5 answers
Ember
Student
Mount Juliet, Tennessee
2
Questions
Updated
2883 views
What’s it like being in publishing?
I’ve been looking into a career that I would genuinely enjoy. I’ve recently been looking into publishing, I’ve always really enjoyed reading and books in general. I would also really enjoy being an author as a side job and then being in the publishing business as a main and stable income. If anyone in publishing, sees this I was just wondering, what a day-to-day may look like, what college degrees you may need, if you needed any experience or internships, and where you worked? Also what role you have in the business/which role you would recommend?
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5 answers
Adam Sikes
Capture Executive, Defense Consulting
3
Answers
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hello Ember,
Publishing and the world of books is a great career to have, and despite what some people say about how AI will write and edits books for us and make authors obsolete, that is not the case. The world of publishing is indeed changing, but it will still be driven and filled with people. The principal reason for this is that you cannot copyright machine generated work. Also, fiction (and non-fiction to an extent) is art, and art needs emotion and soul.
That said, you need to think about what kind of books you want to publish (e.g. non-fiction, technical, fiction, literary, history, science, thrillers, romance, and so forth). Working at a publishing house, you may be an editor reviewing manuscripts, marketing and promotion, accounting, acquisitions). There are big and small houses, genre specific and broad, eBook only and library focused. They can all be found through Google searches, too.
I am an author myself, having published a non-fiction book and two novels with two different publishing houses. Lots of publishing houses accept interns (even if they don't advertise for them), you just have to ask. Also, I recommend going to book and writing conferences, you will meet authors, agents, editors, publishers, marketers, and everything in between.
But most importantly, keep reading and writing yourself. Writing and reading are things we cannot live without, so make them a part of your day because you need to see them as your education and your job. It might not pay, yet, but this is how you start. And to have a career that you love and allows you to work is an amazing gift.
Good luck!
Publishing and the world of books is a great career to have, and despite what some people say about how AI will write and edits books for us and make authors obsolete, that is not the case. The world of publishing is indeed changing, but it will still be driven and filled with people. The principal reason for this is that you cannot copyright machine generated work. Also, fiction (and non-fiction to an extent) is art, and art needs emotion and soul.
That said, you need to think about what kind of books you want to publish (e.g. non-fiction, technical, fiction, literary, history, science, thrillers, romance, and so forth). Working at a publishing house, you may be an editor reviewing manuscripts, marketing and promotion, accounting, acquisitions). There are big and small houses, genre specific and broad, eBook only and library focused. They can all be found through Google searches, too.
I am an author myself, having published a non-fiction book and two novels with two different publishing houses. Lots of publishing houses accept interns (even if they don't advertise for them), you just have to ask. Also, I recommend going to book and writing conferences, you will meet authors, agents, editors, publishers, marketers, and everything in between.
But most importantly, keep reading and writing yourself. Writing and reading are things we cannot live without, so make them a part of your day because you need to see them as your education and your job. It might not pay, yet, but this is how you start. And to have a career that you love and allows you to work is an amazing gift.
Good luck!
Michele Hollow
I'm a journalist and author.
4
Answers
South Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Michele’s Answer
I always wanted to write a book, too. I started as a journalist because I enjoy research, talking to people, and writing. I didn't think I'd publish a book right out of high school. Starting as a journalist was the right path for me because it gave me a lot of story ideas. I got to write, and I was able to interview people.
I found subjects that interested me: animals, health, autism, mental health, and the environment. This allowed me to write. Whereas working at a publishing house means editing other writers' work. I didn't want to do that. Journalism worked for me. Once I was established, I wrote a few work-for-hire books. That's where you get paid for the turned-in project without any royalties.
Recently, many years later, I made time to write a novel based on a true story. It took me time to find an agent, and it took the agent time to find a publishing house.
It can be done. It takes time.
I found subjects that interested me: animals, health, autism, mental health, and the environment. This allowed me to write. Whereas working at a publishing house means editing other writers' work. I didn't want to do that. Journalism worked for me. Once I was established, I wrote a few work-for-hire books. That's where you get paid for the turned-in project without any royalties.
Recently, many years later, I made time to write a novel based on a true story. It took me time to find an agent, and it took the agent time to find a publishing house.
It can be done. It takes time.
jose pimienta
comics and storyboarding
21
Answers
Burbank, California
Updated
jose’s Answer
Yes! Talk to editors and authors as much as you can and see if you can either get an entry level position in a publishing house of your liking or en internship to learn as many ropes as possible. But also, keep writing.
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Ember!
Publishing is an exciting field, especially if you love books! Day-to-day, you might review manuscripts, work with authors and editors, or help with book production. The role varies based on what you’re doing editorial involves reviewing and editing manuscripts, while marketing focuses on promoting books and organizing events.
Many people in publishing have degrees in English, journalism, or communications, but experience is key. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door, so look for opportunities at publishing houses or literary agencies. As for roles, editing is great if you love working with authors, but marketing, PR, or even literary agent work are good options too.
Being an author while working in publishing gives you a unique insight into the industry, which is a great advantage. Good luck with everything it’s a field full of opportunities!
Saint
Publishing is an exciting field, especially if you love books! Day-to-day, you might review manuscripts, work with authors and editors, or help with book production. The role varies based on what you’re doing editorial involves reviewing and editing manuscripts, while marketing focuses on promoting books and organizing events.
Many people in publishing have degrees in English, journalism, or communications, but experience is key. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door, so look for opportunities at publishing houses or literary agencies. As for roles, editing is great if you love working with authors, but marketing, PR, or even literary agent work are good options too.
Being an author while working in publishing gives you a unique insight into the industry, which is a great advantage. Good luck with everything it’s a field full of opportunities!
Saint
Joseph Aseo
Freeelance Technical Writer
45
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I studied journalism in college and also took courses in computer science. I worked for two engineering magazines, where I learned to handle tight monthly deadlines. I did research and interviewed technical experts, which was a great experience. This background helped me get jobs with several high-tech companies. There, I was in charge of publishing product documents from start to finish. I edited drafts to make sure they were clear and correct, and I included feedback from technical experts. Meeting deadlines was crucial, ensuring that readers received timely and accurate information. This journey has equipped me with valuable skills and confidence to tackle any challenge that comes my way!