If you love reading and evaluating books, there is no better job in the world than being a book publisher. There are a lot of different positions in this industry. You don’t necessarily have to be an editor right away, as you can also interview for production, marketing and sales, digital and audio departments, and other positions. In this article, we will discuss some of the key aspects of starting a successful book publishing career.
Experience
Not many book publishers will tell you that this was their first job. When applying for this type of job, it is almost mandatory that you at least have some experience with writing. Being a journalist, a news reporter, or even being a writer yourself can be advantageous. Not only will this help you get the job but will also be a great learning ground for the opportunities ahead.
Prepare for the Interview
You evaluation won’t be solely based on your experience but also on the performance at the interview itself. So, make sure to prepare yourself, and prepare well. The cover letter should be customized in accordance with the company at which you’re trying to get a job at. Go over it multiple times and make sure you haven’t missed anything. Learn all that you can about the company, and mention something at the interview. This will surely leave an impression that you really did your research. One of the tips is to read a book released by that publisher and talk about the things that made you buy it.
Be Communicative
If you performed well at the interview and got the job, you should now get to know your colleagues. Try to chat with people and be friendly, but don’t overdo it. Learn about the industry as you work, and speak about it with other more experienced associates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even for small things. This will show initiative and the fact that you’re seriously interested in making progress.
Work Your Way Up
Book publishers in general earn salaries that are slightly above average. However, if you’re a young individual that’s only getting to know the industry, you won’t exactly be rolling in dough right away. Many publishing interns are pinching pennies at the beginning, and some even work for free. There’s practically no other way around this, so you’ll have to be very patient and work your way up day by day. This is not only the case with book publishing but for the majority of professions that you might be considering as well.
Trust Your Qualities
Even if you got rejected after the interview, you should not get discouraged. If you are passionate about book publishing, it’s only a matter of time until you find your way in. Just think about the next interview and try to prepare better this time. Never give up and keep looking forward. Go over your cover letter and practice your presentation.
