Smith interns with local literary agency
Natalie Smith, a 2016 McConnell Scholar, is one of two interns asked to work with Speilburg Literary Agency for the spring semester. Smith works directly with Louisville-based literary agent Alice Speilburg in an effort to help authors navigate the publishing industry. Together they search for potential marketing and contract negotiations.
Smith's responsibilities include reading queries from hopeful authors and voicing her opinion on the relevancy of the topics presented, as well as the potential for publication. Later in the internship, she will read manuscripts and edit and make improvements to the drafts.
"I sought this internship because it deals with the editing and marketing aspects of the publishing industry," Smith said. "I'm already learning the 'ins and outs' of what makes a book marketable in this continuously adapting industry."
Smith said she hopes the semester-long experience will help improve her editing skills and lead to a possible career in publishing.
Last summer, Smith interned for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in his Washington, D.C., office.
Smith majors in English and political science with minors in history and linguistics at the University of Louisville, where she participates in the Honors Program Student Council. She is a 2012 graduate of Central Hardin High School.
By Chloe Zoeller, 2016 McConnell Scholar