Advice on finding a job
The key is finding out as much as possible about what the jobs
involve. Get a hold of the book trade's magazine, The Bookseller,
which features job advertisements; read publishing blogs; follow
publishers on Twitter.
If there is a particular publisher (or organisation with a
publishing arm) you are interested in, check its website and follow
it on Twitter for job news. You will also get to know the publisher
a bit better before you apply if a job comes up.
Sometimes publishers, particularly if they're of a small or
medium size, may not advertise at all, preferring to fill their
vacancies by word-of-mouth, or from interns or previous
applicants.
We publicise our members' vacancies on our website, in our industry newsletter and by Twitter. Some publishers also advertise
in The Bookseller and The
Guardian and you can sign up for their job alerts.
The Bookcareers website is full of useful
information. Members of the Society of Young Publishers can access its jobs
board.
Applying for a job
Whether you are applying for an internship or a vacancy, or
sending a speculative application, it is essential to
tailor your covering letter and CV to the
publisher you are applying to.
Research the publisher's website and social media and have a
look at their books in a bookshop or library if you can.
You will be facing a lot of competition for any position so
present your application well and ensure it is error-free.
What are you likely to earn?
Nobody works in publishing purely for the money. But you will be
rewarded with an interesting and satisfying career in a creative
industry with lots of congenial people. Salaries in independent
publishers can start around £20,000 per year. Professional
publishers (eg law, medicine and science) generally pay more as do
the publishing arms of institutions and corporations. Salaries in
London are higher than in Scotland and can rise to six figures for
directors in the largest publishers.
Bookcareers.com did a salary survey in 2017 that provides some
interesting information on salaries.