4 answers
Claire
Student
Portland, Oregon
3
Questions
Asked
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What is the best way to get into the publishing industry?
I would love to eventually be an editor, but I don't know how to get my foot in the door! #editing #writing-and-editing #publishing
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4 answers
Kate Wallace
Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving
29
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Hi Claire!
I have a few thoughts on this. First, I don't think it's extra hard to get an entry level job at a publishing company (about the same as other entry level jobs!). You can look for internships at publishing companies over the summer - research local publishing companies and check each of them for internship opportunities. If you don't have luck there, any other internship in an office setting would also be valuable. You'll want to show that you have solid editing, writing, and organizational skills, and you can do related work in a lot of different office internships. If you have time, you can also consider related extracurriculars like a school newspaper or magazine (not quite as valuable as office experience, but putting them on your resume shows some experience and certainly interest). You might also want to ask your network (family, friends, friends' families, etc.) if they know anyone in publishing, and see if you can have a short phone call or coffee to learn more about the field.
Finally, it's important to consider the fact that the publishing industry is not a growing one. I have had several friends work at publishing companies and then career change, in large part because the industry is not going in a positive direction. (It also typically pays pretty badly compared to other for-profit careers, FYI.) So I'd recommend you also think about other careers that you might like, in order to keep your options open. You could certainly be an editor and do communications work in other settings, such as nonprofits, for example. You can search for "editor" jobs on job search websites, or jobs that require the skill "editing," and read the job descriptions to see what sounds fun, then read the required skills so you know what you need to learn. Just focus on doing activities and finding internships in areas you're interested in and enjoy, and then you'll have skills that relate to work you want to do.
Good luck!
Kate
I have a few thoughts on this. First, I don't think it's extra hard to get an entry level job at a publishing company (about the same as other entry level jobs!). You can look for internships at publishing companies over the summer - research local publishing companies and check each of them for internship opportunities. If you don't have luck there, any other internship in an office setting would also be valuable. You'll want to show that you have solid editing, writing, and organizational skills, and you can do related work in a lot of different office internships. If you have time, you can also consider related extracurriculars like a school newspaper or magazine (not quite as valuable as office experience, but putting them on your resume shows some experience and certainly interest). You might also want to ask your network (family, friends, friends' families, etc.) if they know anyone in publishing, and see if you can have a short phone call or coffee to learn more about the field.
Finally, it's important to consider the fact that the publishing industry is not a growing one. I have had several friends work at publishing companies and then career change, in large part because the industry is not going in a positive direction. (It also typically pays pretty badly compared to other for-profit careers, FYI.) So I'd recommend you also think about other careers that you might like, in order to keep your options open. You could certainly be an editor and do communications work in other settings, such as nonprofits, for example. You can search for "editor" jobs on job search websites, or jobs that require the skill "editing," and read the job descriptions to see what sounds fun, then read the required skills so you know what you need to learn. Just focus on doing activities and finding internships in areas you're interested in and enjoy, and then you'll have skills that relate to work you want to do.
Good luck!
Kate
Graham (Rusty) Carter Jr.
Writer, Editor, Communications Professional
10
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Graham (Rusty)’s Answer
Solid advice from my peers. Start small. Look for jobs in local community publications. They generally have small staffs and out of necessity you'll try your hand at many different roles. If book editing is your niche, look online for writers. Many of them appeal to their peers to provide feedback. Good luck in your search.
Alwyn Velásquez
Senior Product Designer (UI/UX)
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alwyn’s Answer
As a former teacher in two publishing programs in Boston, they provided a way to direct entry into Boston’s publishing companies. Without attending a publishing program I recommend securing an internship (get a paid one or at the lowest denominator one that provides a stipend) as a way to gain insight and experience in publishing while working in publishing.
Susan E. Oser
Contributing Writer at Vape Magazine
74
Answers
Westland, Michigan
Updated
Susan E.’s Answer
Basically, look online and look at proofreading and editing areas not only of publications but publications that could use your talent. It always helps to have at least some background in writing so you know what to look for and how to help your clients. I know for me in at least one case, I started out as a writer for a publication and then was asked to be copy editor because they liked my writing style so much. It's a matter of just looking around and keeping your ears and eyes open. Also, check out some suggestions below that have worked for me and what I've done.