How to Get an Entry-Level Book Publishing Job

How to Get an Entry-Level Book Publishing JobHow to Get an Entry-Level Book Publishing JobHow do you get an entry-level job in book publishing? Of course, there is much-published guidance on how to write a resume or how to prep for an entry-level job interview. But the book publishing industry has its own set of parameters for the wannabe employee. Here is some specific advice on how to prepare for a book publishing job interview. Familiarize Yourself with the Imprints Individual List Atria or Riverhead Books? Within the major publisher, each imprint has its own personality. Go online and take a look at the types of books they are publishing. Its ideal if you truly love your interviewees list. But at the very least find something appealing about the books youd theoretically be working with and be prepared to discuss why. Book publishing, like many media industries, thrives on passion for its product- the passion of the people who publish the books, as well as the passion of the p eople who create them. Book publishing people generally appreciate apassion for books and reading in their employees. Also, note that each imprint within each publishing house tends to have a distinct personality. If you are a book lover, pay attention to the colophon on the spine of your favorites books. Where are they from? Maybe you should interview there. Know Whats on the Most Recent The New York Times Best-Seller Lists ...especially books from the publisher and imprint with whom youre interviewing.New York Times Best-Seller is industry shorthand for the top-selling books, and everyone pays attention. You should, too. Be Able to Talk About the Books Youve Been Reading for Enjoyment Of course, youre reading a book at the moment. Be able to speak intelligently about the book youre reading now, the last book you read, your favorite book of the last six months, and your favorite classics. If youre not reading a book or havent read one in the past couple of months, you shoul d think about seeking out another line of work. Be Flexible About What Book Publishing Department Might Suit You When talking to young people who want to work in book publishing, it seems that the vast majority of young English-major book lovers aspire to work in the ranks of the book vorwort department. Those folks should read abouthow a book goes from a manuscript through the editorial process to get insight into what the editing portion of the job entails. Often, book publishing candidates find that theyre better suited to another book publishing department. As long as you love books, theres a department to suit your personality. Consider these factors when applying for an entry-level book publishing job Are you a people person?If you like dealing with people- constantly- a job in book publicity might be good for you.Are you detail-oriented and like everyone to be on time?While these traits will serve you well anywhere, the managing editors office depends on helping keep ever yone to the book production scheduleand moving around lots of details when authors or editors are not on schedule (which happens often).Are you a designer?In addition to book jackets, the creative department is a place where you can utilize your skills in point-of-sale, ads, and other book promotional elements. Do you love technology?Todays book production department requires knowledge of ebook as well as print technologies, file preparation, and the like. Also, the definition of book publishing has grown in the past few years, and isnt limited to traditional publishers and print books. Theres more of a need for tech-centric people in publishing than ever before.Do you like being out from behind the desk?Book publishers sales reps call on accounts as varied as Barnes Noble and Amazon.com to independent booksellersand generally get to go to their book publishers sales conferences and trade shows like the regional association trade shows or even BookExpo America. Of course, book pub lishers all have the usual corporate departments, like human resources. And if youre a number-crunching or tech-geeky book lover, theres finance, accounting, and information technologies (IT), too. Read this overview of departments in a publishing house.