Editorial Intern - Press and Publications

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Cato Press publishes books and policy analyses that promote Cato's mission to a broad audience — from academics and policymakers to general readers interested in individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Eleanor O'Connor oversees the editorial production process; Ivan Osorio acquires and develops titles. 

Interns support both functions by assisting with manuscript editing, production, and publishing tasks for active titles. The work is detail-oriented and deadline-driven, emphasizing editorial accuracy and consistent adherence to house style.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit and proofread manuscripts, policy analyses, and other Cato publications—checking for grammar, punctuation, consistency, and adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Format references and bibliographies according to CMOS standards; ensure consistent house style throughout documents.
• Verify quotations, data, names, and cited claims against primary sources.
• Compare audiobook recordings with the manuscript to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Research comparable titles, keywords, and BISAC category codes to enhance discoverability for new titles.
• Assist with mailing books and managing outreach lists for press and distribution efforts.
• Assist in preparing clean, production-ready files and support formatting Policy Analyses for publication.
• Attend team meetings and help at events promoting Cato Press titles

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in book publishing, copyediting, or editorial work as a career path; alignment with Cato's mission and familiarity with its publishing audience.
• Strong editorial judgment and a consistent, confident application of the Chicago Manual of Style, demonstrated through prior coursework, editorial experience, or independent work that shows proficiency in CMOS.
• Strong background in social science or humanities research; proficient in using online databases and university library resources for fact-checking and source verification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word Track Changes, and PDF markup tools; disciplined file and version control.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — editorial work demands accuracy in every step and consistent follow-through on assigned files under deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a publishing, editorial, or academic editing environment — such as involvement with a campus literary journal, an editorial internship, a research assistantship, or publishing coursework.
• Knowledge of publishing metadata and discoverability concepts, including comp titles, keywords, and BISAC category codes.
• Experience in preparing production-ready documents or working with style sheets in a professional or academic setting.
• Applicants are encouraged to review Cato’s latest published titles before applying.

Finalists may be asked to complete a brief copyediting exercise.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC. 

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.