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How to Become a Publisher
If you're looking for a career in the media, love reading and publications, then you might like to
become a publisher. Publishers work to release books, novels, magazines, and other printed
works to the public. They find talent, edit works, format the final product, and also have a hand
in marketing.
Publishing is a secure career that leaves plenty of room for creativity. To be successful in this
role you'll need a broad skills base. A publisher needs to have a good understanding of literary
works and to keep abreast of what's popular, while also being organized, pay attention to
details, and always meet deadlines.
Education Requirements to Become a Publisher
A educational background to become a publisher is a four year bachelors degree. A major in
English, journalism, communications, writing, or the liberal arts would be ideal. It's not
necessary, but a masters or other postgraduate degree in publishing would be attractive to
perspective employers.
If you want to work in publishing, you need to know your field inside-out. If you want to work with
novels, read a lot of them. The same goes for newspapers and magazines. Spend time in local
bookstores and libraries, and attend events whenever you can.
While at college, taking advantage of opportunities to complete an internship would be of great
value. This will give you experience of how a publishing house works. You may also meet
contacts which will help you to secure full-time work later on.
The publishing industry is set to decline in the next few years, due to the onset of electronic
media and the internet. This means that the industry will get more competitive, especially for
entry level jobs. You may wish to set your career path in the new media areas, for instance
electronic publishing and web publishing. Employment opportunities in these sectors will be
strong.
Computer literacy is a must in the publishing industry. If you are not picking up skills at college,
then look into doing a short course. Photo editing skills can also be helpful in formatting works,
although not essential.
Publisher Job Description

2. When you become a publisher, you become responsible for the journey of a book from the raw
workings of a writer to a finished piece on a bookshelf. A publisher starts their work by scouring
for new talent. They keep in contact with literary agents, and are often looking at magazines,
blogs, and journals for the next talent. They also receive plenty of unsolicited submissions as
well. Most publishers will only print a handful of works each year.
A publisher will oversee the editing process of a book, and sometimes complete this
themselves. They negotiate with the author as to what stays and what goes. They will also
format a book, choosing fonts, cover art, graphic work, and mastheads in some cases.
After a book has gone to press a publisher will coordinate its launch. They may organize events
and see that the book gets plenty of good publicity, and may send out review copies to
newspapers and magazines.
Some publishers work within other mediums, such as newspapers or magazines or the growing
electronic publishing sector.
Publisher Salary and Career Path
When you become a publisher you should expect entry into your first job to be competitive. You
will likely start out as a publishing assistant. There will be plenty of filing, admin, and coffee runs
to keep you busy. After a while, you could be promoted to the role of junior publisher, then to
publisher when you will be able to manage your own clients.
Some publishers go on to management positions, or leave to start their own publishing houses.
The average salary for an experienced publishing manager is around $100,000 a year
depending on what sector you're in. Those starting out would earn much less however.
You can find out more information about careers in publishing from the Association of American
Publishers.
Some similar roles to that of publisher you might be interested in include:
* Author
* Writer
* Journalist
* Public relations manager
* Sports agent
* Administrator
* Reporter

3. Publishing is an interesting industry that is currently seeing many changes. If you would like to
become a publisher, entry is competitive but those with experience have good job security and
get to do what they love.