DRF David Miller internship programme

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th May at 11.59pm

Training allowance: £3,508.50 (reflecting London Living Wage)

Working hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm, Monday - Friday

Duration: 6 weeks

Start date: 15th September 2025

Location: various London locations and including international travel


This entry-level springboard into publishing offers a hands-on introduction to the idea of rights and agenting, in partnership with some of the industry's leading publishers and literary agencies.

The Deborah Rogers Foundation's David Miller internship programme offers an entry-level introduction to rights and agenting in publishing companies and literary agencies, aiming to give candidates a full understanding of the roles of rights professionals within the wider industry.

This is achieved through first-hand experience and intensive training, providing participants with a significant stepping stone in their search for future employment. In 2024 the companies who provided placements and training include Lutyens & Rubinstein, David Higham Associates, ILA, Penguin Random House, Faber, Profile Books, PEW Literary, Greyhound Literary and Eccles Fisher Associates.

The two interns are given mentoring and guidance throughout their placements. At the end of the six weeks, they will have spent time with several publishing companies and agencies. The culmination of their experience is a joint presentation about the world of publishing rights and agenting.

Accommodation will be provided if required.

What you will learn

• The concepts underpinning intellectual property and copyright
• How publishing licenses work
• How authors and agents work together
• The role of the publisher both domestically and in international markets
• The ways in which translation rights are sold
• The role of literary scouts
• How publishers exploit the rights they have acquired
• And insights into some translation publishing markets in a variety of countries.
• The educational schedule includes a visit to the Frankfurt Book Fair, the key yearly rights event in October.

Who we are looking for

• This is a great opportunity to learn so we are looking for someone who is inquisitive and who will benefit from wide-ranging networking opportunities
• No previous publishing experience is necessary but you must be able to demonstrate a love of books and curiosity about the publishing industry, particularly rights and agenting
• Adaptability, flexibility and resilience to accommodate varied working environments and styles
• Strong communication and literacy skills, with great attention to detail
• Confidence to travel internationally and immerse yourself in the large-scale and busy Frankfurt Book Fair
• Highly organised and good at managing your time
  

To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• Upload your CV and cover letter as one document (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be accepted)
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Do not contact the company directly
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk

This opportunity is open to individuals from groups that are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.

The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Creative Access support programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of induction training, monthly masterclasses, wellbeing support, buddying / mentoring and more.