How to get into publishing

We asked professionals at a top publishing house for advice on entering the industry - explore the various routes into publishing and discover how to increase your chances of getting your first job

Study a publishing qualification

Do you need a degree in publishing?

An undergraduate degree has traditionally been the prerequisite for most publishing jobs, and these courses typically help you develop a good level of computer literacy.

However, it's a false assumption that English is the ideal subject for entry into the profession. For most publishing roles, the degree subject is irrelevant unless you'd like to work in subject-specific publishing, such as science, medicine, history or art. In these cases, a degree in one of these subjects may improve your chances.

How about a Masters in publishing?

While it's true that employers are more interested in a graduate's skills and competencies than a specific degree, postgraduate courses in publishing are becoming more popular.

A Masters in the subject may not guarantee you a job or a higher salary, but it can prepare you for what to expect from this demanding career - from agent negotiations to the author questionnaires a publishing house would need prior to publication.

If your first degree is in an unrelated area, an MA in publishing can also provide you with industry-specific skills, a network of contacts and a greater understanding of the roles available.

Jonathan Herbert, senior rights executive at Penguin Books UK, explained, 'A Masters in publishing, though not essential, gave me a good grounding in the field. I was given great networking opportunities and enough confidence to know which area of publishing was right for me.'

Where can I study a Masters course in publishing?

To see what else is on offer, search for postgraduate courses in publishing.

Do a publishing internship

Why is it important to find an internship?

The number of applicants for publishing jobs far outweighs the number of positions available. Therefore, it's vital to give yourself an edge by gaining work experience, either during your summer breaks or immediately after you graduate.

You'll find that internships and placements give you the opportunity to discover what it's like to work for a publishing house and if the career really is for you.

This relevant experience can be added to your CV to highlight the skills you have developed so far in your career. It can go alongside study and any other extra-curricular activities you've been involved in. For example, you could also mention that you've worked in a bookshop or volunteered at a literary festival.

What areas can I do an internship in?

design
eBooks and the growing digital market
editorial
marketing
production
sales.

Where can I find a publishing internship?

Most entry-level publishing jobs are based in London, where prospects are good. Penguin Books UK also offers entry-level roles in Frating, Essex.

Publishing companies typically advertise internship opportunities on their websites.

For example, Emily Large, programmes and outreach advisor at Penguin Books UK, explains how they run emerging talent programmes and insight opportunities, advertised via their careers site. These range from two-month summer internships to a six-month programme.

'None of these opportunities require a CV to apply and instead we look for specific qualities displayed during the selection process,' reveals Emily.

Matthew Hutchinson, publicity manager for Penguin Books UK, also recommends checking out industry sites such as The Bookseller, which is free to sign up for and sends out weekly jobs bulletins.

Other publishers that offer internships include:

How can I make the most of an internship?

Matthew explains the importance of:

Getting paid for the work - 'It's important not to get taken advantage of by unpaid work experience'. Penguin Books UK and many other publishers pay work experiencers a minimum wage.
Using your time wisely and being proactive - 'With any experience make sure you get the most out of your time with a team by asking specific questions about their work, requesting experience in other aspects of their role, putting yourself forward to help out with a specific project, or asking to be introduced to colleagues in other departments. Two weeks will go by very quickly, so be proactive and show interest in the work around you.'
Remaining in contact with connections - 'Staying in touch with people you meet face-to-face is also important. Sending a short email, just to say 'hi' and to tell your previous mentors where you've gained experience recently could go a long way and it shows initiative.'
Finding jobs and networking through social media - 'Social media channels, such as X, Facebook and LinkedIn, and blogs, are also great resources for finding out about entry-level programmes and connecting with people in the industry.'

Another tip is to start your own literary blog or podcast and promote it via your social networks - you never know whose eye it may catch. Read more about the ways to get media experience.

Secure a publishing assistant apprenticeship

What publishing apprenticeships are available?

The Publishers Association has revealed the new apprenticeship standard through LDN Apprenticeships for those already working in the publishing industry, including those starting their career.

Replacing the Level 3 Publishing Assistant Apprenticeship, the Level 4 Publishing Professional Apprenticeship is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC). This 15-month programme is designed for those working in trade and academic journals and magazines.

The programme allows you to develop knowledge and skills at each stage of the publishing process - from the product's conception, be it a book, eBook, or journal, all the way through to production in paper or digital format. You'll also gain an understanding of the sales, marketing, and publicity sides of things.

The apprenticeship will help you understand how all the elements fit together and in what order, enabling you to be highly effective in your role.

Key aspects of the apprenticeship include:

accessibility
climate change and sustainability
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I)
technological trends such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Where can I find a publishing apprenticeship?

As you'd expect, most publishing apprenticeships are based in London, and you may be able to find work with a renowned publishing house such as Bloomsbury or smaller publishers.

Search for apprenticeships at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship.

Read about other media apprenticeships and explore our essential guide to apprenticeships.

Get a publishing job

How much will I be paid?

Roles vary depending on the type of publishing and the department you work in, and while pay is reasonable, you won't find top-level salaries in publishing, so you'll need a genuine love for what you do.

For example, you can earn:

拢26,500 per year as an editorial assistant working for a publisher
at least 拢29.85 per hour as a proofreader or 拢34.70 per hour as a copy editor
拢25,000 to 拢35,000 per year as a publishing rights manager.

What areas of publishing can I work in?

Matthew explains why choosing the right area to work in is important. 'Graduate responsibilities include supporting the publishing and creative process, so having an interest in, and passion for the kind of books being published is essential.'

Areas of book publishing include:

academic
commercial or trade
educational
fiction
professional (finance, law)
scientific, technical or medical (STM).

Digital publishing is also growing, especially in academic, educational and STM publishing.

Writers keen to forge their own path can also self-publish through:

How do I find the right publishing role?

As competition for jobs is fierce, it's important to keep an open mind and not discount any opportunities - for example, if your end goal is to work in editorial, don't turn down an admin role or a job in the marketing department.

You'll still learn about the company and make valuable contacts; you never know where these jobs might lead or what internal vacancies may arise.

Opportunities differ depending on whether you work for a large or small publisher. Each has good and bad points. For example, the chance to meet and work alongside high-profile authors is more likely at bigger, well-known publishing houses. However, access and exposure to other departments and experienced colleagues are more likely with smaller publishers.

'The best way to find out where you fit is to gain experience in both and then reflect on what you do and don't enjoy about them,' says Matthew.

No matter where you work, there's no denying that working alongside people who share your passions can be incredibly rewarding. 'You get the chance to work with a variety of creative professionals, all under the same roof and towards the same end goal,' says Matthew.

What can I do to increase my chances of securing a job?

If you're determined to get ahead of the competition:

Do your research - not just on the company you'd like to work for, but also on the authors it publishes, its competitors and the wider publishing industry.
Show you're the best candidate - 'give some detail on your competencies and how they match up with the requirements of the role,' says Francesca Rothery, recruitment partner at Penguin Books UK. 'As recruiters, we want to know about your past experiences and why this makes you the ideal candidate.'
Have a clear career plan - 'in your cover letter or application, explain why you're interested in joining that specific team - we want to see your enthusiasm for the role,' says Francesca.
Speak up - don't be afraid to have a view, particularly with editorial assistant roles. The interviewer will be keen to know your thoughts on the book you're discussing.
Think outside the box - 'don't just apply for the editorial positions everyone else is applying for. Find out if marketing, publicity, rights or sales appeals to you,' advises Matthew.

Find out more

Search graduate jobs in publishing.
Consider journalism courses.
Get the lowdown on the UK's media sector.