Does the image that comes to mind when you think of working in publishing the glamorous New York corner office at a top publishing house reading, editing, and meeting best-selling authors all day? If this sounds like your dream job, well, there are a couple of things that you need to know before getting started, but don’t worry, we’ll be sharing some tips behind being able to reach your publishing goals, even if it seems impossible. Getting a job in publishing may seem like a daunting task, especially if everything about the industry is a mystery. There are so many routes you can take, and yet getting started is probably the hardest part. Here are some ways to get your foot in the publishing door.

Learn About the Industry

Publishing is ever-evolving, which means there is more than one way to work in this industry. There are traditional publishing houses like Penguin Random House, but there are also hybrid publishers like SparkPoint Studio, and smaller publishers like university presses that have less competition. Though New York City is a big hub for publishing houses, there are also opportunities in Hoboken, Jersey City, San Francisco, Seattle, Twin Cities, and more. Believe it or not, there are many more publishing houses than the ones we are most familiar with. Start looking to find one that aligns with what you want to do. 

Along with a wide variety of publishing houses, there is also a huge selection of job titles in publishing. Yes, there are editors, but there are also publicists, marketers, salespeople, agents, analysts, designers, and more. Lean into your interests. An interest in science could get you a job as a science textbook editor, which may be a great place to start out. Jobs in marketing and publicity are also easier to come by in an entry-level position. Don’t be afraid to start in a different role than you thought you’d have. Start by browsing websites like Publisher’s Lunch and Publisher’s Weekly with current job listings to discover the many industry role options. Informational interviews are also a great way to learn more about a certain job in the industry and make sure it’s a good fit from someone who is already there. Ask questions, explore jobs, and cultivate your skills, whatever they might be.

Gain Experience

Let’s talk internships. They’re an amazing way to network and gain real-world experience. It’s also a great way to find out what you like in publishing and what you don’t when you’re first starting out. Here at SparkPoint, there are internships offered in publicity, digital/social media, publishing, and editorial. Look to see if a company you’re interested in offers internships in any aspect of publishing. Once you’re in, you can make contacts and learn what that specific company is looking for in an employee. As an intern, learn as much about the industry and meet as many people as you can. With anything in this industry, be curious, share your opinions, and have confidence in yourself. 

Working at a bookstore is another way to gain real-world experience that also lets you learn about industry trends. Understanding what people want is another key skill that is useful when entering the publishing field. Read NYT bestsellers, books outside your comfort zone, book reviews, and industry news daily in order to keep up with trends. Try starting a bookstagram or Twitter. Social media can be a bonus experience for learning about books and trends. Volunteering at a library or bookstore can help with this as well.

Consider a master’s program or a publishing certificate. Grad school can certainly help with getting interviews, but if you’re looking for a shorter route that can help you gain hands-on experience, there are also certificates. Publishing certificates are crash courses in publishing with workshops, lectures, and advice from experts in the field. These 4-6 week courses leave you with knowledge about manuscript evaluation, production, marketing strategy, every step of the book publishing process, and much more. It will also leave you with a network of connections at your disposal. Check out the Columbia Publishing Courses and the Denver Publishing Institute if you want to know more.

Apply

Search job listing websites to find openings and apply, apply, apply. Utilize your contacts and create a well-designed resume highlighting your education, experience, knowledge, and skills that the job is specifically looking for. You can look at sites such as Publisher’s Lunch and Publisher’s Weekly, but there are also sites like LinkedIn and Indeed. Remember, don’t be afraid to apply for any entry-level job that can get you into the field. 

Before any interview, make sure to do thorough research about the company. Look at what kinds of books it publishes and then read some of them. Discussing a book you enjoyed can help show that your passions align with the company and that you did your research. After the interview, write thank you notes to follow up and leave a good impression. 

Starting out in any industry can be tricky, but there are ways to ease the transition into a publishing career. It takes hard work and dedication, and it may even take years to end up at that New York office if that’s the desired destination. However, intentional goals, comprehensive experiences, and well-formed relationships with people in the industry can give you a leg up. As long as you’re passionate and knowledgeable, there are opportunities everywhere on many different paths. You just have to find them or make your own.