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  • The Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing (Fall 2026)

Fall 2026

Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing

This Journey is for mentors curious about breaking into publishing, mentors already in the industry who want to pass on what they know, and mentees serious about building a career in books. Together you’ll map the roles across publishing houses and literary agencies and get into the nuts and bolts of what each one actually does. Those of you looking to turn a love of books into a livelihood will leave ready to approach internship and job applications with confidence. Those already working in the field will recharge, widen your networks, and grow as leaders—in service of the generation coming up behind you.

Pre-Enroll in a Spring 2027 Journey Now!

Though  enrollment is not currently open, you may express your interest for another Journey by filling out the form below.

You may also sign up for Mentorship on Demand and/or membership at any time.

The Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing Community Experiences

Mentees and mentors must attend one Journey Live Meeting each month. 

Fall Cycle Journey Meetings:

  • Monday, November 2, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM ET
  • Monday, December 7, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 PM ET
  • Monday, January 11, 2027 | 7:00–9:00 PM ET
Journey Circle: Community

The Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing Courses

The Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing courses will dive into various roles in publishing that bring books to life, from editorial and design to marketing, publicity, production, and more.

Writing

The Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing Mentoring

Mentors and mentees in this Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This Journey is open to both mentor-mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.

Journey Teaching Artist

Alexandra Franklin

Alexandra Franklin joined Curtis Brown, Ltd. as a literary and dramatic rights agent in 2023, and has since transitioned to agenting on the book side full-time. She began her career in publishing as an intern at Writers House in 2015 before joining the Vicky Bijur Literary Agency as an assistant, where she was promoted to associate literary agent in 2019. Alexandra serves on the communications and conference planning committees of the Association of American Literary Agents and was elected to the board of AALA for the 2026-2028 term.

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Alyssa Eisner Henkin

Alyssa Eisner Henkin began her publishing career in editorial at Simon & Schuster in 1999, mentored by the wisest of colleagues and steeped in the craft of shaping stories. Seven years later, drawn to the creative freedom and author advocacy of literary agenting, she made the leap.

At Trident Media Group, Alyssa rose to EVP, brokering hundreds of deals across books, film, and musical theater. In 2021, she founded Birch Path Literary (a nod to Anne of Green Gables), where she represents acclaimed and bestselling creators including Julie Berry, Ruth Behar, Lisa Greenwald, R.J. Palacio, and Bobbie Pyron, as well as many emerging voices.

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Publish 360

All Journeys within this Adventure focus on the process of producing and publishing creative work. Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.

The Career Journey: Inside Book Publishing is a Journey in the Publish 360 Adventure.

See All Adventures

Explore All Journeys

Explore All Journeys

Protopia: Designing Better Futures with Emerging Tech (Spring 2027)

This Journey explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies through a protopian lens—focusing on how innovation can be intentionally shaped toward more equitable, creative, and human-centered futures. Mentees and mentors will examine the possibilities and limitations of AI, engaging in discussions and hands-on explorations that highlight both current applications and future potential. Through critical reflection and creative experimentation, mentees and mentors will consider how technology can be designed and used to expand opportunity, deepen connection, and support more just and imaginative ways of living and creating. Mentees and mentors will strengthen their critical understanding of AI and emerging technologies while deepening their perspective on ethical innovation and human-centered tech practices.

Explore Tour (Summer 2026)

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Stories of Becoming: Crafting Young Adult Romance (Summer 2026)

This Journey invites participants to dive into the world of young adult romance, exploring the joys, challenges, and complexities of love in adolescence and young adulthood. Through creative writing exercises, character development, and plot crafting, mentees will learn how to create authentic, relatable stories that resonate with YA readers. Participants will explore themes of identity, friendship, and emotional growth while honing their craft in storytelling that captures the heart and imagination.

Teach GWN (Summer 2026)

In this Journey, members of the GWN community will develop curriculum and facilitate a Community Studio for one or more cycles within GWN’s Collaboratory structure. Each cycle involves facilitating three Community Studios, one per month. Participants will gain valuable skills in leadership, teaching, and community building. Mentees and mentors can facilitate a Community Studio either solo (if they are 18 or older) or together as a pair.

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Fresh Mouth: Confidence Through Comedy (Summer 2026)

This Journey transforms your unique observations and "wild and wacky" thoughts into a structured comedy set. Through bi-weekly Journey Meetings and personalized coaching, you will explore the mechanics of humor, moving from a raw premise to a polished delivery. You will learn to find the funny in the everyday while building the stage presence and confidence necessary to share your voice. The experience concludes in a live showcase alongside peers and professional comedians, where you will debut your original material and celebrate the power of humor as a tool for connection and self-expression.

College Ready: Drafting Your Narrative (Summer 2026)

This Journey offers a streamlined path to college readiness through interactive workshops, mentoring, and peer exchange. You will move from drafting a compelling personal statement to building a strategic school list and navigating financial planning, all while receiving personalized feedback on your work. By the end of the program, you’ve gained the skills to create a polished application and the insider knowledge needed to present your most authentic self to admissions committees.

Zine Makers: Crafting A Peer Poetry Zine (Summer 2026)

This Journey invites you to step into the role of editor and designer to transform poetry from the spring Poetry Rising Journey into a compelling, collaborative zine. You will move through the specialized stages of the publishing world, beginning with a deep editorial dive to refine existing verses inspired by heritage and created by your peers. As you master visual composition and multimedia design, you will learn to pair these powerful voices with a cohesive aesthetic, ultimately gaining the technical skills and creative vision needed to produce and share a high-impact, independent publication.

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