Internship Cohort 2023–2024
Internship Cohort for 2023–2024
Breaking into Publishing
Lowing Barriers to a Rewarding Career
JHUP Internship Cohort 2023 - 2024 Final Project
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Internship Cohort for 2023–2024
Charity Parris
Academic major(s) and/or fields of study: MFA, Creative Writing, American University (anticipated graduation date May 2025); BA, English, Lee University
Hometown: Georgetown, Tennessee
Born and raised in the Tennessee Valley, I am a writer who specializes in fiction, with experience in both nonfiction and poetry. An avid student and creative, I’ve always been drawn to the world of academia and storytelling. And through my time in the JHUP internship program, I’ve seamlessly blended those two passions. While interning at the Press this past year, I also participated in American University’s Writing Studies Program, where I studied and instructed under the mentorship of multiple seasoned professors.
Before interning at JHUP, I completed four years of active-duty service in the United States Air Force, which brought me to my current home, Washington, DC. Before my military career, I earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Lee University. During this time, I held on-campus positions as a writing tutor, an ESL instructor, and a writing intern in the Public Relations Department. While in these roles, I was also employed at various retail establishments to supplement my income.
As a first-generation college student and minority professional, finding a publishing internship focused on DEIA was incredibly important to me. To me, fostering diversity in its truest form means both unlocking the door to opportunity for those without a key as well as inviting them to a seat at the table. And it was in JHUP’s internship that I felt I had not only a seat at the table, but a voice that was heard and understood by those seated alongside me.
Upon the completion of the program, I can say with confidence that it was my experience at the Press that truly confirmed that a career in publishing will provide me with the professional development and workplace environment I’m looking for. Primarily a writer, I expected to only be interested in the editorial realm. However, through rotating among the four divisions of JHUP, I was pleasantly surprised to discover I have a genuine interest and talent for the production and business side of publishing.
Of course, I will always remain a writer at heart, but learning that my skills and interests align with so many areas of this industry has further edified my passion for this line of work. And without initiatives designed to seek out underrepresented groups and bring them to publishing, I’m not sure how much longer it would have taken me to get my foot in the door. The insights and experiences I gained this year are simply invaluable, and moving forward, I’ll carry them with me as I continue on my path toward professional growth and creative endeavors.
Plans after the internship and/or graduation: After this internship, I will be beginning a full-time position at Johns Hopkins University Press as a publishing operations assistant. Additionally, I’ll be spending the next year completing a draft of the novel I’m working on, which will serve as my thesis for the MFA program at American University.
Cordero L. M. Estremera
Academic major(s) and/or fields of study:
BA in Creative Writing and Philosophy at Denison University (2023); MFA in Creative Writing at Miami University (graduation 2026 spring)
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Cordero Estremera was born and raised in Iowa City and prides himself on hiking hidden paths, scaling mountains, and fishing. In Fall 2024 he’ll be attending Miami University’s MFA program in fiction. Through the publishing internship at JHUP, he’s learned HTML and XML and explored AI audiobooks. He’s developed a deep curiosity for the technology and data that drive the academic publishing industry and recommends you read the books that slow down life.
JHUP’s publishing internship provided me with the space to grow both in my career and as an individual. Before the internship, I understood the publishing industry to be merely editorial, and have since expanded this view. There are many aspects of publishing none of which require you to major in English or Journalism. My favorite part of this internship has been the invaluable mentorship and support from the JHUP family. This internship has changed my life for the better, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow over these months.
The biggest lesson learned was patience: patience with yourself, others, and life. The fastest path forward is always slowly.
Plans after the internship and/or graduation: Attend Miami University, teach creative writing, and work as a writing consultant. In December I’ll travel across South Asia.
Kristy Towson
Academic major(s) and/or fields of study: MFA in Creative Non-Fiction and Publishing Arts from the University of Baltimore (graduation 2025).
Hometown: Owings Mills, Maryland
Before joining the JHUP internship program, I had already self-published one anthology, giving voice to women with lived mental health experiences. However, I didn’t know what I didn’t know, so I set out to learn as much as possible about publishing to expand the reach of my book. What I appreciated the most was the breadth of knowledge shared by senior staff. My favorite part of the internship was the panel discussions with esteemed professionals from the industry. The contacts I gained from networking are invaluable, and I will cherish them forever. This program gave me the confidence to publish a second anthology. Although I came in with a focus on publishing, I left with a deeper understanding of DEIA and now want to incorporate these principles into my publishing work.
Plans after the internship and/or graduation: When the internship ends, I will apply the knowledge and skills I gained to continue building my mental health imprint.
Paige J. Holley
Academic major(s) and/or fields of study: Major in English, minor in Political Science, Loyola University. Anticipated Bachelor of Arts in English, class of 2024.
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
When I applied to JHUP’s internship program, I envisioned a familiar routine of fetching coffee and leisurely reading the latest publications. However, my time at JHUP turned out to be unexpectedly insightful rather than a rude awakening into publishing. While there were no coffee runs or cozy reading nooks (though they did have some impressive cubicles), the tasks I undertook were immensely valuable.
At JHUP, I had the chance to see into every department, from Acquisitions to Project MUSE, absorbing a wealth of knowledge. This experience broadened my understanding of publishing, revealing its multifaceted nature, and put an emphasis on the amount of teamwork required to be successful. The aspect of team, community, and unity is something I greatly appreciate and admire about JHUP, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. Surprisingly, the department that captured most of my interest was Contracts. Due to its intricate legal framework, and emphasis on negotiation, and ensuring the protection of all parties involved, my experience with them inspired and solidified my desire to pursue a legal career.
Beyond gaining insight into the inner workings of the Press, I connected with remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests. As an intern at JHUP I was encouraged by supportive staff and guided by an exceptional mentor. I learned invaluable lessons, including the importance of recognizing and navigating the intersectionality seen in both the professional world and everyday life. Additionally, I was awarded the opportunity to work alongside a talented cohort filled with optimism for the future of publishing. Even though my own path diverges from the publishing industry I am confident that they will continue to make significant contributions to the field, and I am grateful to have been a part of their journey.
Plans after the internship and/or graduation: After wrapping up my Publishing Internship at JHU Press, I'm gearing up for a summer filled with fresh opportunities and diving into new experiences. Alongside my commitment to ongoing education at Loyola University of Maryland, I'll be embarking on a new journey as a legal intern with the Maryland House Auto Council. Additionally, I'm eager to carve out time for cherished moments with family and friends, all while aiming to excel in my final year of undergrad studies.
Makayla Jefferson
Academic major(s) and/or fields of study: English with a focus in Professional Writing, University of Baltimore (graduated 2024)
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Growing up in the city of Baltimore, I found an interest in reading fiction and later became interested in writing it. Up until I was in high school, I only found interest in writing as a hobby but later started to see it as an option as a career. Throughout my academic career, I have been set on becoming a writer working in the publishing industry. Through my time at Johns Hopkins University Press, I learned about the experiences of people who had the same goals as me. This internship allowed me to experience what working in publishing means. I never thought much about academic publishing, but this internship became something that I have begun to consider. As a writer I have always focused strictly on fiction, never taking the time to take a second look at academic publishing which is as important as fiction. Through this internship, I have learned about how much DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access) impacts the publishing industry and how much work is put in to make sure things are accessible not only to employees but to those interested in the product.
Plans after the internship and/or graduation: I plan to continue to be a part of the literary world and travel.