Do you love sharing different perspectives? A happy person saying, Publishers get to show people that their stories and insights matter by helping bring their unique ideas to life.

If you want to have a say in spreading new stories and information, you should consider a career in publishing!

Understanding Publishers

Publishers help authors turn their ideas into a finished product, whether a book, academic research article, or digital media.

Publishers help people learn and connect to stories.

As a publisher, you'd get to amplify the voices of authors. You can spread research and stories to help people understand new concepts.

Three young students reading a book. Photo by Ed Us on Unsplash

Publishers are innovative.

You'd make creative decisions to find new voices and promote your published works, stay up to date on technology, and find inventive ways to use it in your job.

Icon: Open Book with a globe floating above it Types of Publishers

A general idea of the types of publishing you could get into:

  • Commercial publishers: work for a private company to publish books and digital media

  • University presses: work for a university to publish academic research

  • New university presses: work for an academic library to publish (most often) open-access books in a print or digital format

  • Academic-led presses: work for an organization to publish books (usually not-for-profit)

  • Library publishing: work for an academic library to publish journals and books

Each publishing press has its own approach, and they vary in the types of books, journals, or other products that they publish. Larger companies are split into groups of smaller "imprints" that specialize in specific types of books or media.

This clip explains what an imprint is:

What You'd Be Doing Each Day

Publishers take on many responsibilities and consult with multiple people during the publishing process.

As a publisher, you may:

  • Collaborate: meet with agents, writers, and team members to plan and deliver projects 

  • Budget: decide how to fund your projects

  • Edit: turn manuscripts into ready-to-publish products 

  • Design: create eye-catching products

  • Produce: make physical and digital media  

  • Market: get people excited about your products

  • Distribute: make your products available to the public

A person typing on a laptop at a desk with a notebook and mug beside them. Photo by Daniel Thomas on Unsplash

Watch as publisher Leigh Nash describes her day-to-day work experience at a small press:

Signs That You'll Love Being a Publisher

You'll enjoy publishing if...

  • You like working with people.

  • You enjoy variety.

  • You're interested in social and cultural shifts.

  • You like learning across different topics.

  • You're passionate about research, stories, and books.

A woman clapping her hands together says,

Signs That Publishing Isn't for You

Avoid a publishing job if...

  • You don’t want a sitting office job.

  • You prefer predictable daily tasks.

  • You think business = boring.

  • You like working on projects with quick results.

  • You prefer to work alone.

A desk with hands typing on a laptop surrounded by office supplies. The text reads:

Quiz

Sam is considering a publishing role. What would make it a good fit for them? Select all that apply:

Succeeding as a Publisher

1. Communication

You can clearly express your ideas. This will help you give feedback on manuscripts, work with others, and promote your products. You should be able to lead presentations and pitches, persuading authors and agents that your services are valuable. You'll also make connections with vendors and negotiate contracts.

2. Collaboration

You work well with others. It takes teams of people to successfully publish a new book, article, or other digital product.

Office workers working together at a table, looking at notes and pointing at them. image by Freepik

3. Leadership Skills

In senior positions, you might lead a team. You can delegate responsibilities and encourage others to contribute to projects, stepping in wherever needed. You'll also stay up-to-date on trends and provide support to your team.

4. Digital Fluency

You’ll likely be working on a computer much of the time, as most publications are in digital formats these days. You'll need to know how to use digital tools and adapt to new skills, including AI tools.

  • AI tools can scan academic research and help publishers quickly review new papers and use data to promote articles.

  • Canva and Adobe Illustrator are popular tools used for editorial layouts (for print and digital books).

Don’t worry if you haven’t mastered all of these skills yet! There will always be time for you to learn. 😄

How You Can Find a Publishing Job

Learn from publishers:

An animation of people standing in circles that are connected by lines in a web-like formation.

To get started:

  • Check out some examples of publishing programs you may consider.

  • Look for internships to learn the ropes.

  • Research companies and publishing houses that interest you.

  • Learn about publishing industry trends on sites like Publishers Weekly.

How Much You’d Be Paid

Average base salary in:

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  • United States: $81,303

Take Action

A person happily saying,

To prep for a publishing role:

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