Introduction
Are you a recent college graduate or looking to make a career change to writing? If so, this month's blog is for you. Book publishing is a highly competitive field. You need perfect timing to catch the best openings at the right time.
Despite the competitiveness, publishing houses offer several job opportunities besides writing. In addition to the usual IT or accountant jobs that exist in any business, careers in book publishing come in several broad fields.
This post will dive into jobs at a publishing house and the best places to find them.
If you want to learn more about publishing house jobs and what will be the best fit for you, send A.E. an email. He’s always happy to chat.
“Publishing a volume of verse is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon waiting for the echo.”
-Don Marquis
Prerequisites
Before diving into the potential jobs at a book publishing house, let's first explain the prerequisites that some places may look for. Despite there being no set educational requirements, publishing houses often seek candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in the following fields:
Literature
Journalism
Creative Writing
Business
Marketing
Individuals who earn a master's degree or have prior experience are even more competitive in the job market.
How to Break Into the Publishing Industry
Like many other industries, the publishing industry is constantly evolving. Because of this, it can be challenging to get your foot in the door. By employing a networking and research strategy, you will come across endless opportunities. Here are some great ways to break into the publishing industry.
Research
Researching and understanding the publishing house you're applying to goes a long way toward getting your foot in the door. With the digital landscape now becoming even more prevalent, it is simple to do your research. Visit sites like Publishers Lunch and Mediabistro that specifically cater to the publishing industry.
Networking
As the old adage says: "It's all about who you know." The same thing applies to the publishing industry. Networking is vital to increase your chances of breaking into the publishing industry. Connect with people over Linkedin and ask them how they got to where they are today. After all, they were in your shoes once.
Join Publishing Groups
Individuals looking to connect should consider joining publishing organizations such as the Women’s National Book Association and the Young to Publishing Group. These groups are a great avenue to share your work and meet other people looking for jobs as well.
Attend Conferences
Agents, writers, and editors meet at conferences worldwide to connect with others. Getting involved in a conference through volunteering or attendance is one of the best things you can do to get your foot in the door.
Ten Best Careers in the Publishing Industry
Do you have a passion for books or literature? Being in the publishing industry allows you to surround yourself with books daily. The ever-evolving publishing industry offers several opportunities for everyone. Here are some career options to consider in the publishing industry:
Associate Publisher
An entry-level role in the publishing industry gives you a taste of the business. Associate publishers shadow leading publishers and handle administrative tasks.
Communications Coordinator
Public relations professionals can fit right into a communications coordinator role. This position requires communicating information from the publishing house to the public.
Content Developer
Do you like creating ideas? Content developers come up with strategies behind the content. This role designs marketing campaigns, schedules content, and increases engagement.
Content Writer
Content writers are responsible for writing articles on products that assist businesses in selling services. If you choose this role, you could help publishers sell their books by writing blog posts about the author and other books they’ve written.
Copy Editor
Are you great with small details? Copy editors handle spelling, grammar, and punctuation within books. This particular role involves a sharp eye for detail. If you want to sharpen your editing skills, here are some self-editing tips and tools.
Copywriter
Now more than ever, companies need copywriters. Copywriters handle everything from public relations, brand copywriting, social media, product descriptions, marketing emails, and more.
Editorial Assistant
This role primarily focuses on editing. As an editorial assistant, your primary role is assisting senior editors during the entire process. They handle everything from copy editing, style, spelling, structure, and fact-checking.
Publishing Assistant
If you want to get your foot in the door, a publishing assistant is a great opportunity. Publishing assistants help companies piece together documents for publications, organize finance reports, and proofread. You can also help with various other tasks.
Publishing Specialist
This individual has an essential job in ensuring all articles get published timely and accurately. Publishing specialists include verifying content, managing documents, and proofreading.
“Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing.”
-Sylvia Plath
Conclusion
Breaking into the publishing industry is no simple task. However, it gets easier as you start to network and get experience. Job hunting in any sector is all about acquiring skills, meeting all requirements, and then networking.
No matter what type of job you want in the publishing industry, this month’s post can help you reach your goals. If you’re up for the task, landing a job at a publishing house can lead to a great life. This type of work allows a great degree of flexibility.
For more information on jobs at a publishing house, please leave a comment below. I’m always happy to answer any questions.
Resources
Reedsy Blog – The Reedsy staff explains what jobs are available in book publishing.
ZipRecruiter – The staff at Zip Recruiter dives into the requirements to become a book publisher.
Lynn Palmer Executive Recruitment – Dara Kushner explains how to enter the publishing industry from an entry-level perspective.
Make Use Of – Saffron Clacy dives into the best careers in the publishing industry.
Kindlepreneur – Dave Chesson gives a complete guide to becoming a book editor.