SYP Ireland: Unlocking Opportunities: Working in Educational Publishing in Ireland

Posted on May 1, 2024 in Ireland

Landing a publishing role can be difficult no matter where you’re based, but due to the limited number of publishing houses based in Ireland, it can be even more challenging here. The UK boasts hundreds of traditional and independent publishing houses, meaning there is a wide range of publishing jobs to apply for, however difficult they may be to obtain.

Sadly, in Ireland there are simply not as many positions to be filled, making the job market even more competitive. This can be disheartening for a young publisher trying to break into the field and many are left feeling like they have no choice but to emigrate to the UK to land the publishing role of their dreams. While it may be true that trade publishing roles in Ireland are few and far between, educational publishing roles are thankfully much more common.

Though it is often overshadowed by other areas of publishing, educational publishing offers a wealth of opportunities; and what’s more, many of the skills you will develop while working in this area are entirely transferable to trade publishing. So, if you’re truly set on trade publishing, educational publishing could even be a handy segue into your dream trade role.

Here are four reasons why you should consider a career in educational publishing and how you can get started!

1. In comparison to trade publishing, which can be subject to fluctuations in consumer trends and market demands, educational publishing offers greater stability and resilience. The demand for educational materials generally remains quite steady, due to the ongoing need for high-quality educational resources in schools, colleges and training centres. This stability provides a sense of security for educational publishers, even during economic downturns or industry shifts. The stability and resilience of this sector also means that salaries are often slightly higher than those in trade publishing, particularly when it comes to entry-level roles.

2. While it may not be as glamorous as trade publishing, working in educational publishing is often described as a deeply fulfilling career. Educational publishing is inherently driven by a sense of purpose – to educate – and knowing that your work directly contributes to the success and personal growth of learners can be immensely gratifying. Whether you are working in editorial, commissioning, production, marketing or design, seeing your efforts
come to life in the hands of students and educators across the nation can be incredibly rewarding.

3. Educational publishing is at the forefront of innovation. In an ever-evolving educational landscape, publishers must continually innovate to meet the changing needs of learners and educators. This can involve developing digital resources like podcasts and animations, incorporating new pedagogical approaches, or utilising adaptive learning technologies. The dynamic nature of educational publishing provides ample opportunities for creativity and innovation – perfect for the trailblazers among us.

4. Educational publishing roles provide invaluable skills and insights that can pave the way for a successful transition into trade publishing. The rigorous editorial standards of educational publishing will sharpen your attention to detail and your ability to craft compelling narratives – skills that are highly valued in the world of trade publishing and beyond. Similarly, working in educational publishing will help you to develop the skill of understanding your target audience as content is tailored to meet the specific needs of students and educators. An educational publishing role will help you to gain valuable insights into audience engagement and market trends – knowledge that is essential for
success in trade publishing, where understanding reader preferences and market demands is crucial. Working in educational publishing also means lots of collaboration, as you’ll likely be working with writers, editors, designers and subject matter experts. This collaborative approach fosters strong communication, teamwork, and project management skills. Above all, an educational publishing role will hopefully allow you to build a portfolio of
published work, giving you a competitive edge when applying for your dream trade publishing role.

So, if you’re looking to land a role in educational publishing in Ireland, what steps can you take? Well, first and foremost, do your homework! It is unlikely that you read educational books in your free time, so you’ll need to brush up on your market knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the Irish education system, research the latest curriculum specifications and stay abreast of current trends and challenges facing learners and educators. The leading names in Irish educational publishing to watch out for are CJ Fallon, Edco, Educate, Folens, Gill and the Irish Academic Press.

Next, hone your skills. Whether you’re a marketing maven or a diligent designer, there’s a place for you in the world of educational publishing, but you’ll need to brush up on the relevant skills. Publishing Ireland often run workshops and webinars for aspiring publishers, so be sure to keep an eye on their website. There is also an abundance of free online project management, editorial and design courses that will look great on your CV.

And finally, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Networking is key to landing a role in publishing, and educational publishing is no exception. Reach out to professionals in the field, attend industry events when you can and consider seeking out internships for some hands-on experience. The publishing circle in Ireland is surprisingly small, so the more people you connect with, the better your chances are of landing your dream role.

Good luck!