I rewrote $1000,000 worth of content for “free” expecting an internship - Let that be a lesson

I am so angry that I am literally shaking as I write this. .<br><br>I recently “applied” for an internship that was supposed to be paid. I am an English major, aiming to get into publishing. The company (which was supposed to be well known) was a pretty regular publisher of archived books. . <br><br>They reached out to me, I did not reach out to them. They seemed professional and genuinely very kind. They were offering me a remote internship and seemed willing to work with me. . <br><br>I applied for “internships” in the fall and winter semesters, but got none. I am in my last semester of college, so I really needed something. . <br><br>They said they would train me and that they were not looking for any experience. They offered to have me apply for their remote summer internship. They did not give me an application, but sent me a “trial” of what type of work I would be doing. . <br><br>The “trial” was a “sample” of a book (a few chapters) that they wanted me to rewrite/edit. They said it was around 20 pages, and they gave me a deadline, although they told me they were not expecting me to complete it at that time. . <br><br>I spent days researching and re-writing the content. The content was so badly written that I literally had to re-write it from scratch and edit it to be fluid. I spent over 40 hours on it and finally submitted it. . <br><br>I was so excited to get into editing/publishing, and I was proud of my work. I was expecting the internship and the pay that was promised. . <br><br>The next day, they told me that I got the internship. I was so excited and proud of myself. I asked them what the next steps were and they told me that they would be sending me all of the content from the book I had re-written. . <br><br>I did not bat an eye lash at first, but it hit me later on… they had asked me to re-write and edit an entire book “as a trial” and not only was I not being paid for it, but I was not being given any credit. . <br><br>I read that the re-written content I did for them was equivalent to around $100,000. . <br><br>Did they just use me for my labor? Am I not going to be paid? Am I going to be credited for my labor? . <br><br>The internship is supposed to be paid, but $15 an hour is not even minimum wage. . <br><br>I am going to reach out to them today, but I am not sure if I am going to be able to gain anything from this. . <br><br>In conclusion, I am not only upset, but I feel used and betrayed. . <br><br>EDIT:<br><br>I did not expect this to hit so hard. .<br><br>I am going to update everyone once I find out more. .<br><br>I am disappointed and angry, and I am going to take action. .<br><br>I am not going to let this go. .<br><br>Thank you for all of the support!<br><br>UPDATE:<br><br>This may be the final “update” I do.<br><br>I am being credited for my work and I am receiving fair compensation!<br><br>I am extremely grateful and so happy!<br><br>Thank you to everyone, I was given a lot of great advice and I am not sure if I would have been so brave to stand up for my work.<br><br>Thank you to everyone who offered their help, advice, and support!<br><br>EDIT:<br><br>I am currently working with the company and I am being fairly compensated!<br><br>EDIT:<br><br>If you are in the same situation as I was, please DM me!<br><br>I am happy to help, and I would be happy to offer advice!<br><br>EDIT:<br><br>I am getting a lot of questions on what to do in this situation. .<br><br>I am happy to help, and I am happy to offer advice!<br><br>Feel free to DM me!<br><br>Thank you!