Breaking into publishing: 5 tips for the job hunt

Posted on July 24, 2023 in Oxford

The publishing industry is known for attracting many passionate and creative individuals, like yourself. You have likely heard that entry-level publishing roles can be extremely competitive, making it a challenge to find your first role, but help is at hand. In this blog, we will share our top tips for navigating the job search, from organisational tools and guidance on applications to focusing on your wellbeing. Let’s start your path to publishing!

Understanding publishing roles

If you are new to publishing, make sure you are aware of all the positions and opportunities that are available in the industry. Many ‘publishing hopefuls’ are mostly familiar with editorial roles, but there are many more roles involved in taking a book from concept to print and then delivering it into readers’ hands. The publishing process involves input from many teams, including rights, production, sales, marketing, and design, to name a few. Before you start looking for jobs, we recommend researching these roles further to see which align with your skills and interests. For more information on these publishing roles, read SYP’s blog post Publishing Job titles Explained.

You may already have a strong idea about which department you want to work in, but it is still worth learning about the unique requirements, responsibilities, and potential career progression for each role. This might reassure you that you have found your dream role, or it might open your mind to new opportunities.

Create a job tracker spreadsheet

It’s not impossible that you will land the first publishing job you apply for, but when targeting a competitive industry it’s safer to stay organised and plan ahead. The job search will involve handling multiple applications, deadlines, interviews, and other activities. A job tracker allows you to keep all this information in one place, preventing important details getting lost or forgotten. For each application, it is helpful to keep note of the company, role description, location, yearly salary, any job benefits, and the deadline for applications. You don’t want to miss any exciting opportunities because you can’t remember the closing date, a situation I’m sure many job seekers can relate to.

A job tracker is relatively quick to set up, but it is a powerful tool that can help you stay organised, focused, and proactive. A tracker can also help you make well informed decisions, for instance, if you are lucky enough to receive two offers, you will be able to compare the roles side by side. There are plenty of online trackers you can download for free or you can easily customise one yourself on Google Sheets to suit your needs. Set yourself on the right track from the start.

Know where to look for jobs listings

It’s time to turn on your notifications and make a list of potential opportunities. There are many places you can look online for publishing roles, so try not to feel overwhelmed and go through the options one at a time.

Industry-specific job websites can be a good place to begin. Here are some websites where you can find listings for a wide variety of publishing roles:

• The Bookseller Jobs
• BookBrunch
• Creative Access – helps under-represented communities enter the creative industries, and thrive when they get in
• Independent Publishers Guild jobs board
• The Society of Young Publishers 

Many recruitment agencies also specialise in publishing talent and can help you find suitable roles. Look for agencies like Atwood Tate or Inspired Selection.

You may already have a publisher you would like to work for in mind. If so, we recommend following their business account on LinkedIn and other social media channels, for example, some organisations have Twitter pages where they will post job roles, like Careers at Penguin Books UK. Also regularly check the publisher’s career section on their website so you’re the first to hear about new opportunities and job listings. If you are following a publisher through your LinkedIn account, be aware that potential employers may look at your profile if you make an application. So make sure you’re set up with a smart profile picture, a professional bio, and that all your work experience and skills are up to date.

Once you have a list of available roles, you can compare them, and select which you’re most excited about applying for.

Perfect your CV and cover letter

Congratulations, you have your handy tracker, a list of jobs you want to apply for, and a professional online presence. Now it’s time to create an application that will emphasise your experience and make you standout.

The recipe for a strong CV involves clear and concise formatting and professional writing – don’t let your CV be disregarded for a spelling or grammar mistake in the introduction. You will need a compelling professional summary at the beginning. This should be a brief paragraph (2-3 sentences) that highlights your key strengths, publishing-related interested, and career goals.

List your relevant work experience and describe your accomplishments using strong action verbs and specific details. In publishing, there’s a common misnomer that you need work experience or an internship in publishing before you can get your first job. If you have any publishing experience, that’s great, but it is definitely not a requirement, so don’t let this become a concern when applying. Instead focus on showing your passion for books and how you have been proactive in engaging with this interest.

A CV is a snapshot of your professional life, so make sure it effectively showcases the skills and expertise you could bring to the publishing industry. If your CV isn’t as filled out as you would like, you can engage in skill development. Use the downtime during your job search to learn something new by pursuing online workshops or courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning. This will boost your confidence and make you more attractive to employers.

An effective and compelling cover letter can be equally as important as your CV. The cover letter is your opportunity to let your passion shine through. You also have space to include more detail and provide specific examples of how your past experiences have prepared you for the publishing role you’re applying for. You should customise your cover letter for each application, and if you’re applying to a publisher because you specifically like their company mission or the work they publish, make sure you let them know.

Adapting a CV and creating a cover letter for each application can be time consuming, so remember to focus on quality over quantity of applications. Avoid applying to every job you come across and focus on roles that genuinely interest you and align with your career goals. Then you have more time to make your applications great.

Check out the Publishers Association for more guidance on how to write the perfect CV and cover letter.

Avoid burnout

Even when you’ve mastered the application and interview process, the job search can still be demanding. We’d like to share some advice on how to prioritise your wellbeing, because taking care of yourself will ultimately help you avoid burnout and achieve your goal faster. It may feel counterintuitive, but sometimes slowing down can actually mean you’re speeding up.

Firstly, break down the job search into manageable steps and set realistic goals. This could be in the form of bullet points or a timeline. Then try to celebrate all the wins you have along the journey, such as attending a network event, optimising a section of your CV, or submitting an application, as this is all important progress towards getting a job offer.

You should also try to maintain a work/life balance. Looking for jobs is time consuming, but writing applications late into the night and avoiding social engagements will guarantee burnout instead of success. Instead, set yourself reasonable working hours and a weekly schedule that will provide structure. Within this plan, make sure you limit screen time as this can strain your eyes and lead to mental fatigue. Sticking to a schedule like this will give you free time to do things that bring you joy, like relaxing, pursuing hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

The right position will come along, and passion and persistence is often rewarded.

Lastly, try to stay positive. The publishing industry is competitive, a message you are likely to hear across blog posts, articles, podcasts, and at networking events, but it is by no means impossible. The right position will come along, and passion and persistence is often rewarded. If your job search begins to feel lonely or overwhelming, remember there are people you can reach out to. It can be helpful to connect with friends, fellow job seekers or online communities where you can share experiences and learn from each other. SYP is also here to provide support, as we offer regular networking events across the country and endeavour to provide advice and encouragement on your publishing journey.

Best of luck in your job search and beyond!