$4,900
We are now accepting applications for SPI 2026!
Jumpstart your career in publishing at our four-week summer intensive. Learn from the best industry professionals in book publishing and digital media.
For over 45 years, The NYU Summer Publishing Institute (SPI) has provided an invaluable introduction to book publishing and digital/magazine media for recent college graduates, rising college seniors, and emerging professionals. Students earn graduate credit and can matriculate into the MS in Publishing with advanced standing.
Tuition
Credits
3
Format
Onsite (Full-time)
Duration
June 1 - 26, 2026
(4 weeks)
Why attend the Summer Publishing Institute (SPI)?
Immerse Yourself in the Industry
SPI explores all aspects of the industry—from manuscript submission and development, to creating marketing campaigns, to understanding sales channels and challenges. A range of panels, interactive workshops, lectures, and strategy sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn first-hand how the publishing industry operates today. To gain a deeper understanding of the publishing process, students visit the headquarters of leading book publishing companies and independent bookstores around the city.
For Aspiring Editors
For those interested in careers in editorial, agenting, or book development, SPI offers a workshop focused on evaluating a manuscript and producing a professional-level report. Guided by professional editors, students will will also practice some of the specific tasks required of editorial assistants, including rendering early opinions on manuscripts and handling correspondence with authors. The goal of this workshop is to prepare students for entry-level positions in book publishing, as well as to give them the key editing tools needed to advance to more senior editorial positions.
A Day in the Life at SPI
What does a day of SPI programming look like? Here are some sessions from previous years:
- 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
Who should apply?
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; and those who want to understand the business side of the media industry will benefit from the Summer Publishing Institute.
It is helpful to have publishing experience that has been acquired through internships and/or summer jobs, by working in libraries and bookstores, or through 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 your personal statement when applying. Proficiency in writing is crucial, because publishing professionals must be able to express themselves in a variety of written forms.
SPI is designed for recent college graduates, rising college seniors, and young professionals who are just starting out in the field. SPI welcomes international students.
How do I apply?
To apply for admission to SPI, submit the online application form accompanied by your résumé, a personal statement, and a nonrefundable application fee of $50. Rising college seniors must include a letter of reference from their undergraduate academic advisor stipulating that they are on track to graduate in Spring 2027.
Official transcripts from all colleges attended and two letters of recommendation from professors, internship advisers, or employers also should be submitted when you apply. International students also are required to submit TOEFL scores.
Application Deadlines
Program Start Date: June 1, 2026
Program End Date: June 26, 2026
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
Please Note:
- Your seat in the 2026 SPI program is not confirmed until you submit your tuition deposit.
- Once we reach a certain number of deposits, (which could occur prior to the tuition deposit deadline), we will then be placing additional applicants on the waiting list.
SPI 2026 Scholarship Program
Each year, a number of scholarships to the SPI program are offered. These are partial scholarships of varying amounts and all accepted students are eligible. Upon receiving notice of acceptance into the 2026 program, there will be a link to the scholarship application embedded in the acceptance letter. Students need to submit only one scholarship application in order to be considered for all of the scholarships. The deadline to submit the scholarship application is March 2, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is SPI unique?
We want to help you jumpstart your career with a targeted, accessible publishing education. Our four-week program provides our students the opportunity to gain a head start on their publishing careers while having the same intense, high-quality educational experience in a more manageable timeframe and in a more affordable manner than other summer programs.
What specific career-building skills will I learn?
We offer workshops and lectures on topics such as personal branding, networking, cover letter writing, and maximizing your presence on LinkedIn. Each student receives a private session with a human resources expert on crafting an effective resume.
What about learning outside the classroom?
During these four weeks, we give our students a choice of visiting a variety of top book, digital media, magazine and technology companies, and independent bookstores. We’re proud of the fact that we are the program that offers the most choices and greatest opportunities to experience publishing outside the classroom.
What days and times are classes held during SPI?
The program typically runs Monday through Friday from approximately 9 AM - 5 PM.
Is on-campus housing available during SPI?
A block of rooms is reserved each summer for SPI students on the NYU campus. However, students are not required to live on-campus during SPI. If you wish to take advantage of on-campus housing, you must apply separately after acceptance to the program; instructions on the application process will be sent to you when you are accepted to SPI.
