How to Assign Roles in a New Publishing Company

Publishing companies require many different business and editorial skills.

A new publishing company has to set priorities in the roles it assigns. It may fill key roles such as commissioning editor, production manager and marketing manager with permanent staff and use freelance staff such as copy editors, designers and proofreaders to handle the changing workload as the company grows. In a magazine or newspaper publishing company, freelance staff can also cover roles such as journalist, photographer or contributing editor. The head of a new publishing company -- owner or managing director -- has initial responsibility for assigning roles.

Instructions

1. Identify the most important skills and roles. According to the media skills agency Skillset, publishing companies need the skills to understand customers' needs, develop high-quality content and manage projects to meet strategic business objectives.

2. Hire an experienced commissioning editor. Ensure that the publishing company acquires quality content in the form of book manuscripts, news items or feature articles. The position of commissioning editor is a key role that helps to build the reputation of the company and attract talented contributors.

3. Recruit a production manager to control costs and ensure the quality and timely delivery of content. Ensure that the candidate is familiar with the latest production techniques. Choose a candidate who can bring proven suppliers on board to avoid any startup problems with new suppliers.

4. Appoint a marketing manager to drive sales and revenue from the company's content. Choose a candidate with established contacts in the distribution chain to get content moving quickly into retail outlets. Ask the successful candidate to recommend or find an advertising agency with experience in the appropriate media.

5. Build a contact list of freelance copy editors and proof readers. Look for editors with experience in the categories of work and subject areas that the publishing company is focusing on. Make the commissioning editor or production manager responsible for managing the editorial team. Find freelance graphic designers or design consultants. Look for experience in editorial design and ability to design for cost-effective production. Delegate responsibility for managing designers to the production manager.

6. Build a team of quality freelance contributors, including journalists, contributing editors, photographers, illustrators and cartoonists. Choose contributors with a track record of published material and the ability to meet deadlines. Make the commissioning editor responsible for managing teams of contributors.

7. Identify other roles that will be important to the company's growth. Appoint a full-time finance or administration manager to focus the company on business as well as publishing. Consider recruiting an in-house editorial team when revenue and volume of business support the appointment of additional full-time staff.

References

• Skillset: What Does the Publishing Industry Need?