Award Cycle: Fall, Spring, and Summer
The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival (TWFest) offers Sigma Tau Delta student and alumni members an opportunity to become acquainted with the inner workings of a literary arts nonprofit that produces two annual festivals, six writing contests, and a variety of literary events throughout the year. This internship provides opportunities to practice writing, editing, and communications skills specific to publicity, marketing, patron engagement, and event planning.
The festival takes place in March each year and has over 100 in-person events, including literary discussion panels, writer’s craft sessions, Tennessee Williams scholars conference, literary walking tours, theater events, culinary events, music events, a book fair, and writing marathons, plus the Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival (SASFest) March 27 – 29, 2026, with its own literary discussion panels, writer’s craft sessions, reading series, pitch sessions to small presses, book launch celebrations, and awards.
SASFest internships are available for Sigma Tau Delta student and alumni members who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and all emerging identities.
2026 Internships Available
Spring: January 12 – May 15 (TWFest and SASFest)
Summer: June 1 – August 7 (TWFest and SASFest)
Fall: August 17 – December 18 (TWFest, SASFest, and Writing Contest Assistant)
Qualifications
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent copyediting skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
- Ability to follow workflows and meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Interns will work under the direction of the Managing Director on projects that include copywriting, copyediting, research, assisting with organizational tasks, communicating with a variety of stakeholders, and assisting with event logistics. Deliverables include newsletter articles, website posts, simple graphics (no experience required), patron letters, social media copy and graphics, data analysis, programming copy, project plans, and reports.
Interns may work remotely and must have access to a computer, video camera, and reliable internet. For interns in the New Orleans area, the work may be a combination of remote and in-person.
Work schedules are flexible to accommodate interns’ other responsibilities, such as classes and employment.
Eligibility
Applicants must be an active student or alumni member of Sigma Tau Delta.
How to Apply
Applications for the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival and Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival Internships are accepted through AwardSpring. The link to access the Sigma Tau Delta AwardSpring platform will be posted on the AwardSpring Application informational page of our website during the Fall, Spring, and Summer Awards Cycle.
If you are using AwardSpring for the first time, you must create an account by clicking “Register.” If you have used AwardSpring previously, you should login using your email address and existing password.
Sigma Tau Delta will forward application materials for eligible candidates to the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival and Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival. Their staff will contact the candidates for interviews. The final internship offers will be made by Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival and Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival.
Required Materials
1. Cover Letter that addresses the following:
- why you are interested in this opportunity;
- how it fits into your long-term education and career goals;
- any relevant work or volunteer experience; and
- provides any other information pertinent to the role description.
2. Essay Questions
- Describe your service to, and involvement in, Sigma Tau Delta and how it prepares you for this internship (max. 250 words).
- Describe how working for the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and/or Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival aligns with your personal/career goals (max. 250 words).
3. Resume/CV
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival and Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival Internships—Helpful Links
- Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival History and Mission
- Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival Programming
- Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival History
- Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival Programming
Stipend Award and Blog Requirement
Sigma Tau Delta priority members who are awarded an internship with the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and/or Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival will receive a $750 stipend from Sigma Tau Delta.
A follow-up blog is required from Sigma Tau Delta members who are selected as interns. The blog is an article (400-600 words) for WORDY by Nature, the official Society blog, sharing such things as how the internship contributed to their professional growth or field of study; its impact on their future career plans; and the importance of the funding to the internship experience.
Past Internship Recipient Blogs
Check out blog posts submitted by past recipients of various Sigma Tau Delta internship opportunities to gain inspiration for your internship applications.
View: Past Internship Recipient Blogs
Questions
Please contact the Central Office staff at sigmatdapply@niu.edu.
