Pathways to Penguin Random House

How did you get into publishing?

Khira M: I studied publishing at Emerson College and interned at a newspaper, but then realized journalism wasn’t my path. Instead, I joined literary magazines and took on two roles at Pub Club, our student-run publishing house. In Summer 2024, I was accepted into the Writers House Intern Program. I applied for the Knopf Vintage Marketing Internship, but was rejected…A week before my last semester at Emerson, an HR rep reached out and asked if I was interested in Special Markets Sales. I was interviewed and accepted an offer an hour later.

Irina Z: I accidentally fell into it. I was an illustrator and graphic designer that got indoctrinated by my literature professors. Being one of the few students in the class that could draw and design, I found myself in a lot of campaign meetings and worked on literary competitions that featured judges like Natalie Diaz (poet and Pulitzer Prize winner). Eventually, I pivoted into marketing through my minor, leadership experiences, a marketing assistant position at a university press, and case competitions.

Melanie G: In college, I worked at campus literary/arts magazines as well as our Creative Writing program’s Reading Series, where I assisted visiting authors. I also explored the arts world outside of publishing: I interned at an oral storytelling studio, an arts education non-profit, and a multi-disciplinary arts center. Then, my junior year, I applied for summer publishing internships, including PRH’s — and got rejected. I worked at a non-profit literary magazine that summer, and the following fall, I applied for a PRH internship again. This time, I was accepted!

Amelia B: I fell in love with the publishing process while working on my university’s literature and arts magazine! I applied to a PRH internship my senior year but never heard back. After graduating, I applied to entry level publishing jobs and interviewed with a few places, but nothing panned out. In the Fall after graduating, I applied to two more PRH internships and heard back from one I was accepted into the program a few months later!

What advice would you give to those applying to roles at Penguin Random House?

Khira M: Be a nerd! Don’t be afraid to rant about your favorite imprint or sales metrics or book-to-movie adaptation. Publishing is a community of book lovers and networking your inner nerd is essential!

Irina Z: Don’t be afraid to cozy up to your professors after classes or during office hours. They have industry connections and experience. You can get insightful advice (or just a good chat).

Melanie G: People in publishing love a good story. Make sure that your cover letter tells yours!

Amelia B: Get as many eyes on your cover letters and resume as possible. It’s important to tailor every cover letter to the specific imprint or department you’re applying to. For example, you could briefly explain what’s meaningful to you about their mission, audience, or genre!