By the book: how to get into publishing

Someone really wise once said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.

Well, imagine spending your days reading books, manuscripts and articles. Does it sound tempting for you? Then maybe you are publisher material!

A publisher works overseeing the production and distribution process of books, periodicals, magazines and newspapers. As a publisher, you may have to make important decisions such as which books to publish or how many copies to print, which promising authors to support and, who knows, how to manage your publishing company!

But the real question is: how to become a publisher?

Emagister puts together a to-do list for you!

Study like you mean it

Although there is not really a standard degree for publishing, studying subjects such as journalism, communication or English literature may be the best way to improve your skills and get what you need for breaking into the publishing industry.

Thanks to these courses, you will have the chance to boost your reading and writing skills, focusing not only in novels or news writing but also poetry, short stories and even comics if that is your style.

Acquire experience

During your studies, it could be really helpful to put theory into practice through an internship. Some publishing houses often offer apprenticeships and internships, allowing you to learn from the bests and make important progress as you go.

Get Specialised

Upon completion of your degree, taking a Master could bring your preparation to the next level!

A master’s degree in publishing gives you specific training that stretched from communications to marketing, web design, sales and business management. You may have the chance to major on a specific type of publishing, like books, magazines or newspapers, allowing you to bypass typical entry-level positions.

Time to build your career

To become a successful publisher is not something that happens in one day, you need to start from the bottom and progress step by step.

You may start in a publishing office as an assistant or an editor, but if you play your cards well, within some time you could make it to the top!

You will be able to build up a successful career in the publishing house of your dream! And maybe, who knows, if you are good enough, one day you could own one.

Read and keep reading!

It is not easy to keep doing what you love when you are also working with it.

You may have so much work sometimes to feel overwhelmed, but it is important to always find the time to keep reading what you like.

Every Sunday morning, pick some time just for you to seat in a park and read only what you love. Doesn’t matter what is it, you just need to keep your love for it always alive and enjoy every page!