Job Responsibilities
Support book publisher in all aspects of day to day operations.
Large amount of daily activities include liasing with various
departments within the company to keep them informed about our
projects, scheduling meetings and appointments for publisher,
taking minutes at all meetings and distributing them, and keeping
publication schedule organized. Also some faxing and copying.
Other duties include researching potential book projects, copy-
editing catalog copy and press releases, preparing contract
requests, rejection letters, speaking with agents and authors,
developing project ideas.
Workload is split about 60/40 between more administrative work
and more editorially focused work.
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Job Requirements
English major preferred but not required; related majors such as
journalism and communications, and even non-related majors like
history can all be suitable depending on the specific position.
Previous adminitrative experience is also highly preferred, and
previous writing experience or internship is a big advantage.
Experience working in a bookstore is also a great advantage.
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Uppers
It's great to be involved in the book community and learn about projects when
they are in their early stages...getting free and discounted books is also a huge
perk...working with well-known and not so well-known authors and working in a
very creative environment that is still a business. And at my particular level,
overtime is not yet required...publishing runs on a cycle in which there can be
long slow periods where everything is not quite so hectic, and then fast-paced
times again.
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Downers
Salaries, particularly entry-level, are much lower than many
other professions...most publishing jobs are concentrated in a
major city (mostly NYC), so cost of living is high compared to
salary. Takes a while to move up from assistant, and
administrative work gets in the way of pursuing more creative
projects.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are typically 9-5 Monday through Friday, though occasional overtime
can be required. Some companies also let you do 10-6 or flexible hours where
appropriate. Publishing can be very laid back about exactly what time you arrive
in the morning as long as you put in your hours and get your work done. At my
level there is little to no business travel. The company does have some events
throughout the year, but I haven't been here for any yet. There are also tons of
industry events for other professionals. Company dress code is business casual,
with jeans allowed on Fridays, but many people wear them anytime. As an
assistant, I try to not wear them when my boss has a meeting. Sandals and flip
flops are also technically discouraged but are worn in abundance.
The employees are predominantly female in editorial, though there seem to be
more men in sales and marketing positions. There are many executives of both
sexes. There is a good amount of diversity among employees.
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Compensation
My base salary is the median for my position according to the
most recent industry survey, and is better than what I have hear
most smaller companies offer. I do not yet know if I will receive
any bonuses this year. Employees are offered a 401K upon hire and
receive medical, dental, disability, vision, and life insurance.
Optional supplemental programs are available in addition to the
free basic disability and life. Stock options are available at
reduced prices for employees.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Make sure you read everything you can get your hands on, all the
time. Be on top of all the industry news (a Publisher's Weekly
subscription is a must). Figure out what kind of publishing you
are most interested in (trade fiction, trade nonfiction,
academic, childrens) and research the companies who specialize in
those areas to figure out which ones are the best fit for you.
Network as much as possible and don't be afraid to start in
another related field like magazines and move into books. Work at
a bookstore if at all possible and always mention that you did at
interviews. Make sure your writing skills are impeccable if going
for any kind of editorial position, and be sure you are
incredibly organizes and responsible, and have administrative
experience. Be prepared to have to look mostly in major cities
and also be prepared for a low salary. Be sure you will love the
field enough to make up for the lack of monetary compensation.
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