Publisher EOIs open for 2027 Open Book program
Expressions of interest are now open for Australian trade, independent, educational and scholarly publishers to participate in the 2027 Open Book program.
We are looking for Australian publishers to submit EOIs to host Open Book interns between May–October 2027.
Find out more about what’s involved in being an Open Book host, and submit your EOI now.
What is the Open Book internship?
The Open Book: Australian Publishing Internship is a paid internship program which seeks to foster cultural diversity in the Australian publishing industry.
The program is designed to offer alternative pathways into the publishing industry and offer a well-rounded introduction to the sector for aspiring publishing professionals.
Now in its fifth year, the program has seen 16 interns participate in the program across 10 host publishers.
Each year, Open Book offers an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander internship position and has seen nine First Nations interns graduate from the program.
Open Book has an extremely high success rate in supporting both interns and shortlisted candidates to secure ongoing roles within the publishing industry, with a large number of program alumni now working across editorial, marketing, production and freelance roles within the industry.
What’s required of host publishers?
Capacity to plan and host an Open Book intern for 3 x days in-office for 10 weeks for in one of two hosting slots:
Hosting slot #1: May–July 2027
Hosting slot #2: August–October 2027
Participation in interviewing and selection of successful intern
Financial contribution towards intern wages and superannuation (sliding scale for small and large publishers between $1,500–$3,500)
Staff attendance at the online Open Book induction and training session (early 2027)
Regular check ins and exit interview with the Open Book Program Manager
A commitment to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workplace
“Allen & Unwin was thrilled to be a host publisher… Open Book provides a very thorough and supportive framework for both interns, and host publishers including valuable cultural awareness training.”
How does Open Book support host publishers?
Free Open Book training and information session for staff
Provision of a comprehensive Open Book Host Handbook and Program Planning Template
Financial reimbursement towards intern wages (sliding scale available dependent on publishers size)
Who can apply to host?
We’re looking for Australian-based host publishers from across the trade, independent, educational and scholarly sectors.
We’re specifically seeking host publishers based in the following locations, however are open to Expressions of Interest from publishers outside of these locations:
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
“Open Book opens doors that, for too long, have remained closed to people like me...It’s thoughtful, generous, and meticulously structured to provide long-term benefit for the interns and the industry as a whole.”
Please submit your EOI by Friday 23 October 2026.
Have further questions on being an Open Book host? Get in touch.
