Publishing and Printing
This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in Publishing and Printing.
See also our information on Journalism and Writing
What is publishing and printing?
Publishing can be divided into two main areas - book publishing and magazine publishing. The publishing industry extends far beyond books and journals and many products are increasingly appearing in electronic, as well as the more traditional forms. The printing industry employs around 200,000 people and competition for roles can be intense.
Although 75% of publishing companies have no more than five employees, the majority of people are employed in the few organisations with over 200 staff. Most employers are in London (25%) and the Southeast (17%). (source - Prospects).
Prospects
Prospects is a graduate careers website with profiles on the following careers:
Commisioning editor
Editorial assistant
Lexicographer
Magazine features editor
Print Production planner
Publishing copy editor/proofreader
Publishing Rights manager
In addition, the Prospects website has a guide to the publishing sector that includes job titles, how to get into it, the big companies and information sources. This is also available in hard copy at your careers centre. www.prospects.ac.uk/links/PublishingSB
Prospects Community - Publishing, media, marketing
Including advertising, promotion, marketing, publishing, media and the performing arts.
www.prospects.ac.uk/media and publishing
Target Jobs
Is a graduate careers website containing the following sector profiles:
Media and publishing
BookCareers.com
The site has a careers advice/ development section, information on relevant courses/training, useful organisations, recommended reading and more.
www.bookcareers.com
Periodicals Training Council
Online 'careers in magazines' publication.
www.ppa.co.uk/training
How do I get into it?
Agency Central
This site lets you identify skills particularly relevant to the printing and publishing industry.
www.agencycentral.co.uk/agencysearch/printing/skills/skillsearch.htm
The London School of Publishing
Provides short skill-based courses, designed to meet both industry needs and the training requirements of graduates hoping to acquire publishing skills.
www.publishing-school.co.uk
The Publishers' Association
This is the trade association for book, journal and electronic publishers in the UK.
www.publishers.org.uk
Publishing Training Centre
This site has careers information and advice on educational courses and training.
www.train4publishing.co.uk
Society of Young Publishers
This site is for people aged 18-35 who are interested in publishing (over 35's can now become associate members). It includes information on working in publishing, courses and vacancies. SYP hold an annual conference in November for anyone serious about understanding the issues facing the industry, and about acquiring the skills needed to progress further.
www.thesyp.org.uk/oxford/index.php
Finding a job or employer in this sector
Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers
ALPSP represents not-for-profit publishers of all kinds.
www.alpsp.org
The Bookseller
This is a weekly trade magazine for the publishing industry. Recent job listings are included in the 'Career Focus' section.
www.thebookseller.com
British Printing Industries Federation
Including training & career opportunities.
www.jobsinprint.com/store/Home.aspx
Campaign
This is a weekly trade magazine covering the publishing and printing industry with a recruitment section. This is available at Aldrich, St.Peter's House and Queenwood libraries.
www.campaignjobs.co.uk
Printworkers.com
An industry specific online job board.
www.printworkers.com
oZZle
The UK's largest job board for the printing, packaging and graphic design industry.
www.oZZle.co.uk
Further Information and useful links
Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers
ALPSP represents not-for-profit publishers of all kinds; with information on training, events, jobs and members. www.alpsp.org
British Printing Industries Federation
News, industry profiles, training & career opportunities.
www.britishprint.com
Independent Publishers Guild
A membership organisation for independent publishing companies. Its purpose is to promote knowledge about publishing and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.
www.ipg.uk.com
Periodical Publishers Association
This is the organisation for magazines and business to business (B2B) media in the UK.
www.ppa.co.uk
Publishing Association
This is the trade association for book, journal and electronic publishers in the UK.
www.publishers.org.uk
Society of Young Publishers
SYP is open to anyone in publishing or a related trade. It is a forum for discussion, a contact point and a source of information.
www.thesyp.org.uk
Women in Publishing
Offers training, networking and mutual support.
www.wipub.org.uk
Newspapers
Newspaper Society
The NS website is the gateway to the regional newspaper industry. It offers industry information on every aspect of regional newspaper publishing as well as direct links to over 700 newspaper websites, and features conferences, seminars, awards, publications and reports and details of all NS member services.
www.newspapersoc.org.uk