$5,100
Jumpstart your career in publishing at our four-week summer intensive. Learn from the best industry professionals in book publishing and digital media.
Ready to turn your passion for books and media into a thriving career? Now in its 49th year, the NYU Summer Publishing Institute (SPI) is an immersive four-week summer program created for recent college grads, rising seniors, and emerging professionals looking to make their mark in traditional book publishing and digital media. You’ll get an insider’s look at how the industry works today, and you’ll learn from and connect directly with top publishing industry professionals. You can also earn graduate credit that puts you on an advanced track toward earning your MS in Publishing.
MS in Publishing and Summer Publishing Institute Upcoming Information Sessions
Explore how the NYU Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media prepares you for an exciting career in books, media, and digital content.
Join our academic team for a virtual session to learn about our MS in Publishing and Summer Publishing Institute programs.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026|6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Tuition
Credits
3
Final Application Deadline:
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Duration
June 1 - 25, 2027
(4 weeks)
Why attend the Summer Publishing Institute (SPI)?
Immerse Yourself in the Industry
At SPI, you’ll get a 360-degree look into how the publishing world really works! From the manuscript evaluation and submission process to designing buzzworthy marketing campaigns and navigating today’s evolving sales landscape. Through interactive workshops, expert panels, and hands-on strategy sessions, you’ll learn directly from the publishing professionals who shape what the world reads. You'll also get to step outside the classroom to experience exclusive visits to major NYC publishing houses, media companies, and iconic independent bookstores.
Editorial and Marketing Hands-On Workshops
Students will participate in in-depth explorations of key tasks and strategies in both editorial and marketing that will take place during a two-day workshop session. The editorial workshop will introduce students to how manuscripts are acquired and edited, with a hands-on opportunity to edit an actual manuscript, write a letter to an author, and practice other important skills. A leading editorial professional from a top publishing company will provide detailed feedback.
In the marketing workshop, students will learn the elements of an effective campaign to reach target audiences and ultimately sell books. A top marketing executive will guide students through the process of writing social media and marketing copy that relays a powerful message and entices readers to convert interest to sales. The goal of these workshops is to prepare students for entry-level positions in book publishing, as well as to give them the key editing and marketing tools needed to advance to more senior editorial positions.
A Day in the Life at SPI
What does a day of SPI programming look like?
At SPI, you can expect an intensive, fast-paced learning experience designed to help you get the absolute most out of your time with us! A typical day runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including a one-hour lunch break and short pauses between sessions.
Each day brings something new and features a combination of lectures, panels, hands-on workshops, and collaborative project work, and on select days there are also site visits to major book and digital media publishing houses. The entire cohort learns together in one central space, so there is no need to register for individual classes or workshops.
Below are just a few highlights from last year’s schedule to show you what's in store:
- Publishing 101: Everything You Need to Know
- From Manuscript to Marketplace: Lifecycle of a Book
- Digital Media Today: The Industry and Its Roles
- Networking Skills - Lessons in Outreach and Follow-up
- The Role of the Literary Agent
- Acing the Interview: Interview Skills 101
- The Elements of Design: An Overview of Digital and Magazine Design Concepts
- Becoming an Assistant: The Whole Truth
- AI and Publishing: What You Need to Know
- Hands On Workshop: What Kind of Editor Would You Be?
- A Look Through the Looking Glass of Children’s Books
SPI is a rigorous, in-person program that is designed to help students network, polish their resumes, and gain hands-on experience with their assignments and projects throughout the course. Our team is always on-site to assist students, and leading up to the program, we are just an email away - please check out our FAQs below, or if you have any other specific questions, you can email us at pub.center@nyu.edu.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Admissions Criteria
Who should apply?
Students who are interested in the power of narrative and the spread of new ideas; those eager to learn about the latest publishing practices, including digital strategies and platforms; and those who want to understand the business side of the media industry will benefit from the Summer Publishing Institute.
It is helpful to have publishing experience that has been acquired through internships and/or summer jobs, by working in libraries and bookstores, or through involvement with school publications. Skills or interest in writing and editing, digital media, video editing and producing, podcasting, social media, and other areas of publishing and media should be highlighted in your personal statement when applying. Proficiency in writing is crucial, because publishing professionals must be able to express themselves in a variety of written forms.
SPI is designed for recent college graduates, rising college seniors, and young professionals who are just starting out in the field. SPI welcomes international students.
How do I apply?
To apply for admission to SPI, submit the online application form accompanied by your résumé, a personal statement, and a nonrefundable application fee of $50. Rising college seniors must include a letter of reference from their undergraduate academic advisor stipulating that they are on track to graduate in Spring 2027.
Transcripts from all colleges attended and two letters of recommendation from professors, internship advisers, or employers also should be submitted when you apply. International students also are required to submit TOEFL scores.
SPI 2027 Scholarship Program
Each year, a number of scholarships to the SPI program are offered. These are partial scholarships of varying amounts and all accepted students are eligible. Upon receiving notice of acceptance into the 2027 program, there will be a link to the scholarship application embedded in the acceptance letter. Students need to submit only one scholarship application in order to be considered for all of the scholarships. The deadline to submit the scholarship application is March 25, 2027.
Application Deadlines
Program Start Date: June 1, 2027
Program End Date: June 25, 2027
Priority Application Deadline: Monday, February 22, 2027
Final Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Scholarship Application Deadline: Sunday, March 2, 2027
Tuition Deposit Deadline: April 16, 2027
Final Balance Deadline: May 17, 2027
Please Note:
- Your seat in the SPI 2027 program is not confirmed until you submit your tuition deposit.
- Once we reach a certain number of deposits, (which could occur prior to the tuition deposit deadline), we will then be placing additional applicants on the waiting list.
Refund Policy
The SPI tuition deposit is non-refundable. The deadline to place a refund request for the remaining tuition balance must be made by June 4, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is SPI unique?
At SPI, we want to help you jumpstart your dream career in publishing with a targeted, accessible publishing education. We offer the same rigorous, top-tier educational experience as longer summer programs, but streamlined into a four-week format that’s both manageable and more affordable. It’s a high-impact way to build practical skills, connect directly with industry professionals, and launch your career with confidence.
What specific career-building skills will I learn?
At SPI, you’ll gain a full suite of practical, real-world tools designed to help get you noticed by employers. Our interactive sessions cover everything from strategic networking, personal branding and mock interview practice to writing effective cover letters and optimizing your LinkedIn presence. Plus, you’ll get direct, one-on-one expert feedback on your resume from a publishing industry hiring professional.
What about learning outside the classroom?
The learning at SPI extends beyond lectures, panels, and workshops! During these four weeks, we organize visits to leading book publishers, media brands, tech companies, and iconic independent bookstores. We also host networking events and a Career Fair, where students meet HR managers from top publishing companies.
What days and times are classes held during SPI?
The program runs Monday through Friday from approximately 9 AM - 5 PM.
What is the breakdown of fees for SPI 2027?
Tuition for the 2027 Summer Publishing Institute is $5,100. Here is a quick breakdown of payments and housing:
- Tuition Deposit: A $500 non-refundable deposit is due by April 16, 2027 to secure your spot in the cohort. This deposit goes directly toward your total tuition balance.
- Remaining Balance: The remaining $4,600 tuition balance is due by May 17, 2027.
- Housing (Optional): All accepted students are eligible to live in NYU summer student housing. Housing is billed separately, and official rates for Summer 2027 will be shared as soon as they are finalized by the university.
Is there financial aid available for SPI?
While Federal student financial aid is not available for this program, we do offer a number of scholarships covering partial tuition. In addition, we suggest that you reach out to your undergraduate college or university's financial aid office, as they may have knowledge of private student loan providers.
Is on-campus housing available during SPI?
Absolutely! Each summer, we set aside dedicated NYU campus housing just for our SPI cohort. You’re welcome to arrange your own housing or live off-campus, but if you wish to stay in an NYU residence hall, you’ll just complete a separate housing application after acceptance. We’ll send details and next steps as soon as soon as they’re available, and we recommend applying for housing as soon as it’s available in order to secure your spot.
What is the daily dress code for the program?
The standard dress code for SPI is business casual. We want you to be comfortable throughout our full-day sessions, while still maintaining a polished look since you'll be meeting and networking with industry leaders every day.
Here is a quick breakdown to help you pack:
- Daily Attire: Business casual is perfect for regular classroom sessions and workshops. Nice jeans (without any rips or tears) are completely fine. Keep in mind that NYC weather in June can get quite warm, so breathable, comfortable clothing is ideal.
- Special Events & Interviews: Be sure to pack slightly more formal business attire for high-profile events like the Career Fair, mock interviews with HR professionals, and industry visits.
- Footwear & Comfort: On certain days at SPI, you'll be doing a fair amount of walking between campus locations and site visits, so comfortable shoes are essential! We kindly ask that you reserve overly casual items like flip-flops, tank tops, or shorts for your free time.
Can I work part-time while attending SPI?
The Summer Publishing Institute is an immersive, fast-paced program designed to help you get the absolute most out of your time with us! A typical day runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including a one-hour lunch break and short pauses between sessions. Because every day is filled with lectures, collaborative projects, and career events, we expect all students to be fully present. Therefore, holding an outside job during the four weeks of the program is not possible.
Do I need to submit a final transcript, or are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
Because SPI starts right as the academic year wraps up for many colleges, we know final transcripts aren't always ready before our program begins. Our admissions team is completely aware of this schedule, so once your school releases it, we ask you to simply forward your final transcript to Admissions.
Can I earn graduate credits by taking SPI?
Yes! By completing SPI, you will earn 3 graduate credits that can be applied to the MS in Publishing degree at NYU. The credits may also be applied to other university programs that are willing to accept them.
What will come away with after four weeks at SPI?
The list is endless, but here’s a start:
- You’ll gain a deep and immersive knowledge of all key publishing and media functions, as well as instruction in the skills publishers look for when hiring for entry-level positions.
- You will make invaluable industry connections through the Career Fair and networking events, and you will get an inside look at how publishing, media, and technological companies work through our industry visits.
- Your hands-on group assignments and projects will introduce you to the teamwork and collaboration that is so essential to a career in publishing.
- Finally, it is our goal that after four weeks of SPI, you will emerge with a deep passion for publishing… and for your career path ahead!
MS in Publishing
The MS in Publishing offered through the NYU SPS Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media (PWM) is the only publishing master’s program aligned with a summer publishing program. Students who are accepted into the MS in Publishing and who successfully complete the Summer Publishing Institute earn three credits toward the 36-credit graduate degree. The application fee for the MS in Publishing application will be waived for all SPI students.