Ryley Amara Anthony: Completing an Internship (5 Points)

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of the publishing world as an Editorial Intern with One Signal Publishers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster in New York City. Supported by the We Need Diverse Books Internship Grant Program, this experience allowed me to explore the inner workings of the publishing industry while reflecting deeply on the power of diverse voices in literature.

Working with the One Signal team taught me to balance literary appreciation with critical discernment. Each manuscript I encountered challenged me to think about narrative structure, voice, and cultural resonance, how stories both shape and reflect the world around us. I also witnessed how editors advocate for their authors, championing projects that carry important social and emotional truths.

The We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) Internship Grant provided not only financial support but also a powerful network of mentors, panels, and professional development opportunities. Through WNDB, I connected with industry professionals who are working tirelessly to ensure that publishing becomes a space where all stories, particularly those from marginalized voices, are valued and amplified. The organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion reaffirmed why I fell in love with literature in the first place: because stories elicit empathy and imagination within all communities. 

I leave this experience inspired, motivated, and more certain than ever that stories, especially diverse ones, are the heartbeat of cultural progress.

- Ryley Amara Anthony