Publisher Jobs in London
London is one of the world's main publishing centres, launching fiction and non-fiction bestsellers and producing countless more-specialist volumes all-year round.
Jobs in this industry are difficult to obtain though often worth the effort. Responsibilities of such a role include receiving and reviewing manuscripts, commissioning projects, liaising with authors, lawyers and agents and getting involved with marketing and legal issues.
Professional and Academic Requirements
There is no concrete path leading to a jobs in publishing in London, with many of the city's biggest publishing houses often looking for relevant work experience rather than any paper qualifications.
That said, a degree, and even a master's degree, is likely to put a candidate at an advantage. Several UK universities do now offer MA courses in publishing, though degrees in English or drama can also be useful.
Additionally, more specific degrees can be a major advantage when trying to get into a niche area of the profession; for example a science degree may help a candidate land a role in medical publishing.
Other professional attributes employers may look for include business-related skills, for example experience in marketing or IT, though again, on-the-job experience will tend to be viewed more favourably than any formal qualification.
Penguin host an open day for prospective publishers each year, with seasoned professionals giving advice on what this line of work entails and, most importantly, how to break into the profession.
Personal Attributes
Given the nature of the role, publishers are required to be outgoing, sociable and able to negotiate a hard deal while also potentially pandering to the sensitivities of authors.
Alongside this, a love of books and an understanding of what constitutes a hit is also essential, as is a keen business instinct. The ability to perform under pressure, meet targets and deadlines and work independently is also crucial.
Potential Rewards
Publishing is not known as being a lucrative career, particularly for newcomers. However, it is meritocratic, with success in junior roles likely to lead to better-paid senior roles and promotions to positions such as editorships.
Furthermore, after developing a strong contacts book and excellent working relations with authors, many publishers opt to go freelance, with this often promising greater flexibility and financial remuneration.
Money is not the main reason most people go into publishing, however. Instead, the profession attracts those with a love of books who are keen to get paid for being immersed in literature and potentially make their mark on contemporary culture.
Possible Drawbacks
The pay on offer is a major downside to a career in publishing, particularly given that living in London - where many of the main publishing houses are based - is so expensive.
As well as the fact starting salaries can be under £15,000, newcomers are also expected to have significant work experience, with this often only possible in the shape of unpaid internships.
Other possible drawbacks include the pressure involved with working to tight deadlines and targets.
Biggest Employers
Dozens of major publishing houses operate in London and most take on new talent all year round.
Among the biggest are the likes of Random House, Penguin, Macmillan and Bloomsbury, though, as might be expected, competition for a job with any of these is extremely tough.
Newcomers wanting to get a foot in the door may want to try smaller, independent publishing houses. Though it may be less glamorous than overseeing the publication of the next Harry Potter or The God Delusion, working for an academic or specialist publishing house can help candidates build up a contacts book and expand on the experience part of their CV.
