The first day of class, I felt like a fish out of water because I had never in my twenty years in school (high school and college) thought that “cartoons” would be a teaching medium at an academic institute. Skip to six years after that fateful encounter, I have over two hundred pages in my scholarly manuscript and will soon be defending my dissertation wherein I examine the gender roles of women (both real and fictional) within the field of Japanese anime and manga. After having spent the last five years researching the field, I can strongly advocate for how the graphic novel has been unjustly frowned upon by the gatekeepers of literary canons. The form of Japanese anime and manga is not only a valuable artifact of the Japanese culture but also provides critical insight into the social, political, and economic goings-on in Japan. As a scholar of the form in the west, I realized how scholarship surrounding this form is lacking, which made my resolve to write a book-length dissertation on said topic even stronger.

Manga is said to be a form that has rich narratives, unique art styles and artwork, and often can emotionally move the consumers of the form. Manga, however, has only recently been considered as a serious literary form worthy of scholarly inquiry. Manga is far from being a pastime form of entertainment,  if anything, it bridges literature, art, and cultural studies. Manga is comparable to novels or epic poems being episodic in nature—allowing for longer time spent with characters within the manga. The mangaka I am specifically working with is Rumiko Takahashi—who is a worthy candidate for scholarly inquiry given the variety of works she is accredited with. Takahashi is also the most popular mangaka of the form given that she debuted writing for shonen (boys’) manga magazines—a feat uncommon for women when Takahashi emerged in the publishing industry. Her works and life serve as a critical commentary on the social aspects of the Japanese society especially those of gendered divisions of labor. Takahashi also changes the status quo of gendered power dynamics as reflected in the popular culture of the Japanese society—through the creation of powerful female characters that have agency over their bodies and are not merely subject to the male gaze.

Having said that though, not just Takahashi but also other popular names within the industry are credited with works that engage with larger thematic concerns, both local to Japan and globally. As a master’s student when I first encountered the work of Hayao Miyazaki, specifically Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, I realized this was no ordinary “comic book”—Miyazaki’s work in fact touches upon themes that are even more so relevant today despite the manga being written and published in the 1980s through 1990s. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind talks about the relationship between humanity and nature and Earth’s process of healing and detoxifying itself from war induced pollution. Nausicaä the titular protagonist is also depicted as a pacifist, hates the idea of war, choosing instead to resolve the problem (earth and earthly creatures’ attack on humans) to detoxify nature, in non-violent ways.

Manga (comic books) are also literature, in fact they are so much more than literature—they can teach you a way of life and inspire readers. In honoring manga as a literary form, not only can we broaden our cultural understanding of Japan and the scope of cultural and interdisciplinary studies but also broaden our understanding of what constitutes global literature. Manga is not just a valuable form to literature but to the arts in general given the multimedia aspect of the form and one that is worthy of serious academic and literary (discourse) considerations.

Nikita D’Monte
Alpha Psi Nu Chapter
The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to

• Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
• Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
• Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
• Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
• Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
• Serve society by fostering literacy.

With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.

Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.

Me!

I’m not exactly sure when or where my affinity for long sentences began, but it notably reached a peak (and has not yet gone back down) in September of 2023, when I read my now-favorite novel, Nathan Hill‘s The Nix. I remember reading a pages-long chapter that was made up of one sentence; I turned to my friend and announced what I’d just encountered. Usually reading is a solitary experience for me (unless I’m reading with my mom, which is my favorite way to read [Hi, Mom!]), so it was certainly a big deal that I felt I had no choice but to tell my friend about the one-sentence chapter. I gushed about how hilarious it was, how entertaining, how masterful. How the usage of commas, em-dashes, parentheses, and conjunctions was just perfect. Nathan Hill has a talented—and patient—editor. Before The Nix, I hadn’t stumbled across anyone bold enough to do something like that. After The Nix, I wanted to read more.

I picked up Mauvignier’s The Birthday Party  because I’ve been wanting to read more translated work after my successes with Gianfranco Calligarich‘s Last Summer in the City (translated by Howard Curtis) and Natalia Ginzburg‘s The Dry Heart (translated by Frances Frenaye). A literary thriller sounded interesting, especially one that promised anonymous letters and unwelcome visitors. I knew going into the book that Mauvignier’s prose was held in high regard, so I was looking forward to diving in. I did not expect the first page to be made up of one sentence, but by no means was I disappointed. It took me a few pages to feel settled in, but once I was, I could hardly put the book down.

Because The Birthday Party is a slow-burning thriller, it takes time to get readers familiar with its characters. The book’s long sentences are jam-packed with identifying information about its main characters, Christine, Patrice, Marion, Ida, and the others (whom I will not mention here to entice you to read the book), and by spending more time reading the sentences, you spend more time getting to know the subjects of the story.

Another thing Mauvignier is able to do through his extended sentences is to subtly and effectively interweave perspectives. There are plenty of section breaks, but they’re not cop-outs to switch point of view. Mauvignier jumps from character to character like there’s no tomorrow, yet we don’t get lost in the prose. Instead, we’re even more engaged. Different characters are able to reveal different tidbits of information to us, and the pacing of The Birthday Party is so fantastic that we’re constantly learning things, 400+ pages into the book, just like we were doing on page one. And I have yet to mention this, but believe it or not, the entire thing takes place mostly over the course of one evening.

I finished The Birthday Party a few days ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. In my opinion, it’s a five-star book. It has everything I want in a novel: well-developed characters, a setting that functions as a character, delicious and intentional prose, and more. It couldn’t have accomplished any of these feats without exceptionally long sentences, and for those, I am grateful.

So, what do you think? Are you a fan of long sentences? (And if you are, do you have any recommendations for me? I’d love to continue reading books like The Birthday Party forever.)

Erin Gray
Alpha Tau Iota Chapter, Vice President
University of Iowa

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to

• Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
• Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
• Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
• Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
• Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
• Serve society by fostering literacy.

With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.

Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.

Step 1: Invite Your Chapter Members

They’re your friends, they’re your peers, and they’re in the same boat! Who better to invite than a room full of people who love discussing books? Now, I know what you’re thinking. This might sound an awful lot like an English class. You do the assigned reading and show up to discuss. But it does not have to be. Plan a fun chapter night! See if you can get drinks or cookies. Maybe you can even host it at a coffee shop for a change. If all else fails, get creative! Members could come costumed or all in one color or in pajamas if it suits the mood.

Step 2: Obtain the Goods

The library is a great place to start! Whether on campus or at a local library, chances are there are a few free copies of a great read floating around. If you’re looking for suggestions, you could use one of our Society created Book Club Kits to help you pick your next read! Double up if you have to! Share the free book love with a friend by taking turns with a loan before the book club date arrives. Or look into second-hand bookstores. Thrift Books has a lot of titles for $5-8, and the more you buy, the more free book credits you can collect. You may also notice that some libraries will let you borrow a full bag of the same book to lend out to all your book club members.

Step 3: Discuss

If you’re suddenly finding that your mouth has gone dry and your mind has gone blank at this stage, have no fear! We’ve got this step covered for you. You can pull questions and discussion points from one of our Book Club Kits. These also come with interdisciplinary activities for the whole group, which we encourage you to explore. Sit down and make a playlist together or draw a picture or try your hand at a poem of your own. Incorporate some sort of activity to break the ice and get the juices flowing.

Step 4: Act!

Don’t let your discussions end when book club does. Follow through with it. Take your points of discussion and generate them into action. Brainstorm service projects or group activities that you can all do together based on the book’s themes. Another great way to serve is by donating your books. Help someone else fall in love with their next favorite read. Maybe they’re the next person you can draw into the book club fold.

Kelly Taylor
Student Advisor, 2024-2026
Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter, President
Chapman University, Orange, CA

Book Club Kits

Sigma Tau Delta is now creating Book Club Kits! These kits are designed to bring chapters closer together by creating activities for them to participate in together. They also provide opportunities for chapters to feel more connected to the international Society through the feeling of unity reading the same book can provide.

Contents

• Themes: Every kit contains four pages that focus on one theme or element each. Chapters can discuss all four or pick which ones they would like to use.
• Engagement Prompts: Each of these theme sheets includes discussion questions, interactive activities, and sparks to inspire service-related conversations.
• Community Resources: At the back of the kit, there is a list of community resources for chapters interested in pursuing service projects related to the collection’s themes.

Existing Book Club Kits include One of Ours,  When My Brother Was an Aztec, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, and Sing, Unburied, Sing. Keep an eye on the Book Club Kits page of English.org for more kits to be released over the coming year.

Service Projects

We encourage chapters to consider service projects related to book club conversations. Each kit will provide valuable resources for how to better understand many of the issues addressed in contemporary literature. Chapter members should consider the many ways that these resources may inspire individual or chapter actions. Remember: no project and no action is too small! Volunteering time and skills is also a valuable resource. Hosting open discussions about issues raised in Book Club is a way of serving individuals, groups, and communities. Service through words is an important part of raising awareness.

Book Club Service Award

Any chapter that completes a service project is eligible for a Book Club Service Award of $200. These awards will be distributed after service projects have been completed by chapters. Chapters can be funded for one project within the award period.

Visit the Book Club Kits page of English.org for more information on our existing kits and supplemental material, including application guidelines for the Book Club Service Award.

Reading Anne of Green Gables in high school would shake me from this apathy. The novel’s pastoral setting and sense of place felt so specific and observed, such that I began to wonder if I could capture my environment’s essence in the same way. This aspiration was further set in motion when I took an American literature course that covered the literary movement of regionalism and the authors who highlighted the culture, history, and idiosyncrasies of their communities.

From household names like Mark Twain and Harper Lee to writers such as our 2025 Spotlight Author, Willa Cather, there are a wealth of authors who construct their settings with a specificity that endures in readers’ minds and often conveys rich social subtext. Many contemporary artists have also embodied this style to stunning effect. One of my favorite examples of this is Sufjan Stevens and his two state-themed albums, Michigan and Illinois, in which he uses the geographical and historical landscape of the American Midwest to traverse his own complex emotional terrain.

Upon attempting creative writing more seriously in college, I found myself pursuing a similar approach, placing my work firmly within the landscape I had once avoided altogether. For one short story, I attempted to achieve this verisimilitude by researching local history and state flora. I took pictures and notes of nearby landmarks to reference for various scenes. Gradually, my specific region of Kansas became an integral texture in my art as I worked on more stories and poetry. I found that contextualizing my works within my surrounding communities provided an engaging avenue to explore both particular aspects of American culture as well as the human condition more broadly.

Through this process, I’ve come to learn that any place can become fertile ground for creativity when one simply appreciates the richness of their surroundings. In the same vein, I believe in the continued potential of this regionalist tradition to provide a deep well of inspiration from which writers can create uniquely personal work that still carries universal appeal.

Isaiah Russell
Student Representative, High Plains Region, 2024-2025
Rho Psi Chapter, President
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to

• Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
• Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
• Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
• Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
• Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
• Serve society by fostering literacy.

With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.

Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.

Best Individual Photo

Sydney Anderson
Alpha Epsilon Omicron Chapter
Whitworth University, Spokane, WA

Sydney Anderson posing in her Sigma Tau Delta stole as a freshly graduated English major.

Best Group Photo

Emily Weseljak
Alpha Nu Upsilon Chapter, President
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI

Alpha Nu Upsilon Chapter Co-Presidents, Grace Guyer and Emily Weseljak, share a laugh.

Most Creative Photo

Mikaila Adams
Alpha Theta Alpha Chapter
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC

Mikaila Adams standing next to every book she read for her English degree!

More from Footnotes: July 8, 2025

Summer Awards Cycle
Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards
Classroom Library Grants
2026 Spotlight Author: Tennessee Williams

The Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards.

There will be two prizes of $1,500 each: one for a picture book or graphic novel, and a second for a middle grade or young adult novel, in which the protagonists are intersectional.

These annual cash prizes will be funded by RYW board member, Federico Erebia, and his husband, James J. Jordan.

“Now more than ever, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized or underrepresented voices need encouragement to create their high quality books for children,” Erebia said. “We’re looking for stories that show the beauty, worth, and potential of intersectional children and teens.”

“It’s our hope that these awards will incentivize publishers to seek more manuscripts with intersectional characters,” Jordan said. “Children who deal with real world societal issues because of who they are should see themselves in some of the books they read.”

Wenjen said, “Intersectional individuals often deal with compounded prejudice and discrimination, because of their identities, in combinations rarely seen in children’s literature, despite the large number of children, teens, and adults who live these truths daily.”

“It’s surprising that there are no awards, prizes or other incentives to promote intersectional books,” Tranchino added. “We hope these awards will shine a spotlight on these stories with intersectional representation.”

The Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards will be administered by Read Your World, Inc. [formerly Multicultural Children’s Book Day].

PADIBA Awards 2026

Williams frequently wrote in the Southern Gothic tradition, which he shared with other New Orleanian writers, such as Kate Chopin and Anne Rice. New Orleans’ rich literary history can be found in its alleyways and bookshops, streetcars and cemeteries. We will celebrate this unique literary history in all its manifestations at the 2026 Convention and welcome papers on all aspects of New Orleanian literary heritage. It is also celebrated each year by the Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival, which will hold its 40^th anniversary festival March 25–29, 2026, just prior to the start of the 2026 Convention. Come to Convention early and see the New Orleans Literary Festival!

2026 Convention: Second Lines & New Beginnings

March 29 – April 1, 2026
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Visit the 2026 Convention Website for more event information.

Important Dates

Submissions Open: September 22, 2025
Submissions Close: October 27, 2025
Decision Date: November 18, 2025
Early Registration Opens: November 18, 2025

Common Reader

Salvage the Bones, by Jesmyn Ward

More from Footnotes: July 8, 2025

Summer Awards Cycle
Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards
Graduation Photo Contest Winners
Classroom Library Grants

Outstanding Chapter Award

Sigma Tau Delta’s Outstanding Chapter Award is designed to recognize local chapters that have exhibited outstanding motivation, creativity, and service in the preceding year. Award recipients will receive a check for up to $500 and a plaque. Winning chapters may also receive up to $350 in travel assistance for sending at least one student representative to the annual convention and bringing a chapter exhibit. Any active chapter is eligible to apply for an Outstanding Chapter Award, but no chapter may receive an Outstanding Chapter Award in consecutive years. Chapters that wish to apply must have completed the 2024-2025 Chapter Annual Report. Note: For the first time in 2025, applications for the Outstanding Chapter Award are moving from an email submission to our AwardSpring platform. Visit the Outstanding Chapter Award webpage for details on how to apply.

Classroom Library Grants

Sigma Tau Delta’s Classroom Library Grants are designed to enhance the Society’s goals of promoting interest in literature and language in the surrounding communities; fostering all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; and serving society by fostering literacy. The Classroom Library Grants are also intended to support our members who have entered the field of teaching and need material support to help achieve these goals through their work in the classroom by providing their students with a library in their own classrooms, especially where access to school or public libraries or to books in the home may be limited.

The Society will award up to five grants of $400 each per cycle to help alumni members of Sigma Tau Delta who have been teaching in a Middle School or High School classroom for five years or fewer. That is, applicants may or may not be recent college graduates; the Classroom Library Grant is intended to help new Middle School and High School teachers, whether in their first years out of college or in the first years of a second career, to build a classroom library for their students.

Community Service Internship Stipend

Sigma Tau Delta Community Service Internship Stipends offer funding for current undergraduate and graduate student members accepting internships for which their expenses exceed what they will be paid. Sigma Tau Delta will not cover expenses related to tuition and/or student fees. The Community Service Internship Stipend is a competitive program providing a limited number of stipends of up to $1,500 each. The internship must involve working for an “organization” while being directed by a supervisor/mentor within that organization, and the intern’s duties must be consistent with the applicant’s level of education, area of study, and career goals. Financial need will be taken into consideration in addition to internship length. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and providing verification of the internship.

Penguin Random House Internship: Priority Selection Application

The Penguin Random House internship program offers candidates the opportunity to work in the Penguin Random House Adult & Children’s divisions, attend weekly professional development programming, and learn about the world of publishing. This program is intended to provide opportunities for racially/ethnically underrepresented groups in the publishing industry. Active chapter members interested in learning about the world of marketing in book publishing are encouraged to apply. No prior publishing experience is required.

Interns will work remote for 21 hours per week at a pay rate of $20/hr. Intern schedules will be flexible to account for candidates who may be located in a variety of time zones. PRH offers internships in such areas as Editorial, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, Art/Design, Legal, Book Making, Finance, and Subrights. Internship offerings vary from cycle to cycle and will be announced by PRH when they open their application portal.

The Sigma Tau Delta Summer Awards Cycle is accepting applications for priority consideration to the summer 2026 PRH Internship. Sigma Tau Delta will submit the selected priority candidates from our Summer Awards Cycle to PRH during their application window in September. 

W. W. Norton Internship: Priority Selection Application

Sigma Tau Delta is partnering with the W. W. Norton College Division to offer Sigma Tau Delta student and alumni members the opportunity to gain experience in college/university publishing through a 12-week W. W. Norton Internship program. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience with the day-to-day work that brings books into existence, as well as opportunities to network with employees at the company and with fellow interns who frequently go on to become colleagues in the field.

Interns at W. W. Norton are paid $16 per hour and work a maximum of 20 hours weekly. Specific work hours are flexible, but interns are expected to work three or four days per week. All interns must be able to work during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).

More from Footnotes: July 8, 2025

Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards
Graduation Photo Contest Winners
Classroom Library Grants
2026 Spotlight Author: Tennessee Williams

At a Title I school, resources are often limited. I knew that in order to get my students excited about reading, I needed to provide them with books that would spark their imaginations. But I didn’t want to just fill the shelves with random titles—I wanted my students to feel a sense of ownership over their reading choices. That’s why I turned to them for input. Using surveys and book recommendations, my students helped me choose the titles that would fill our library. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and the excitement they expressed as they selected books for our classroom made me even more grateful for the opportunity the grant had provided.

One of the most special moments so far was when we finished The Lightning Thief as a class. Watching my students’ faces light up as they followed Percy Jackson’s adventures was unforgettable. Their discussions were full of excitement and connection to the characters. But what happened next truly amazed me—my students begged for the sequels! These were the same students who had once groaned when independent reading time was announced. Now, they couldn’t get enough. Thanks to the grant, I was able to buy the next books in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, and the magic continued.

For me, this moment was a reminder of why I became a teacher: to ignite a love for reading. It’s not just about finishing books—it’s about inspiring a lifelong passion for stories. I wanted my students to read not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Seeing their excitement grow each day has been the most rewarding part of this journey.

As we continued reading, I saw even more positive changes in my students. They now beg for extra independent reading time, excited to dive into their books. They make lists of books they want to read, share recommendations, and talk about the stories they’re exploring. Some students who struggled to find books that excited them at the start of the year are now picking up books on their own and asking if they can read more. It’s a shift I couldn’t have anticipated, but one I’m incredibly thankful for.

I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity the Classroom Library Grant has given me to foster this transformation. My students’ reading habits have changed—they’re no longer just reading because they have to, but because they want to. They’re excited to share their thoughts, make recommendations, and ask for more time to read.

This is only the beginning. I can’t wait to see where their reading journeys take them next. I’m so thankful to be part of their discovery of the magic of books and the joy of reading.

Zoe O’Malley
Classroom Library Grant Recipient, 2024
Fisher Middle School
Ewing Township Public Schools, NJ

Sigma Tau Delta Classroom Library Grants

Sigma Tau Delta’s Classroom Library Grants are designed to enhance the Society’s goals of

• promoting interest in literature and language in the surrounding communities;
• fostering all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; and
• serving society by fostering literacy.

The Classroom Library Grants are also intended to support our members who have entered the field of teaching and need material support to help achieve these goals through their work in the classroom by providing their students with a library in their own classrooms, especially where access to school or public libraries or to books in the home may be limited.

The Society will award up to five grants of $400 each per cycle to help members of Sigma Tau Delta who have been teaching in a Middle School or High School classroom for five years or fewer. That is, applicants may or may not be recent college graduates; the Classroom Library Grant is intended to help new Middle School and High School teachers, whether in their first years out of college or in the first years of a second career, to build a classroom library for their students.

Criteria For Selection

In choosing recipients, the Classroom Library Grant Committee will consider the following criteria:

• lack of economic and geographic access to books at your school, or another demonstrated need;
• the explanation of how the classroom library envisioned will support your goals in alignment with the Society’s goals; and
• supervisory endorsement of your classroom library project.

Please note that this grant is now only available to middle school and high school educators.

Deadline and Dates

Applications will be accepted June 23 through July 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Central Time (CT).

Past Classroom Library Grant Recipients

Building a Representative Library with a Classroom Library Grant
Our Classroom Library: Bridging the Gap in More Ways than One
Aiding Access with a Classroom Library Grant
A Classroom Library Grant: The Gift that Gives Again and Again
Building a Classroom Library as a First-Year Teacher
Feeding the Minds of Our Future
Classroom Library Grant: A Book Blessing
Classroom Libraries: Inclusivity and the Reluctant Reader
“I Finished a Book!”: A Classroom Library’s Impact
The Unofficial Guide to Getting the Best Books for your Classroom
Creating Lifelong Readers with a Classroom Library Grant
The Contemporary American Dream: The Impact of a Classroom Library Grant
Building My Classroom Library: A Bright Spot in a Tough Year
Special Books for Special Students
New Books, New Motivation
If You Build a Classroom Library, They Will Read
Books are Our Passports to the World
Striking a Match

More from Footnotes: July 8, 2025

Summer Awards Cycle
Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards
Graduation Photo Contest Winners
2026 Spotlight Author: Tennessee Williams

The interview, conducted by soon-to-be supervisors, surpassed my expectations. Their calming presence and insightful questions allowed me to elaborate on my experience, work ethic, and skills. It significantly eased my anxiety. I felt calm and content, knowing I had pushed past my anxiety, fear of failure, and presented my best self. Even if I did not land the position, I knew the door to publishing would remain open long enough for me to try again.

Two days after the interview, Penguin Random House offered me the Education Marketing and Special Markets internship for the Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 term. I was excited to embark on this new chapter of my life. Over the following six months, I immersed myself in various areas of marketing, delving into the education and retail side of publishing. Working closely with Kaitlyn Spotts and Spenser Stevens of PRH’s education department, I flourished as a writer, editor, and reader.

Being inexperienced with children’s books, writing blogs for educators and students had initially been challenging. Yet, with constructive feedback and guidance from Spotts, I honed my skills, finding enjoyment in creating collections, blogs, and engaging content for PreK-12’s Instagram page. Similarly, navigating Higher Education marketing sharpened my skills in crafting newsletters and refining my writing style.

Under Scott Lindrup’s leadership in the Special Markets team, I discovered my marketing voice. Participating in weekly marketing meetings and conducting email marketing campaigns deepened my understanding of marketing’s role in publishing and emphasized the importance of detail-orientation and collaboration.

Despite the internship being fully remote, I was graciously invited by Spotts and Stevens to visit Penguin Random House’s headquarters in Manhattan. This visit offered a firsthand glimpse into the company’s inner workings and its tight-knit community.

Attending launch meetings and events like NY Now at the Javits Center provided further insights into retail promotion and consumer engagement.

Furthermore, fostering connections with colleagues and shadowing teams fueled my interest in publishing, particularly in editorial work. Even though I have developed a newfound interest in marketing and publicity, my desire to advocate for authors and amplify marginalized voices as an editor never wavered.

Presently, I aspire to secure a position as an editorial assistant. I am eager to expand my writing portfolio and contribute to the world of publishing. This experience has empowered me to navigate life’s transitions and pursue my passions with confidence.

This internship experience not only provides recipients with professional opportunities, financial support, and personal growth but equips them with the tools needed to pursue their passions and career aspirations head-on.

My internship with Penguin Random House marks the beginning of an enthralling and enlightening journey in publishing, brimming with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Nyla Green
Penguin Random House Internship Recipient, Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
Alpha Alpha Phi Chapter
Mercy College, NY

Penguin Random House Internship Priority Consideration

The Penguin Random House internship program offers candidates the opportunity to work in the Penguin Random House Adult & Children’s divisions, attend weekly professional development programming, and learn about the world of publishing. This program is intended to provide opportunities for racially/ethnically underrepresented groups in the publishing industry. Active chapter members interested in learning about the world of marketing in book publishing are encouraged to apply. No prior publishing experience is required.

Interns will work remote for 21 hours per week at a pay rate of $20/hr. Intern schedules will be flexible to account for candidates who may be located in a variety of time zones. PRH offers internships in such areas as Editorial, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, Art/Design, Legal, Book Making, Finance, and Subrights. Internship offerings vary from cycle to cycle and will be announced by PRH when they open their application portal.

Eligibility

Applicants for Priority Consideration for a Penguin Random House Internship must be:

• an active student member of Sigma Tau Delta;
• pursuing an undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate degree;
• enrolled part- or full-time in a degree-seeking program;
• enrolled at a school within the United States (includes DC); and
• legally authorized to work in the United States.

How to Apply

To apply for the priority application for the Penguin Random House Summer 2026 Internship, eligible student members must complete the Sigma Tau Delta Penguin Random House priority AwardSpring application, available June 23 through July 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. CT.

Sigma Tau Delta will submit the selected priority candidates from our Summer Awards Cycle to PRH during PRH’s application window in September. 

Learn More: Penguin Random House Internship: Priority Consideration

Past Penguin Internship Recipient Blogs

My Summer with Penguin Random House
The Summer I Turned Into a Penguin: My Surreal Time as Penguin Young Readers Intern
Exploring the World of Children’s Publishing with a PRH Internship
Hidden Heroes: Working as a Production Editorial Intern at Penguin Random House
Interning at Penguin Random House through Sigma Tau Delta
An Internship Like No Other: Perseverance and Publishing at PRH
Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together: My PRH Internship
The One Where I Remotely Interned at Penguin Random House
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome to Apply for a PRH Internship
Saying ‘Why Not’ to a Career at Penguin Random House
Publishing in the Time of Covid: My Virtual Internship at PRH
Not So Random Memories from My PRH Internship
Making Protagonist Choices: My Internship at PRH
Perfect is Penguin: My Internship at Penguin Random House
My 140 Hours Interning at PRH’s Razorbill
How an Internship Shaped my Career
Spending Summer in an Igloo: My Editorial Internship with Penguin Random House
Interning at Penguin: Life of a Book Nerd
The Halfway Point: Penguin Group (USA) Summer Internship