• Production Editor Internship (4x per year):

Description:
This internship is for the position of Production Editor for an entire issue of Descant, with the successful candidate focused on developing all aspects of production for the issue. Although this is an unpaid position, the intern will gain valuable knowledge in publishing, both in editing and production. With the help of the Editor, Managing Editor, and many other volunteers, you will be in charge of taking this issue from the Editor's hands through to the launch. Notably, the Production Editor also contributes a short essay (for which they are paid a $100 contributor's honorarium) and develops the 'News and Notes' section of the magazine.

Responsibilities:
Tasks will include corresponding with writers and artists, formatting in MS Word, copy editing, working with the typesetter, organizing advertisements, proofing, working with the printer, helping our webmaster update our website.

Skill Requirements:
- You should be a self starter and enthusiastic about publishing and writing;
- You should have finished or be currently taking the copy editing course at Ryerson;
- Programs we use include: MS Word, Foxfire and Thunderbird (email); some familiarity with the Mac OSX platform is a plus.

Internship Dates:
This internship is a 4 and 1/2 month position of three days (20 hours) per week. The position is offered 4 times per year, timed according to our production schedule. Applications are currently being accepted.

		Descant 148/ Call for Applications: End of Oct Interviews with Potential Candidates: early-Nov Position to Begin: mid-Nov
		Descant 149/ Call for Applications: End of Jan Interviews with Potential Candidates: early-Feb Position to Begin: mid-Feb
		Descant 149/ Call for Applications: End of Apr Interviews with Potential Candidates: early-May Position to Begin: mid-May
		Descant 150/ Call for Applications: End of Jul Interviews with Potential Candidates: early-Aug Position to Begin: mid-Aug

For more information, visit our previous Production Editors page

• Editorial Internships (2x per year):

Description:
The Editorial Intern will learn all facets of producing a literary journal and gain valuable hands-on experience as they assist with the day-to-day production of our magazine. Two interns are hired simultaneously, and work in direct collaboration with each other and under the direction of our Managing Editor.

Responsibilities include:
- copyediting each issue;
- responding to mail, faxes, phones and emails;
- making sure production schedules are followed;
- organizing editorial meetings;
- organizing all submissions, acceptances and rejections

Skill Requirements:
- superior communication and organizational skills;
- completion of a copy editing course in high standing;
- computer skills in MS Word and Thunderbird (email) on Mac OSX platform;
- an interest and knowledge in literature and publishing;
- an ability to work in a creative, fast-paced environment;
- an ability to follow direction and work on one’s own initiative

Internship Dates:
Each internship is offered as a 6-month position of two days (14 hours) per week. Two positions are offered two times per year. Applications are not currently being accepted.

Call for Applications: mid-Mar
Interviews with Potential Candidates: late Mar
Position to Begin: early Apr

Call for Applications: mid-Sep
Interviews with Potential Candidates: late Sep
Position to Begin: early Oct

• Circulation Internship (1x per year):

Description:
Under the direction of the Circulation Manager and Managing Editor, the Circulation Intern will learn all facets of subscriptions, renewals and promotional activities for a literary journal and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Responsibilities include:
- copy-writing, design-assists and distribution of renewal series letters;
- maintenance of subscription database;
- fulfillment of single issue and back issue orders;
- bookstore promotions and various outreach initiatives

Skill Requirements:
- superior knowledge of Thunderbird (email) and MS Office (Word and Excel, incl. mail-merge function) a must; knowledge of Adobe Photoshop an asset; knowledge of Quickfill subscription software an asset, but not a requirement;
- superior communication and organizational skills;
- an interest and knowledge in literature and publishing;
- an ability to work in a creative, fast-paced environment;
- an ability to follow direction and work on one’s own initiative

Internship Dates:
This internship is a 6-month position of two days (14 hours) per week. The position will run from Jan-Jun and Jul-Dec each year. Applications are not currently being accepted.

• Media and Special Event Internship (1x per year):

Description:
Under the direction of the Media and Events Coordinator, Managing Editor and Editorial staff, the Media and Special Event Intern will organize all aspects of our major
fundraising event in October, the Descant Book Ball 4, and help implement its media and public relations campaign.

Responsibilities include:
- assist the Book Ball Board in conceptualizing and executing the event;
- coordinate with the Book Ball's volunteer board and keep a record of all their activities;
- maintain an ongoing budget for the event;
- coordinate with existing sponsors regarding event needs and assist searching out new sponsorship opportunities for the event;
- assist in the managing artists and performers during the event;
- keep contact with media and help produce, disseminate and follow up on press material with appropriate outlets;
- manage media requests leading up to and during the event

Skill Requirements:
- ability to work in a high-pressure, creative environment;
- an ability to follow direction and work on one’s own initiative;
- superior communication and organizational skills;
- 2 years in a college or university level public relations program or equivalent real-world experience;
- experience planning fundraising and/or cultural events;
- an interest and knowledge of the people and work that make up Canada's art and literary scene

Internship Dates:
This internship is a 4-month position of two days (14 hours) per week. The position is offered once yearly. Applications are not currently being accepted.