DU's one-of-a-kind Publishing Institute offers four-week, graduate level programming each summer to help book lovers launch their publishing careers.

Top industry leaders run workshops, lectures and special sessions, including an off-site field trip. Professionals guide you through the fast-paced world of editing, marketing and production in both independent publishing houses and global media companies.

As a student of the Institute, you'll gain a strong educational foundation and real-world experience like mock interviews, marketing strategies and one-on-one discussions with seasoned publishers. You'll graduate as part of a network of alumni, connecting you to a community of publishing professionals across the country. 

Learn More in our Information Sessions

"They cover every single thing about the publishing industry, from start to finish—from acquiring the book to selling it to bookstores."

Lindsey Vargas, DPI '20

DU's Publishing Institute Offers:

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    Four weeks of focused, immersive experience in the world of editing, marketing and production.

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    Access to top industry leaders working for companies like Macmillan, Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, along with major university and independent presses.

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    Real-world support during and after the Institute through practice interviews, a host of networking opportunities, and ongoing career support even after graduation. 

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Are you ready to join a network of nation-wide professionals in the publishing industry?

Find out more about DU's Publishing Institute.

Request Information

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Find out if the Publishing Institute is right for you

The Denver Publishing Institute is designed for recent college graduates and career changers seeking careers in book publishing, as well as for those presently employed in publishing or related fields who want a broad overview of the industry.

We enroll around 95 students, and allow students to choose whether to attend the program in-person or remote. Both cohorts will get in-depth, focused attention, as well as a variety of networking possibilities.

Applications must be submitted by March 25, 2024 and accompanied by letters of recommendation (one require, two preferred), a personal statement, resume, transcripts, and a nonrefundable fee of $65.

Featured Sessions

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    The Role of the Editor/Acquisition of the Manuscript/Making the Publishing Decision

    Ben Loehnen, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster

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    Children’s Books

    Virginia Duncan, Vice President, Publisher, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

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    University Press/Scholarly Publishing

    Christie Henry, Director, Princeton University Press

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    Editing Workshop

    Karl Weber, former Editor and Publisher with McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons, Times Business/Random House, Inc.

    Christine Pride, Independent Book Editor, former Senior Editor with Simon & Schuster

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    Trade Books Marketing Workshop, Overview of Marketing:

    Erin Cox, Public Relations and Marketing Consultant, ELC Productions; Literary Agent

    Rob Weisbach Creative Management; former Publicist with Scribner/Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins; 1999 Publishing Institute graduate

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    Workshop with the Independent Publishers: A panel of experts from independent houses

    Sanj Kharbanda, Beacon Press, Boston, MA

    Kirsty Melville, Andrews McMeel, Kansas City, MO

    Meg Reid, Hub City Press, Spartanburg, SC

    Kate Rogers, Mountaineers Books, Seattle, WA

    Marina Tristán, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX.

Application Information