Oh the Places You Might Go

The wind was blowing through my jacket as I crossed the street. Being so close to Manhattan’s icy water was not aiding my efforts toward remaining less than frigid, but I needed to stay focused on the mission at hand.

I was in the Chelsea neighborhood, headed towards the Hudson and the many renovated warehouses that line the island’s edge.

20 minutes early.

Despite the bitter air, I could felt a cold sweat beginning to take hold. Glancing around my surroundings one last time, I pulled myself together and stepped into 601 West 26^th Street.

15 minutes early.

The warm air from the building offered some solace and I walked over to the reception desk. “Ah, so you’re going to the 9^th floor miss. Right this way, and over to these elevators,” the man said, pointing through a security checkpoint.

Ding, ding. The metal doors slid open to an all white lobby, surrounded by glass doors and windows. The view of New Jersey and the Hudson was unable to be ignored as the winter afternoon light shown through the clouds, illuminating the office.

I was there. 9^th floor. 10 minutes early. That was perfect for an interview. After signing in and taking a seat in the waiting area, I continued observing the sparse vicinity.

And then… I saw her. She was being broadcast on the large, flat screen television mounted on a wall to my right. The woman I could possibly have as a boss was stirring something, smiling, and speaking softly at the camera.

You know her name.

You know her story.

And you know you're a little bit intrigued.

Yes, there was Martha Stewart. Smiling and stirring; smiling and stirring.

Can you believe it!? No, neither could I.

Martha Stewart Living magazine was looking for an Editorial Intern for the spring semester, and I was determined to prove why I was a worthy candidate. Of course this is a notable publication and I couldn’t help but simply be happy that I had been granted an interview.

Now skip forward to yesterday at around 11pm. Some friends and I had just gotten back to the apartment and were about to relax by my little Christmas tree for the rest of the evening. I grabbed my computer and checked the email inbox one last time, only to find a letter asking for me to accept the position.

Um. YES!

So look out publishing world. I have a feeling that magazine is going to whip me into shape. And after this 15 week marathon? I’ll be ready for you. Or at least I can pretend to be ;)

And Your Thoughts?

I am procrastinating. There’s a paper for one class, a website for another, a presentation, and hundreds of pages of readings. Alas, I had a glass of wine with dinner and now I feel like doing none of these things.

Whoops.

Or maybe my lack of enthusiasm stems from another factor entirely. Yes, it’s already that time of year: classes-picking and internships-hunting for the next semester has begun. I smell the future in the air and have completely lost my attachment to the present. Darn my perpetual need to go, go, go.

It’s gotten me this far, right?

So go I shall. But I need some help. I am applying for internships next semester, and I’m not sure what track to follow. Magazines? Book publishing? Literary agency? I don’t know!

Here are the choices:

1) I could work at a literary agency, where I would be assisting agents with manuscripts and representing writers to publishing companies. I have 2 or 3 good leads from medium to large agencies. It would be an interesting experience, seeing both the writer and the publishers point’s of view, and working with some possible celebrity clientele. Some seem very hands-on.

2) I could work at a publishing company, where I would be going through writings, assisting editors, and attending editorial meetings at companies like Simon and Schuster or W. W. Norton. I have 3 or 4 good leads from independent to corporate companies. It would be crazy to see what happens behind closed doors. Most seem very hands on.

3) I would work for a magazine, where I would be helping with editorial content and administrative work. I only have 1 or 2 good leads (one possibly at Martha Stewart Living). I’ve always wanted to see what working on a magazine is like, but the industry is tough and competitive. I don’t know how hands on these publications would be.

Any thoughts?

*Editor's Note: I could see myself working at all of these positions but don't know if I will get any of them. Actual internship is subject to availability, and may not be the winner of the survey. But you can vote anyways ;)