Should i go into publishing
A degree is now seen as the minimum entry level requirement. An MA or PHD doesn't guarantee you any extra chances of employment or extra salary; it is a personal choice whether you wish to continue your education.
The same advice applies to studying for an MA in book publishing. Although these are becoming more popular, they do not guarantee you an entry level job within the industry or any extra salary. Most publishers now expect graduates to have some sort of "work experience" by having volunteered their services for free to a publishing house during their summer vacation or immediately after graduating.
This seems highly unfair, as it discriminates against those who do not have the funding to do this. However, even if you are unable to do this it doesn't rule you out. Whilst at University, involve yourself in the student newspaper, magazine, radio, or some sort of media — a role that will give you some grounding in the career that you seek — be it on the editorial content side or in publicity, marketing, sales.
All experience that you can gather is valuable to you, whatever your final career choice. Don't set your mind on one job — any experience in publishing is valuable — even working on a book publisher's reception you get to know the names, companies, authors that your employer deals with. Also, knowledge of other areas of publishing — e. You also might find out that you prefer different areas of publishing rather than your first career choice.
Related: Definitive Guide to Internships. Consider joining different networking groups to meet individuals who work in publishing. These individuals could connect you to open roles or internships. Here are a few networking methods you can try:. It could be useful to get a certificate or master's degree, which will further your understanding of the industry and open up new opportunities to network with others.
Master's programs often offer flexible schedules or online programs, making it easy to attend classes if you have outside responsibilities. Local professionals in the field often teach master's and certificate programs, so you can also make some professional publishing connections while attending class. You might consider relocating if you'd like to work for a big publishing firm. Some smaller publishing presses have satellite offices located in other smaller cities, but you could have more opportunities for entry-level roles or advancement at a bigger firm in a different city.
Here are some tips for relocation:. You might have to accept an entry-level role when you first try to get into publishing. However, every role can teach you new skills and help you gain experience and insight into the publishing world. Here are some reasons being adaptable might help you get a career in publishing:. Related: Adaptability in the Workplace: Benefits and Importance. There are a variety of roles within the publishing industry, including some entry-level positions. Following are six publishing-related careers to explore.
For the most up-to-date information from Indeed, please click on the salary link for each job title below. Primary duties: Editorial assistants usually perform administrative tasks at the publishing house. They might proofread and edit documents or perform research queries for the team. This could include fact-checking for information in a manuscript or researching a question from an author.
Primary duties: Copy editors might work with media types like newspapers, magazines, books or websites. Their primary duties also include looking over print media for any grammatical and spelling errors and sentence structure issues.
They work closely with editors on proofreading tasks. Primary duties: A publicist's primary responsibilities involve working with media and print outlets to get press attention for upcoming and current book releases.
They can work with reviewers, different websites, and news outlets to create awareness for their authors. This role requires communication, interpersonal and marketing skills. It also might require crisis management skills to navigate media attention if an author or publishing firm has unwanted news attention.
Related: Learn About Being a Publicist. Primary duties: Book editors help to find manuscripts and books for their firms to publish.
After they find workable drafts, they work closely with authors to edit pieces and help them create marketable material for bookstores and e-books. Primary duties: A publisher is in charge of every step of the publishing process. One of their main tasks is to bring new authors and clients to their firm. In smaller firms, they might also perform editing, design and marketing work for their clients.
Primary duties: Copywriters in publishing firms can also act as marketers. They often help write press releases, media kits or catalogs for the author. These pieces might highlight an author's newest book, recent accomplishments or latest press tour. They also might be responsible for creating copy on the publishing house's press campaign. Related: Learn About Being a Copywriter. Find jobs. Company reviews. Milford adds that planning to write your own book may not be looked on favourably by potential employers.
Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs or sign up to Guardian Careers for the latest job vacancies and career advice. By the book: six ways to break into publishing. Contact publishers and editors directly and remember publishing is bigger than just editorial, says our expert panel Looking for a publishing job?
Browse the latest vacancies with Guardian Jobs. Publishing is a competitive industry to break into, but follow these tips to get ahead. Photograph: Alamy. Be open-minded to other areas of publishing Editorial is the most sought after area of publishing to work in, but working in other departments can be equally fulfilling.