20 Best MFA Creative Writing Internships in the U.S. for Emerging Writers
- For The Writers | Official · Authenticated & Thoughtfully Reviewed
- Dec 18, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Discover the top MFA creative writing internships in the U.S. Gain hands-on publishing, editorial, and literary agency experience to build your portfolio, grow your network, and launch your writing career.
For aspiring authors pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, internships have become decisive turning points in literary careers. Workshops may sharpen your prose, but internships immerse you in the professional world where stories become books, manuscripts become deals, and writers become published voices. Whether working at a literary agency evaluating submissions, contributing to editorial decisions at a publishing house, or assisting with events at a major writing center, these roles offer firsthand exposure to the machinery of the publishing industry.
Recent industry surveys highlight the growing value of these opportunities. A 2023 report from the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) noted that MFA graduates with internship experience were significantly more likely to secure their first book contracts or agent representation within five years of graduation. Similarly, publishing employers increasingly emphasize applied experience, citing internships as a top differentiator in hiring decisions for editorial and literary positions.
Writers who pair their MFA coursework with internships often report improved skills, greater confidence, sharper discipline, and a clearer sense of the publishing pipeline. Many trace their earliest breaks, whether a first byline, a manuscript request, or an introduction to an agent, to connections made during these placements.
Equally important are the professional networks that internships foster. As an MFA student, you’re not only building a portfolio but also forging relationships with editors, agents, and mentors whose guidance and advocacy can shape your trajectory long after graduation. In a publishing climate where access and visibility matter as much as talent, these networks provide a crucial bridge between education and career.
Whether you’re exploring literary internships, publishing internships for writers, or MFA-specific placements, the right experience can accelerate your entry into the industry and position you for long-term success. Below, we highlight 20 of the best MFA Creative Writing internships in the U.S.—opportunities designed to help you refine your craft while navigating the literary world with clarity, connection, and momentum.
1. Tin House
Location: Portland, Oregon
Known for publishing award-winning literary works, Tin House offers editorial, marketing, and events management internships. Interns gain direct experience with manuscript review, publishing logistics, and planning literary events. They work closely with editors on evaluating submissions, assist the marketing team with promotional campaigns, and help coordinate literary festivals and author readings. This comprehensive internship offers insight into the inner workings of a top-tier publishing house, allowing interns to engage meaningfully with the literary community.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: Approximately 20 hours
Continue reading: Tin House: Workshops, Scholarships, and Fellowships for Writers.
2. Graywolf Press
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graywolf Press is a nonprofit literary press offering internships in editorial, marketing, and publicity. Interns assist with manuscript evaluations, promotional campaigns, and author events. They gain experience in proofreading, crafting press releases, and managing book launches. Interns also collaborate with authors on public readings and workshops, making this a well-rounded internship ideal for those interested in literary publishing and event coordination.
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Average Salary: Approximately $15 per hour
Average Hours per Week: 15-20 hours
3. The Paris Review
Location: New York, New York
This iconic literary magazine offers internships that focus on editorial and digital content production. Interns are responsible for fact-checking, article development, and social media management. They assist with managing the slush pile, evaluating story submissions, and coordinating author interviews. Additionally, interns contribute to the magazine’s digital presence by creating web-exclusive content and supporting special editorial projects.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 20 hours
Continue reading: The Paris Review: A Literary Icon Shaping Global Literature Since 1953.
4. The New Yorker
Location: New York, New York
The New Yorker’s editorial internships are highly competitive, offering MFA students a rare opportunity to work behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prestigious literary magazines. Interns assist in fact-checking, editing, and content development while gaining firsthand exposure to the rigorous editorial process. They participate in editorial meetings, contribute research for major features, and work alongside experienced editors on both print and digital content. This internship is ideal for aspiring writers passionate about literary journalism and long-form narrative.
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Average Salary: Approximately $20 per hour
Average Hours per Week: 35-40 hours
5. McSweeney’s
Location: San Francisco, California
This innovative publishing house offers internships in editorial, design, and marketing, making it an exciting option for creative writers interested in experimental publishing. Interns work on content development, assist in production logistics, and participate in brainstorming sessions for future publications. They gain hands-on experience with manuscript editing, creative book design, and marketing campaigns designed to promote McSweeney’s unique literary projects. With its dynamic and collaborative work culture, this internship is perfect for those eager to explore the cutting edge of literary publishing.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 15-20 hours
6. Copper Canyon Press
Location: Port Townsend, Washington
Specializing in poetry publishing, Copper Canyon Press offers internships in editing, marketing, and nonprofit management. Interns learn about poetry-specific publishing processes, including manuscript review, marketing strategies for poetry collections, and managing author relations. They work closely with editors to evaluate submissions, assist in crafting marketing campaigns, and help organize poetry readings and literary events. This internship is ideal for MFA students passionate about poetry and nonprofit arts management.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 20 hours
7. The Kenyon Review
Location: Gambier, Ohio
MFA students interning at The Kenyon Review gain invaluable experience in literary editing, contest management, and author correspondence. Interns assist with reviewing submissions for the magazine, managing literary contests, and coordinating writing workshops. They participate in the editorial process from initial manuscript evaluation to final publication decisions. The internship also includes opportunities to engage with the literary community through readings, conferences, and workshops hosted by the publication.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
8. AGNI Magazine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
AGNI offers internships centered around literary magazine editing, submissions management, and production. Interns assist with evaluating submissions, providing editorial feedback, and contributing to the shaping of the publication's content. They also contribute to the production process, ensuring that issues are published on time and maintaining high editorial standards. This internship is ideal for MFA students eager to gain experience in literary publishing while working with a respected journal known for showcasing emerging and established voices.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
9. Electric Literature
Location: Remote
Electric Literature’s remote internships provide opportunities in digital publishing, content writing, and social media strategy. Interns contribute to the development of online literary features, craft engaging social media campaigns, and assist with the logistics of digital publication. They work closely with the editorial team to brainstorm and create content that highlights emerging writers and important literary conversations. This flexible internship is ideal for tech-savvy MFA students seeking to develop expertise in digital media and literary content.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
10. Poets & Writers
Location: New York, New York
Poets & Writers offers internships in editorial, development, and program management. Interns assist with the magazine’s publication process, content creation, and program outreach. They engage in crafting feature articles, conducting research on literary markets, and helping maintain the organization’s popular writing contests database. This role is ideal for MFA students looking to explore the publishing industry while contributing to one of the most recognized literary organizations in the U.S.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 15-20 hours
11. Catapult
Location: New York, New York
Catapult’s internships provide immersive experiences in book publishing, literary magazine editing, and online class administration. Interns assist in acquiring and editing manuscripts, managing content for Catapult’s literary magazine, and coordinating writing workshops. They also gain valuable insight into the business side of publishing by helping with book launches, marketing strategies, and event planning. This hands-on experience is ideal for MFA students interested in both editorial and teaching roles within the literary world.
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Average Salary: Approximately $15 per hour
Average Hours per Week: 20-25 hours
12. Milkweed Editions
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
As a nonprofit publisher, Milkweed Editions offers internships that cover manuscript review, book marketing, and author event coordination. Interns work closely with the editorial and marketing teams, gaining hands-on experience in evaluating submissions, managing production schedules, and crafting promotional materials for upcoming releases. They also assist with event logistics, helping to organize author tours, book launches, and public readings. This role is ideal for MFA students passionate about independent publishing and interested in the full lifecycle of book production, from manuscript acquisition to market release.
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Average Salary: Approximately $12 per hour
Average Hours per Week: 15-20 hours
13. Random House
Location: New York, New York
Random House offers internships across multiple publishing divisions, including editorial, marketing, and production, making it a sought-after opportunity for MFA students.
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Average Salary: Approximately $20 per hour
Average Hours per Week: 40 hours
14. Literary Hub
Location: Remote
Lit Hub offers editorial internships that allow MFA students to contribute to literary content, features, and special projects. This remote opportunity is ideal for those seeking a flexible schedule.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
15. Bellevue Literary Review
Location: New York, New York
This literary journal, which focuses on health, illness, and the human condition, offers editorial internships where MFA students can gain experience in reviewing submissions and planning for publication.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
16. The Rumpus
Location: Remote
The Rumpus offers remote editorial internships where MFA students contribute to content development, editorial planning, and social media outreach.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
17. VIDA: Women in Literary Arts
Location: Remote
VIDA’s internships focus on literary activism, research, and communications, providing a unique opportunity for MFA students passionate about equity in publishing.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
18. Coffee House Press
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coffee House Press offers internships in publishing operations, book marketing, and manuscript review, providing a comprehensive experience in literary publishing.
Paid or Unpaid: Paid
Average Salary: Approximately $12 per hour
Average Hours per Week: 15-20 hours
19. The Southern Review
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
MFA students interning at The Southern Review gain experience in literary magazine production, submissions management, and editorial development.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
20. Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop occasionally offers internships tied to its world-renowned program, giving MFA students access to literary event planning and workshop administration.
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Average Salary: N/A
Average Hours per Week: 10-15 hours
A Final Word
Internships give MFA Creative Writing students more than a line on a résumé—they provide a front-row seat to how the literary world really works. By stepping into agencies, publishing houses, and cultural institutions, you gain practical skills, insider knowledge, and connections that can shape your future long after graduation. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between the classroom and the publishing industry, applying to one of these competitive programs could be the catalyst that propels your writing career forward.
Have you taken part in one of these MFA creative writing internships? We want to hear from you. Tell us what it was really like—your story, challenges, and breakthroughs. By sharing your experience, you’ll not only amplify your own journey but also help future writers choose the paths that could shape their literary careers.
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