How to Get a Job in the Publishing Industry

Publishing is a broad field encompassing books, magazines and other publications.

The publishing industry is a broad field filled with opportunities for creative and business-minded people alike. Publishing roles deal with books, magazines and websites---and are good for people who like literature, editing, writing and communications. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the publishing industry is mostly made up of newspaper writers and editors. This is followed by magazines and book publishing.

Things You'll Need

• Computer

Instructions

1. 

   Study writing and publishing.

   Study writing, journalism, media or communications. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, many publishing professionals have earned degrees in writing, English or journalism. Many go on to receive an advanced publishing degree. Study writing and publishing, if possible. Most publishing jobs will require an understanding of the written language. If you are in college, join the literary journal, campus magazine or newspaper. Gain experience and collect writing or editing credit. Visit the website for College Toolkit to find schools that offer publishing courses.

2. 

   Intern with a publishing company.

   Get an internship in a publishing-related field. Intern for a magazine, newspaper, periodical, academic journal or book publishing house. Relocating to certain major metropolitan areas allows for interning or working at major publishing houses, though smaller cities and towns often have a local newspaper or book publishing group. Find internships in publishing by visiting the websites for MediaBistro, Journalism Jobs, Book Jobs and Ed2010, all of which list new publishing jobs on a daily basis. Pay close attention to your intern duties so that you have an understanding of the industry.

3. 

   Write for publications to gain experience.

   Write for publications. Because many jobs in the publishing industry are made up of writers and editors, writing is an essential skill. Apply to write for publications that may be local or online. Often, these positions do no pay but offer valuable experience to an individual hoping to gain a long-term job in publishing.

4. 

   Make a professional resume.

   Design a good resume and cover letter. Write a resume that specifically lists all of your relevant publishing experience: publications you've interned for, published works, student publishing jobs or campus publishing memberships (like the student newspaper or literary journal). Make sure to research the jobs you seek, and cater the cover letter to these jobs. For example, if you want to work for a health magazine, make sure to write a cover letter specifically focusing on your interest in health and writing.

5. 

   Get online and market yourself.

   Use social networking to connect with companies. According to Publishing Trends, it is a good idea to use the websites for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with companies and watch their activities and job posts.

References

• nited States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Publishing, Except Software
• Publishing Trends: How to Get a Job in Publishing

Resources

• Media Bistro: Jobs, Classes, Community and News for Media Professionals
• Journalism Jobs: The Job Board for Media Professionals
• Ed2010: Resume Writing
• Book Jobs: Careers
• College Tool Kit: Colleges Offering Publishing