Pursuing a Publishing Career – FAQs and Advice
An Introduction on Skills, Degrees and Positions in Publishing
© Yahan Wu
Oct 20, 2009
A publishing career is one of the most exciting professions around as the process of creating a book is where the creative and commercial meet. The expertise in developing the creative and marketing the final work will drive the success of a product. Publishing gives room to be creative, and is also fun and rewarding for those who are passionate about books, reading and writing.
Writing for the Publisher and Other Skills
Publishing historically has been a trade profession, with a variety of backgrounds and types of expertise in the field, such as publicity, communications and legal expertise.
“Facets such as the editorial, marketing and publicity experience focus predominantly on strong writing, a keen sensibility of what types of books will engage readers, and expertise in the types of books will interest the media,” Tina Jordan, vice president of the Association of American Publishers said in an interview with Suite101.
Developing broad-based skills and a capacity to be innovative and adaptable is strongly recommended for those seeking a secure long term career in writing or publishing. Attitude and motivation plays a key role in keeping at the forefront of the industry and the willingness to learn new skills is essential on top of how quickly one changes approach to work, grasping the right new opportunities when they present themselves and rejecting the wrong ones.
For those interested in the writing side of the industry, be aware that great writing isn’t enough to maintain a career and to make a good living. Writing well is just as important as having the ability to write quickly, meet deadlines and especially being prepared to write according to a particular publisher’s demands. For most publishers, that means that the writing must also attract money, usually through advertising or sales.
Degrees Not Essential for Publishing Career
Completing a course is one of several ways people break into a publishing career. But before enrolling in a course, understand thoroughly what the course can give and be realistic about what might achieve from it. If possible, choose a course offering practical publishing experience for an edge in the market. This is an industry where formal training is a big help, but never a guarantee of employment.
“Most in publishing generally have a bachelor’s degree, some have masters, and the type of degree may vary,” Jordan said. “Some may have liberal arts backgrounds, others marketing, business or communications, and others elect to specifically gain certificates or masters in publishing, though it is not a prerequisite for entering the field.”
Many working in the publishing industry have never taken a formal course while people with university degrees in journalism or writing may have difficulty getting their foot in.
One reason for this is that most publishers will only hire those who are willing to work their way through the firm to become thoroughly familiar with that publisher's way of doing things. Most publishers themselves have gotten into their positions this way, starting as apprentices or in rather insignificant positions and proving themselves as they work their way up.
These people know that publishing is often very demanding work, with long hours in return for small rewards, and requiring careful attention to detail, as well as a 'talent' for what might sell and what might not. A successful publisher is willing to do whatever it takes to gain experience.
High Turnover, Available Positions
Editorial, sales, marketing (traditional and digital), publicity and rights are some of the business functions within a publishing house and opportunities on landing a job look promising.
“Right now, like most retail driven industries, positions are at a premium. There are indeed positions which open throughout the year. Some online job boards in the field are great resources to keep appraised on industry trends and news,” Jordan said.
Stephanie Johnston, co-director of Wakefield Press said in an interview in Career FAQS, Publishing: Book yourself a Brilliant Career by Belinda Henwood, 2007, “There is a high turnover in the industry, so if you’re not after a high salary, you’re likely able to find work.”
“Many publishers offer internship style programs and this is a good way to get a leg in. It is always easier to get into the industry from the marketing side rather than the editorial side, as everyone wants to be an editor. A marketing background is also useful if you want to work your way up into management and decision making, as it is the market that usually determines what is likely to be published.”
Opportunities are also considered very good particularly in online publishing for people who are “cluey” – the Internet is opening up and niches are there for the taking. Entry barriers are easier to jump in some ways as printing costs money so new ways to present contents are always coming up.
Sources:
ACS Distance Education, Publishing, 2009
Career FAQS, Publishing: Book yourself a Brilliant Career, Belinda Henwood, 2007
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