Careers In The Publishing Industry

 

“The future of publishing is about having connections to readers and the knowledge of what those readers want.” - Seth Godin

Publishing can be defined as the process by which literature, music and information is produced and distributed to the general public. It includes all the stages that a literary work goes through till it reaches the consumer including development, acquisition, copy – editing, layouts and graphic designing, printing, marketing, distribution and sales.

The Publishing Industry is one of the oldest and most widespread industries in the world. Traditionally, it included all forms of print media, such as newspapers, magazines, books, journals, directories etc. But the recent developments in the field of Information Technology have changed the course of the Publishing Industry forever. It now includes many forms of digital publishing such as ‘E – books’ and online magazines and newspapers. The emergence of digital publishers is responsible for the sudden changes in the Publishing Industry. It is a widely accepted fact that the future of this industry lies in Digital Publishing, which leads to the possibilities of many employment opportunities.

When people normally think about the professionals working in the Publishing Industry, they imagine a writer and an editor sitting behind a desk, going through hundreds of manuscripts. Even though this is a part of the business, the Industry itself is huge and provides employment to a wide range of professionals with qualifications in diverse subjects such as marketing, law, finance, writing, art, graphic designing, photography and technology or engineering.


Types of Jobs in the Publishing Industry:

Editors or Commissioning Editors

This is one of the most sought after job profiles in this industry. Editors or Commissioning Editors are responsible for selecting, reviewing and arranging material for publication. They are involved in all the stages of publishing including production, designing, marketing and distribution. Editors are responsible for the final result of the publishing process. If the work turns out to be a success and a best seller, then the Editors are showered with accolades. If it turns out to be unsuccessful, then the Editor is criticized for his lack of connect with the audience. An Editor has a say over each and every thing that is a part of the publication. They are often involved in developing headlines, captions and covers. Editors work closely with the Writers and try to adapt the publication according to market tastes and company standards. They are responsible for finding new authors and publishing promising works. Editors are also in – charge of the financial aspects of the business and it is their responsibility to make sure that the costs stay at their minimum and profits at their maximum. They mostly start off as Copy Editors, Desk Editors or Junior Editors and then move up the ladder. A graduate and a Post Graduate degree in Journalism and related fields can be very helpful.


Writers and Journalists

This is another one of the most sought after jobs in the Publishing Industry. Most publications hire writers and journalists who research about topics, write articles and assist in editing them. The jobs can be very different in the case of books. In book publishing, the writer is known as the ‘author’ and is the main person behind the idea and content of the book. It is a challenge for authors to come up with new and innovative content, which can be fiction or nonfiction. It is important for them to find publishers who see potential in their works and are willing to publish them. In the case of newspapers and magazines, writers and journalists often work as reporters. They go to locations and collect information and write articles based on this information. A lot of them write opinion based articles as well. A degree in Journalism or English and a flair for writing can turn you into a successful professional.

Copy Editors

Copy Editors are professionals in the Publishing Industry who are responsible for proofreading and correcting manuscripts. This includes making sure that the written material makes sense and has clarity, flow, consistency and good grammar. They also make sure that the writing style of the publication house is maintained, especially in magazines and newspapers. They coordinate with all the other departments in this business including production, marketing, sales, printers and distributors. The job of a Copy Editor sometimes involves dealing and liaising with authors and agents. Most Copy Editors start of as Editorial Assistants and then go on to become Editors or Commissioning Editors. A Graduate degree in Journalism or English can prove to be a major help.


Proofreaders

Proofreaders are professionals who are specialize in checking written works for grammar, consistency, clarity and accuracy. A lot of proofreading jobs are outsourced to Freelancers who work from their respective homes. Their main aim is to make sure that the written work is free from all types of errors including textual and graphical errors. Even though they have overlapping job responsibilities, the two jobs are very different as proofreaders have absolutely no creative freedom. They are just supposed to complete the task that has been assigned to them in the best possible manner. A Graduate degree in English Literature and Grammar can help you get better proofreading jobs.


Photographers

Photographers are professionals in the field of photography and are employed mostly by newspapers and magazines in the Publishing Industry. A lot of them work as freelancers who work on assignment based projects. The often sell the rights of their photographs to publishers. Photographers often work as ‘Photojournalists’ in newspapers and are responsible for disseminating information through their photographs. These can include photographs of criminals, places, events etc. Photographers also work for books and journals and responsible for clicking photographs related to the theme of the publication. For example, Photographers are really important if the publication is a travel based book. A Graduate degree in Mass Communication and technical knowledge about photography combined with creativity is important if you want to work as a Photographer in the Publishing Industry.


Artists and Illustrators

Artists and Illustrators find regular employment in the Publishing Industry due to their skills in art and drawing. They are often needed to supplement textual information and make publications more interesting, easier to understand and catchy. Newspapers and Magazines regularly use Illustrations and Cartoons made by artists to provide a balance between textual information and entertainment in the publication. Books also regularly use illustrations to add color. Children’s books are a major employment opportunity for Artists and Illustrators as almost all such books use drawings and illustrations to keep children interested in the publication. A degree in art or fine art, combined with artistic and creative talent can pave the way for you to find regular employment opportunities as an artist in the Publication Industry.


Advertising Sales Agents

Advertising Sales Agents are one of the most important people in a Publication, most of the publications survive on the revenue they receive from advertising. They are responsible for working with clients and advertising agencies to sell advertising space in the publication. They often travel a lot in order to maintain clients and obtain new accounts. Advertising Sales Agents convince advertisers about the reach and scope of the publication, and how advertising in their publication can benefit their product and company. They are involved in developing advertising proposals and making sample advertisements. A Graduate or a Post Graduate degree in Sales and Marketing in addition to experience in the field of sales can be very beneficial for people who aspire to get into this profession.

 

Graphic Designers

Graphic Designers are professionals who are involved in using pictures, art forms, text, typography etc. to come up with new and attractive designs for publications. They are well versed with the attributes of a good design and know how to use different tools to create interesting layouts. They are involved in designing covers and graphics for books, creating and supplying artwork for advertising campaigns, arranging photo shoots, buying and using images etc. They are often responsible for supervising Illustrators and Photographers. Graphic Designers create the layout for the whole publication, including advertisements. A degree in Graphic Designing combined with knowledge of different types of designing software can make you into a great Graphic Designer. It is important to build a strong portfolio showcasing your best works in order to get good jobs.


Finance

The Publishing Industry offers a lot of employment opportunities to professionals related to the field of Finance, such as Chartered Accountants and Economists. They are integral to the publishing business due to its complicated nature. They are responsible for looking after credit control, forecasting future financial conditions, cash flow and pay roll. They suggest solutions when the business is going through a bad phase financially and often give advice that includes reducing or increasing inventory, managing staff etc. A Graduate or a Post Graduate degree in Chartered Accountancy or Economics and Finance can be really helpful in getting you top finance related jobs in the Publishing Industry.


Publicity and Marketing

The Publicity and Marketing departments are normally separate entities in large organizations, but are a part of the same department in the smaller organizations. Their main aim is to increase the circulation and sales. The marketing department looks after creating new campaigns and promoting books to readers are distributors through various media such as newspapers, radio etc. The publicity department is mainly responsible for promoting publications by getting adequate media exposure. They are often involved in arranging events such as book readings, signings by author etc. A Graduate or preferably a Post Graduate degree in Marketing or Public Relations combined with sufficient experience can help you get top jobs in the Publishing Industry.


Distribution/Circulation

The main aim of the professionals in the Distribution or the Circulation departments is to get the publication into the hands of as many readers as possible. Books are normally stored in large warehouses, whereas Newspapers are distributed and circulated as soon as they are printed. Magazines are circulated usually through the use of mail. It is the responsibility of the Distributor to make sure that the newspaper and magazines reach the newsstands and individual carriers on time. They also have to coordinate with all the other people involved in the distribution process to make sure that the publication reaches the readers on time.


Technology Experts

There are many employment opportunities that have developed due to the significant increase of digital publishing, such as the need for Technology Experts. As the process of digital publishing takes place online using complicated software, it is essential for publishers to employ tech – experts who can repair and rectify any mistakes in the publication process. These Technology Experts are normally engineers specializing in the field of Software, Computers, Mechanics and Electronics. Their main aim is to keep the publication process running smoothly. There is a need for mechanical engineers in traditional publication houses as well, to look after printing presses and come up new and more efficient printing presses and equipment. A degree in Engineering from a reputed institute is beneficial if you want to get a job in the technical sector of the Publishing Industry.


Sales

There are many opportunities for professionals with educational qualifications and experience in fields related to Sales. Selling books to bookshops, holding presentations for independent and major bookshop chains are two of the most essential tasks for the professionals related to Sales. They are responsible for making sure that the publication is sold in as many shops as possible. They are involved in export sales as well sales to institutions like libraries. A Graduate degree in Sales plus experience in dealing with customers are good starting points.


Law (Clauses and Contracts)

The Publishing Industry provides a lot of opportunities for professionals who have qualifications in Law and related fields. They are basically responsible for drafting contracts that are fair and neutral. They make sure that the Publishing House does not land up in a disadvantageous position due to a contract clause. A degree in Law is generally the minimum requirement for such positions.


Rights

The Publishing Industry offers jobs to people who have excellent negotiation and persuasion skills to handle the rights and licenses for the publication house. They are responsible for selling licenses for books and other formats abroad. They also look after negotiating contracts for official translations and adaptations. You start of as a Rights assistant and move on to become a Publishing Rights Manager.


Writing and journalism related careers

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Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams, follow their interests & curiosities and see the opportunities in life's setbacks-- including death itself.