You're probably here because you love books. We do, too! 

We Need Diverse Books™ advocates for essential changes in the publishing industry. Our aim is to help produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. 

The WNDB Internship Grant Program provides supplemental grants to applicants from diverse backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in children’s publishing. The high cost of living in New York City and other major publishing hubs bars many underrepresented students from accepting the opportunity to intern in publishing—a vital entry point to the industry. Since this program’s inception, WNDB has supported over 40 grantees in their summer internships. An incredible 75 percent of our grantees have gone on to work in the industry (with two already acquiring books of their own). In 2020 we will be awarding more grants, continuing on WNDB’s mission of diversifying the publishing industry.

This page will explain how the grant process works. 

Before you go any further, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE ELIGIBLE FOR OUR PROGRAM.

1) First, all applicants must identify as coming from a diverse background as noted in the WNDB Definition of Diversity. We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and underrepresented religious groups. 

2) Second, applicants are required to be United States citizens or permanent residents.

3) Third, given the goals of our organization, all applicants must make children's literature the main focus of their summer internship. We're looking to support interns who will be working on all aspects of kids' book publishing, including marketing, design, and editing. You can find the specifics of these requirements here in our Application Information. 

Good so far? 

Great! Now you can get started. 

Begin by seeking a summer internship with one of our partner entities listed below. If you click on the publisher or agency name, it'll take you to their main site. From there, you'll follow their application requirements and process. 

Please be aware: WNDB is not involved in the WNDB partner placement or hiring process. 

Each publisher or agency makes its own decisions about who to hire based on its unique requirements. Once you receive an offer of summer employment, congrats! Now you can apply for our internship grant. 

In 2020, we will have a minimum of fifteen $3,000 grants to award.

In addition to financial support, our grantees also benefit from the camaraderie of their fellow grantees, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and make crucial networking connections. 

PLEASE NOTE: While you may fill out the grant application at any time in your job-seeking process, your application will not be considered until you upload an official offer of employment from one of our partner publishers or agencies. The deadline for submitting your application for the grant is now closed.

We wish you the best of luck in your internship search and hope to see you back here again very soon! 

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE GRANT APPLICATION.