higham, Greyhound Literary, ILA, PEW Literary and Eccles Fisher
  • Applications should be made to Creative Access and will be open until 13 May 2024. For details of how to apply, please visit:

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The DRF David Miller Internship Programme

Now in its third 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 @ £13.15 per hour for seven hours per day for six weeks (£2,761.50). Expenses of £100 per week will be included for travel and other costs. The total payable to each intern will therefore be £3,361.50, of which £2000 will be paid at the start of the programme and the balance after four weeks.

Companies committed to the programme and who will provide placements include Penguin Random House, Faber, Profile Books, David Higham, Greyhound Literary, ILA, PEW Literary and Eccles Fisher.

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

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 comprised of highly experienced rights professionals associated with the Foundation, with interviews planned for w/c 24 June. The internships will run 16 September - 25 October.

 

Praise for the DRF David Miller Internship Programme 

In 2023 internships were awarded to Milan Sehmbi and Wiggy Bob Snow.

Wiggy comments on their experience saying: 

‘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’

One of the 2022 cohort, Valentia Afari, has recently moved to Hachette as a Rights and Co-Editions assistant. She comments:

‘Entering a publishing house would have been incredibly daunting if it wasn't for the DRF's diligence in placing me in publishing houses during the internship. Through my placements in Penguin, Faber and Profile, I was able to get a good sense of how publishing houses operated in comparison to agencies; an invaluable asset which has enabled me to venture into Hachette without any misgivings.’ 

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

‘I am delighted that the Internship programme is returning for a third year. 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.’

Bibi Hilton, Chief Executive of Creative Access, Partner to the DRF for the David Miller Internship Programme, says:

‘Creative Access’ own data confirms that financial barriers hinder many from entering and thriving in the literary world, with over half (57%) of respondents to our recent survey citing financial barriers as a significant threat to their creative career progression. The top three reported financial barriers when applying to jobs were commuting costs, unaffordable living costs, and lacking funds for relocation. The DRF David Miller Internship Programme's provision of accommodation, travel costs, and a fully paid internship is not only groundbreaking but crucial. This initiative sets a new standard, broadening access to individuals from underrepresented groups in publishing, literary rights, and agenting. We're proud to be a vital partner in this initiative.’

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