Your Career in Publishing...
If you love reading books, magazines or newspapers then why not consider getting a job and joining this multifaceted and dynamic business?
Despite being around for centuries, the publishing business is continually growing and diversifying, and so offers a multitude of exciting career opportunities.
Magazines
We've all heard of Loaded, Hello!, Good Housekeeping and The Economist and can see a vast array of magazines on display at the news stand. There is also a huge number of business, professional and specialist titles that provide information and entertainment on just about every subject under the sun. To this you can add the growing number of customer magazines, such as which are produced under contract.
Publishers do much more than publishing on paper. They often provide readers with a package of products and services ranging from trade shows and exhibitions, to supplements, awards and licensed goods. They are also publishing on the internet and provide an increasing range of information services on-line.
Newspapers
Newspapers are the backbone of Britain's media, read by the vast majority of adults every week. There are around 1,300 national, regional and local newspapers in the UK today, published as mornings, evenings, Sundays and weeklies, and are paid for or free.
Regional newspapers are an integral part of their communities, championing local causes, spearheading campaigns and fighting on behalf of their readers. From the largest regional daily to the smallest rural weekly, regional and local newspapers embody the identity of the villages, towns and cities they serve.
Books and journals
Thousands of books are published each year, but only a small percentage of these are mass-market publications. Other markets, such as educational textbooks, academic research works and STM (scientific, technical and medical) books offer a wealth of opportunities.
If you've got a deep interest in a subject area, journal publishing is an exciting way to learn the latest advances and to be at the heart of discovery. Thousands of professional journals spread new research findings worldwide. Journals are perhaps the fastest changing field in publishing; almost all journals are now going on-line, so computer and web skills are a definite asset.
Directories and databases
Everyone uses directory information at some time. It may be looking in the Yellow Pages for a builder or discovering what record was No1 in June 1976 from the Guinness Book of Hit Singles.
There are more than 2,500 companies in the UK publishing consumer and business directories; these may be funded by sales of copies, sales of advertising, or both. Databases and directories are particularly used by businesses to target their goods and services, so it's vital that information is accurate and up to date. Almost invariably, the data is stored electronically, so computer skills in database management are a great asset when looking for a job in this sector.
Jobs in publishing
The range of jobs in publishing is far wider than you might think, and there are many more than you would imagine. Job opportunities are many and varied and so the industry is looking for people with a range of different skills and interests. The majority of jobs can be found in sales and marketing, editorial, production or design.
If you are hungry for a challenge and lots of responsibility, and have the stamina and determination to succeed then a job in sales could be for you. A job selling adverting on a magazine or newspaper is a highly-skilled, professional job for those with tenacity and who want to be at the cutting-edge. Those who are successful become first-class negotiators and presenters. They are rewarded both financially and by fast progression.
Competition for jobs in editorial is intense but if you have the talent and commitment to succeed there are a wealth of opportunities available. The editorial team includes those who research, write, edit and commission.
To get that first step into journalism, still one of the most popular career choices around, you can apply direct for a junior position as a news trainee or editorial assistant. Alternatively, you can do a journalism course to give yourself a head start. The best courses for journalists are those that have been accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists or the Periodical Publisher's Association.
The visual appearance of a publication is a vital element in attracting readers. Successful designers are able to combine their creative and artistic skills with a good understanding of IT and - as with all jobs in publishing - the ability to meet deadlines.
Marketing and circulation teams are responsible for getting publications to their readers. Whatever the publication, it has to reach the right reader, in the right place, at the right price, at the right time and this is a sophisticated business. You'll need excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, numeracy and the potential to develop creative and strategic ideas.
The production team is the lynch-pin department in the publishing process and deals with everyone involved. It involves keeping editorial and sales teams to deadline as well as liasing with suppliers and printers. As much of the production process is becoming digital, you'll need good IT skills as well as the ability to work under pressure with good communication, team and organisation skills.
Increase your chances of success
So as you can see, publishing offers an exciting range of career opportunities. As it's such a competitive career option, you can increase your chances in a number of ways:
Get some experience: one of the best ways of finding out what you want and what you're good at is to give it a try on a work experience placement. It's also a good way to demonstrate your genuine commitment and enthusiasm.
Start making contacts: who you know is important and by making good contacts you can make your own luck.
Get to know publications: employers want people who are as passionate about their products as their readers so it makes sense to get to know what's out there.
Be yourself and do something you enjoy: don't waste time doing a particular degree or seeking a career just because it sounds good. It's hard to be enthusiastic about something you don't really want.
Stand out from the crowd: use your initiative and always be prepared to go the extra mile. Publishers want people who are proactive and provide solutions rather than problems.
Publishing is an ever changing, dynamic and fascinating business. Being part of that makes for an exciting career, no matter what side of the business you get involved in. And it's very much a people business. A big part of the job is working in the office, on the telephone, in front of the computer. It can be glamorous, and although it's hard work, the rewards and satisfaction make it all worthwhile.
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