Summer Publishing Institute

An intensive program designed to launch your career in book publishing and digital/magazine media.

The Summer Publishing Institute (SPI) is an intensive study of books and digital/magazine media in the heart of the publishing world—NYC The program combines workshops, strategy sessions, and presentations by some of the leading figures in publishing. Students hear from more than 200 guest speakers on the content creation, editing, marketing, sales, and digital aspects of the industry. Hands-on projects and dynamic networking events ensure that students gain real-world experience.

Due to COVID-19, SPI 2021 will take place as a three-week virtual program for students to learn about book publishing and digital/magazine media, from June 7 to June 25, 2021.

In this reimagined format, students will attend interactive workshops, strategy sessions, networking events, virtual visits to meet with publishing teams, and lectures taught by more than 100 industry leaders. Students who attended SPI 2020 Online found this experience an invaluable way to gain a deeper understanding of publishing and media, and to plan their career pathway ahead.

Join us for an online information session

Learn more about the NYU Summer Publishing Institute and the NYU MS in Publishing: Digital & Print Media program at our upcoming online info sessions.

Register for Info Session

“SPI gave me a place where I could engage in open and meaningful dialogues with both my future colleagues and publishing industry powerhouses. The program was the most comfortable environment possible to network with my peers, as well as learn from them.”

- Sarah Poultney, SPI 2020 graduate and MS in Publishing student (Class of 2022)

Book Publishing

Three weeks of the program are devoted to book publishing, with lectures and sessions on the complete publishing process, from acquisition and editing to marketing and sales.

Digital Media Magazine

Three weeks of the program focus on digital and magazine media, providing students an opportunity to test new ideas and learn about this content-driven industry.

Digital Emphasis

With workshops in InDesign, Video Editing, Photoshop and more, as well as study in all digital strategies and platforms, students develop the key skills and expertise needed to succeed in media today.

Skill Building

In addition to daily lectures, panel discussions and activities, students participate in skills workshops on topics like manuscript editing, social media marketing, SEO, cover letter writing, networking and more.

Final Projects

From day one, students synthesize what they learn at SPI through group projects to create and launch a magazine/digital media brand and a book imprint.

MS in Publishing

Students who successfully complete SPI and are accepted to the MS in Publishing may transfer 6 credits*.

* SPI Online earns 3 credits.

Students pose in front of the mural at Books Are Magic in Brooklyn.

Industry Visits

Our relationships with publishers large and small are a hallmark of the Summer Publishing Institute. Each summer students go behind the scenes at publishing and media companies to meet with editors, marketers, directors and others. Students also visit independent bookstores and expand their networks by meeting with alumni from across the industry.

Industry Visits

Penguin Random House
O, The Oprah Magazine
Vox Media
HarperCollins Publishers
Blackstone Audio
Nylon

Sourcebooks
Pitchfork
The Cut
Abrams
Macmillan
Alloy Entertainment

Career Fair

SPI culminates in a career fair, featuring more than twenty-five media and publishing companies. To prepare for this experience, SPI students are offered workshops on cover letters, best networking practices, one-on-one resume reviews, mock interviews, and more.

Success Stories

Our SPI graduates are our best advocates. Being part of the SPI alumni community means having connections to hundreds of professionals across the publishing and media industries. Each summer we welcome SPI alumni back to share their experience and advice with students to help them as they launch their publishing careers.

Digital Mrkt. Associate, Little Brown Young Reader

Having a network within the industry – even before gaining my first full-time job – was so uplifting. Savannah Kennelly Read More

Marketing Associate, Simon & Schuster

The high intensity days at SPI prepare you for the fast pace of the industry while also exposing you to the collaborative nature of publishing. Imani Seymour Read More

Assistant Editor, Food Network Magazine

I really value what SPI has given me: a core group of friends in my industry and city. Francesca Cocchi Read More

Pre-Press Production Assoc., Penguin Random House

SPI gave me the opportunity to meet and hear from so many inspiring individuals in publishing. Having the various roles in publishing explicitly explained to me really helped to solidify what direction I wanted to go in. Nick Patton Read More

Admissions Criteria

The Summer Publishing Institute is designed for recent college graduates, qualified rising college seniors, and young professionals who are interested in careers in book publishing and magazine/digital media.

SPI 2021 will take place as a modified remote program from June 7 - June 25, 2021.

Apply Now

Application Dates

Priority: February 5, 2021

International Student Deadline: March 1, 2021

Final Deadline: March 22, 2021

Required Documents

Personal Statement
Resume
Two Letters of Recommendation

International Students

TOEFL scores are required for applicants who did not complete an undergraduate degree in the United States or in a country where the only primary language is English

Rising College Seniors

An advisor letter stating that the student is on track to graduate in their given graduation year is required.

Fees

Application Fee $50

Tuition and Fees: $3,023*

Summer Housing (optional): approximately $270 per week

* For modified three week remote program

Scholarships

NYU SPI offers limited scholarships to qualified students. Scholarship applications are available to SPI students after they have been admitted to the program. Please e-mail pub.center@nyu.edu for scholarship information.

The NYU Summer Publishing Institute is grateful to the Carolyn Kroll Reidy Scholarship, the Hearst Foundation, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and the Women’s Media Group for their generous scholarship support.

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