This is space designed to demystify the historically exclusive publishing industry and guide you toward meaningful opportunities– from interns who have been in your shoes.
What Is the Publishing Industry?
Publishing is about the creation and distribution of print information, where the term ‘publishing’ usually refers to books. However, ‘The Publishing Industry’ isn’t just about books. It encompasses a wide range of media, including print magazines, digital media, academic journals, newspapers, and corporate content. It includes traditional roles like editors and publicists as well as less obvious ones like graphic designers, lawyers, marketers, and even software engineers.
Publishing used to be a highly elite profession, dominated by a few powerful white men. But today, with the rise of digital platforms and independent publishing, there’s room for all voices—including yours.
Why This Page Exists
Getting started can feel intimidating. You might be asking:
- How do I find publishing internships or entry-level jobs?
- What roles are available to students and early-career professionals?
- What’s the best route to break in?
- How can I build a network if I don’t know anyone?
Don’t be intimidated. This guide is here to help you answer all of those questions. Additionally, if you’re in this class, you’re ahead of the game. Give yourself some credit!
Step 1: Understand the Kinds of Roles Available
Traditional Roles
- Editorial/Marketing/Publicity/ Social Media Assistant
- Editor
- Publicist
- Literary Agent Assistant
- Marketing Associate
Non-Traditional/Related Roles
- Graphic Designer
- Copy Editor/Copywriter
- Data Analyst
- Web Developer
- Corporate Lawyer
- Illustrator
- Social Media Coordinator
Publishing companies are multi-departmental organizations always in need of an extra hand. If you have a skill, there’s likely a way it fits.
Step 2: Find Internships and Job Listings
Top Job Boards
Industry-Specific Platforms
Direct Company Sites
Go to the Careers section on the websites of companies like:
- Penguin Random House
- Hachette
- HarperCollins
- Scholastic
- Macmillan
Social Media & Word of Mouth
Stay active on Twitter and Instagram—many publishing professionals post job alerts. Following hashtags like #PubJobs, #PublishingPaidMe, or #PublishingTwitter can be useful. Once you start networking, personal referrals become incredibly valuable. You can even do advanced searches on LinkedIn to find current/previous employees and reach out with a personalized note.
**And probably most important** THIS CLASS
Internship experience aligns you with real-world professionals who (most of the time) are willing to lend a helping hand, an email address for future reference, or at least a few words of advice. Don’t be afraid to talk to your supervisors during your internships!
Step 3: Make the Most of Every Opportunity
More on personability.. . it doesn’t matter where you start—what matters is how you use that opportunity.
- Pay attention to workplace culture
- Talk to as many people as possible
- Ask questions about their career paths
- Observe what feels like a good fit for you
- And be yourself!
Some questions to ask yourself:
- Is the environment collaborative or competitive?
- Do you feel supported?
- Are there mentorship opportunities?
- Would you want to come back full-time?
And yes—check the vibes, the bathrooms, and the snacks too.
How to apply for an internship?
Students looking for internships within the publishing industry can seek them out by going directly to the careers sections of most publishing companies’ websites. Many of the Big 5 publishing companies have information within the careers section dedicated only to internships.
An alternate way is to simply use any search engine and type in “publishing internships”. Traditional job websites such as Indeed, Bookjobs.com, SimplyHired, etc. can also be used to search for internships.
Students can also go to the CUNY/ Baruch career services centers and websites to search for internships. It is also beneficial to subscribe to the English Department’s emails, as they often send out emails with prospective internships.
What’s the best route?
The more conventional route of securing a job oftentimes starts with serving in entry-level positions, such as a fact checker or researcher with a magazine, or maybe an assistant to an editor. These positions are more easily obtained after an individual has completed an internship. Climbing your way up the ranks is a traditional path that may yield the success you desire.
You may also create your own route to the ideal position by working in that role with a smaller publication and then later transitioning to a larger publication, or even by freelancing and gaining experience at multiple publications at once. Regardless of what it is you seek to do, there is no pre-existing “best route,” but rather only the route which works best for you.
Networking
Informational interviews are a key element of networking and communication. While you are at the internship, it is highly recommended for you to set up informational interviews with your supervisors. The interview will allow you to practice your interviewing techniques and hone your skills. It will also leave an impact on your supervisor and if in the future you apply for a job at the company, you can lean on this connection to help increase your chances of securing the position.
Additionally, another networking opportunity is to simply be involved in the literary world. This can take on different forms in its application to the real world.
There are a variety of “bookish” events that take place in New York. You can attend book launches of authors that you follow. You can support your local bookstores by attending their events.
It is helpful for one to step outside of their comfort zone and attend such an event, for both the networking opportunities but to also learn more about the world of literature.