More than at any time in modern history, a career in publishing is an attractive, viable option to the eager career-seeker. There is a place in publishing employment for many skill-sets, from business management, marketing, and sales to graphic design, editing, and technology. A publishing career can be a very challenging and rewarding experience.
Here are the main types of careers available in the publishing industry:
- The Publisher. The top position; keeps everything running smoothly.
- The Commissioning Editor. Makes the decision about which manuscripts to publish or reject.
- The Reader. Reads manuscript to give feedback; sometimes a freelance reader.
- The Senior Editor. Works with author to edit manuscript before being published.
- The Copy Editor. Helps the senior editor with editing.
- The Proof Reader. After editing, checks manuscript for mistakes.
- The Designer. In charge of the final design appearance of publication.
- The Cover Artist. Usually freelance, creates the actual artwork for design.
- The Publicist. Lets the world know the published product is out there.
- The Book Reps. Visit bookstore territorially to represent publishers products.
- Sales, Marketing. In charge of overall sales and marketing of published products.
The best way to embark on a career in publishing is to contact the specific publishers, or go on their websites, and find out exactly what publishing employment openings they are currently looking to fill. Their websites will often display current job openings.
Excellent directories of publishers exist to help you find those companies. They are:
- The Writer's Market.
- Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents.
- Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.
- Google's directory of publishers
- Yahoo's directory of publishers
Here are some excellent resources on careers in publishing, offering many articles, help guides, and career listings:
