Internship Cohort 2022 - 2023

Hopkins Press - Learning About Publishing Through a Lens of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

JHUP Internship Cohort 2022 - 2023

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Cohort for 2022 - 2023

Aliza Li

Writing Seminars, Class of 2024

Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas

I applied to JHUP’s internship program hoping to gain experience in publishing, specifically in acquisitions. Prior to the internship, my experience with Hopkins Press and the publishing field was only that of a consumer—I bought and read books and journal articles, but I knew almost nothing about what goes into producing and distributing these products. Entering this internship, I was pleasantly surprised by how detailed and hands-on my work was. Not only did I learn about every division and role at the Press, I completed assignments like filing Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication (CIP) data in the Books division, proofreading an issue in Journals, and preparing an Open Access book with Project MUSE. All throughout, I was mentored by an employee of the Press who helped me understand more about the publishing industry and professional development in general. These learning opportunities were extremely valuable to me and taught me a great deal about workflow at a major academic press, as well as the challenges and rewards that come with this type of work. I was most pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my time outside of editorial. In fact, the internship helped me realize that design, marketing, and production are all areas of interest to me. As I and the other interns moved through the different divisions of the Press, we were met with strong support and encouragement from everyone we met and worked with. The people at the Press helped me to feel welcomed and more assured in my abilities, and now, I feel more confident in the possibility of working in publishing in the future.

I plan to continue working at JHUP as a student worker with Project MUSE. After graduation, I will apply to MFA programs in Creative Writing.

Ashlyn Peralta

Writing Seminars, Computer Science, Class of 2024

Hometown:  Levelland, Texas

My experience of the Johns Hopkins University Press Internship was incredibly fulfilling and insightful. While working alongside staff from all areas of the Press, from books to journals and even behind the scenes with Project MUSE, I was able to get a sense not only of what it is like to work in publishing and where I might best fit in, but, more importantly, what it is like to exist in an environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Even within the world of publishing, there are still opportunities to make the stories and voices of BIPOC and people of other marginalized groups accessible and heard. It was refreshing to see Hopkins Press focus on the issues that surround accessibility and to encourage and seek out stories that are not being published. One thing that I loved most was working and learning alongside other Hopkins students and staff, hearing their stories, and seeing how their unique backgrounds added to the experience of the internship. The JHUP internship was a wonderful reminder of how important and beautiful diversity can be and why DEIA has become such an integral part of the world today.

Plans after the internship and/or graduation

I plan to move somewhere warm and remain in the world of literature whether it be in publishing, teaching, writing, or all three.

Fatihah Ullah

International Studies, Political Science, Class of 2024

Hometown:  Gaithersburg, Maryland

During my time as a junior studying International Studies and Political Science at Johns Hopkins University, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Press. This experience has been transformative, both personally and professionally, as it has allowed me to delve into the world of academic publishing and gain invaluable skills and insights.

As a passionate advocate for the power of knowledge dissemination and the written word, I felt a strong affinity toward the mission and values of the Press. From the moment I stepped into the office, I was surrounded by a team of highly dedicated professionals who were committed to publishing scholarly works that shape discourse and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Their passion and expertise became infectious, inspiring me to give my best every day.

Throughout my internship, I was exposed to various aspects of the publishing process, including manuscript editing, proofreading, and formatting. Working closely with experienced editors, I developed a keen eye for detail and honed my writing and analytical skills. I learned to navigate complex academic texts, ensuring accuracy and consistency while preserving the author’s voice and intent. This experience significantly enhanced my ability to critically engage with scholarly material and reinforced my commitment to rigorous research.

Moreover, the internship offered me a unique opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes efforts required to bring a book from inception to publication. This deepened my understanding of the importance of editorial judgment, market analysis, and the editorial board’s role in shaping academic discourse.

Beyond the technical skills I gained, the internship fostered a sense of professionalism and collaboration. Working on our final project, I developed effective communication and teamwork skills, recognizing the value of open dialogue and constructive feedback with my fellow interns. Engaging with authors, attending author events, and contributing to the Press’s social media platforms further expanded my network and provided invaluable insights into the academic publishing industry.

Ultimately, my time at the Johns Hopkins University Press Internship not only provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the publishing process but also affirmed my passion for scholarly work. It reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in academia, armed with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field. This experience has been transformative, shaping my academic journey and instilling in me the values of intellectual rigor and the pursuit of knowledge.

Plans after the internship and/or graduation

After graduating from Johns Hopkins, I plan on attending law school to study International Law. I hope to research and aid in policy issues in rural parts of South Asia that support low-income and minority communities.

Taylor Young

B.A. Majors: Cognitive Science & Spanish;  Minor: Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Class of 2023

Hometown:  Baltimore, Maryland

My time interning with Johns Hopkins University Press (JHUP) has been a very educational experience. Ever since I can remember, I have always loved writing but until recently I never truly considered and learned about all of the processes that are involved when putting your writing out into the world. Through this internship, I learned all of that and more. Whether it was one-on-one talks with people in the industry, virtual panels with speakers inclusive of bookstore owners to graphic designers, or just sitting and talking with other people within the internship, I was always gaining valuable insight about the various ways in which one could get involved within the world of publishing. Overall, this internship taught me that publishing doesn’t just mean or imply simply publishing writing or putting it out for others to view, but it also means thoughtfully curating one’s work to answer questions like the following: By whom do you want your work to be received? How and where do you want it to be accessed? Who are you creating this work for? These questions and plenty more like them are deeply encompassed by the work done within publishing, and this internship opportunity through JHUP opened my eyes to such intricacies that one should consider when distributing their writing.

I truly appreciate everyone involved who took the time out to give us interns a detailed behind-the-scenes look into all that is publishing, for because of their dedication, I can reflect on my time with JHUP and recognize that I am leaving this internship with plenty of newfound knowledge and interests. From the creative processes that happen during book design to editing metadata to proposing new, more inclusive BISAC subject codes, this internship has taught me a plethora of skills that I hope to possibly use in the future when pursuing my own passions. Because of this, my past year with Hopkins Press and with my internship cohort has been one that I am sincerely thankful for.

Plans after the internship and/or graduation

Take a break from school and explore my passions!