Editing and Publishing |
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Publishing Job Types |
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What is a publisher? Generally, a publisher works in both the business and creative aspects of publishing media. Although they may be involved in layout and typesetting decisions, they also tend to work closely with the client, presenting the project plans and making sure client needs are met. They may also be involved in budgeting and production scheduling. They produce all kinds of media including novels, anthologies, encyclopedias, textbooks , magazines, newsletters and newspapers, business cards, calendars, brochures, packaging, slides, and tickets.
Jobs in Publishing • Desktop Publisher: Combines text and visual elements to produce publish-ready material. Occasionally, desktop publishers write and edit text, create graphics to go with the text, make photographs and drawings into digital images, manipulate these images, and design page layouts. Desktop publishers also do typesetting, color separation, and transfer electronic material onto film • Print Production Coordinator/Manager: Manage and oversee the general printing staff. They are typically in charge of coordinating ads, bids, and purchase orders. Print production coordinators/managers are responsible for setting the production schedule, the budget, and the print specifications. • Scholarly Publisher: Most often work for university presses and have a specialization in a particular area, for instance, American history, medical science, psychology etc. Scholarly publishers produce materials that pertain to those particular fields. Educational Requirements Although desktop publishers do not always require formal training, an associates or bachelors degree will not only help give you an edge, it will also leave the door open to the other careers in publishing that do require a degree. Because they work so closely with computers, desktop publishers will need to been advanced in various computer programs and may need to know HTML or other forms of electronic publishing technology. Print production managers require an associates or bachelors degree and experience ranging from 2-7 years. Because of their administrative duties, business management classes/experience will provide the competitive edge needed. Most scholarly publishers have advanced degrees, and PhDs are not uncommon. Since publishing remains an apprenticeship career, there is no substitute for hands-on experience. One will probably spend a few years drafting contracts and rejection letters, calling reviewers, and requesting checks before moving on to another position. **In all aspects of publishing, nothing stands out more than EXPERIENCE. Get involved early in on-campus and local publications or volunteer at non-profit organizations. Any experience will build a resume and demonstrate initiative.** Personal Skills and Qualities A publishing candidate must be able to work well under the pressure of deadlines. In all aspects of publishing, a versatile, multi-tasking, detail-oriented personality is desired, as well as an imaginative, creative mind. Good communication skills and personal skills are also key attributes to have. Outlook The publishing job market is expected to grow about as fast as or slightly faster than average for all occupations through 2012. Salary Salary varies depending on the area of publishing one works in, the job location, and the amount of experience. Although the starting salary is fairly low, the average range is between approximately $20,000 and $60,000, and those working in printing and managing are at the high end of the salary range. In 2003, the national average salary for publishers was $38,000. The salary tends to increase as the job becomes more managerial and less creative. Testimonials"Working in publishing allows me to meet and work with people who change and shape our world - scientists, novelists, spiritual leaders, doctors, celebrities, political leaders and more. The job provides an ongoing liberal arts education that can't be beat. Every day is a new adventure and I am never doing the same old thing." -- Liz Perl , Vice President, Associate Publisher Riverhead & Perigree trade paperbacks, Director of Marketing, Berkley Publishing Group and New American Library "What I love most about publishing (Besides books) is that it's constantly evolving. People who work at consumer packaged goods companies can spend whole careers working on single products while we launch hundreds of books into the world every year. Plus, books are a lot more interesting than shampoo! I've spent most of my career on the business side of publishing, and I wouldn't have it any other way. This is an excellent time in publishing for people who have a good feel for books as well as "the numbers." -- Kitt Allan , Vice President and Publisher To learn more about what editors do, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics job description and bookjobs.com. Sources: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Created by Jessica Hagen and Kelly Buren on 11/5/05
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