Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer Publishing Institute

The Summer Publishing Institute (SPI) is a four-week summer intensive program that provides an invaluable introduction to book publishing and digital/magazine media. For over 45 years, SPI has been offering recent college graduates, rising college seniors, and emerging professionals the opportunity to learn from the best industry professionals in book publishing and digital media.

Program Details

• Tuition: $4,900
• Credits: 3
• Format: Onsite (Full-time)
• Duration: June 1 - 26, 2026 (4 weeks)

Benefits of Attending SPI

• Learn the industry from the inside through sessions led by working publishing professionals
• Develop valuable career skills through hands-on projects and workshops in editorial, marketing, sales, and audience development
• Receive professional guidance, including resume review and development, cover letter writing, interview skills, and creating a memorable LinkedIn profile
• Earn graduate credit, which may be counted towards the MS in Publishing or an advanced degree elsewhere
• Build an invaluable network by connecting with publishing professionals and joining a vast alumni network of working industry professionals

Program Structure

• A range of panels, interactive workshops, lectures, and strategy sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn firsthand how the publishing industry operates today
• Students visit the headquarters of leading book publishing companies and independent bookstores around the city to gain a deeper understanding of the publishing process
• For aspiring editors, SPI offers a workshop focused on evaluating a manuscript and producing a professional-level report

Sample Sessions

• Publishing 101: Everything You Need to Know
• From Manuscript to Marketplace: Lifecycle of a Book
• Managing a Career in Digital Media
• The Role of the Literary Agent
• The Expanding World of Audio
• A Look Through the Looking Glass of Children's Books
• Acing the Interview: Interview Skills 101
• Make It Big and Bold: Cover Design
• Creating a Savvy Marketing and Publicity Campaign
• Becoming an Assistant: The Whole Truth
• AI and Publishing: What You Need to Know
• The Power of Podcasts
• The Mainstreaming of the Graphic Novel
• Getting the Most From Your Social Media Strategy

Admissions Criteria

• 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
• Those who want to understand the business side of the media industry
• Helpful to have publishing experience acquired through internships and/or summer jobs, working in libraries and bookstores, or 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 the personal statement

Application Requirements

• Online application form
• Résumé
• Personal statement
• Nonrefundable application fee of $50
• Rising college seniors must include a letter of reference from their undergraduate academic advisor
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Two letters of recommendation from professors, internship advisers, or employers
• International students must also submit TOEFL scores

Application Deadlines

• Priority Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
• Scholarship Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
• Final Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
• Tuition Deposit Deadline: April 10, 2026
• Final Balance Deadline: May 16, 2026

Scholarship Program

• A number of partial scholarships are offered to accepted students
• All accepted students are eligible to apply for scholarships
• The deadline to submit the scholarship application is March 2, 2026