With the advent of e-reading, publishing of books has experienced a huge overall
change from “traditional slow process” to modern digital publishing of books which
is done through e readers, tablets and many other apps. This has made publishing
of books easier and faster. Accordingly the career options too have changed due
to the transition from the traditional to the digital world. Love for books, familiarity
with books and knowledge about the production process was enough for any candidate
in traditional publishing of books but not enough in this digital world.
Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in English, History or modern languages or in Science subjects,
law or medicine is necessary when taking up a career in publishing books. A post
graduate degree in publishing will increase the chances of the candidate in procuring
a job in the publishing industry.
Required Skills
Skills required by a Book Publisher
- Good office skills as well as computer literacy
- Proofreading skills and some experience in administrative work
- Strong writing as well as analytical skills
- Technical awareness and some creativity
- The skill to understand multiple routes to marketing the content
How to get into book Publishing Business
An undergraduate degree in the common and simple sciences is enough for Book Publishing.
In today’s digital world, a graduate in mathematics or in computer science is required
as well as experience in teaching English language. The level of degree is enough
for Publishing books, but a doctorate or a post graduate degree increases the chances
for a better job in the publishing industry.
Pre entry vocational training in copy editing, production skills and knowledge in
marketing aspects is a must.
Entry into any kind of work in any area irrespective of the size of the firm paves
the way to good opportunities in the future
Working on short term contracts or temporarily working in the place of a permanent
employee’s maternity leave are good opportunities for a starting as a Book Publisher.
Once in, the publisher can gain more knowledge of the industry, get to meet and
talk to people, know about job opportunities within and outside the firm.
Completing at least one year in the same firm increases the chances to get better
jobs in better firms as experience is also counted.
Job Description
In today’s digital book world, marketing as well as delivering the product across
the wide range of digital channels, blogs, mobile web, other apps as well as through
social network including downloads is necessary in the Publishing of Books. Not
only starting with editorial, sales as well as production and finally marketing
is what a good Book Publisher should be able to do.
Career Prospects
Career prospects have become more attractive since globalization opening markets
for books abroad. The digital world too has popularized the reading of books, made
it easier for the reader and meets the creative as well as material needs of the
aspirants. There are a variety of careers in Books Publishing to choose from.
Salary
Though remuneration will be less in the initial stages, as one’s experience increases
the remuneration stage also escalates.