This week, we are joining the Publishers Association in celebrating ‘Work in Publishing’ week. This campaign focuses on educating young people, from 14 to 24 about the publishing industry.

If you’ve ever been interested in working in the publishing industry, you’ve most likely come face to face with all sorts of facts, figures, problems and questions about getting into the industry. This blog will address some of the main myths that you may see when researching the industry. It will also address some of the issues that you might face, and questions that you might have along the way!

Publishing houses are old fashioned!

Working in the publishing industry, this is a very common stereotype that is mimicked from time to time. Although one of the first publishing houses in the UK (Cambridge University Press) was set up in the 1500's, the set-up of a ‘traditional’ publishing house has changed considerably over the years! Most publishing houses now are following popular technologies and creating eBooks and Audiobooks in addition to print books. Statistics also show that more people are purchasing audiobooks now than ever before, so publishing houses are working to support this trend. If you enjoy learning about the latest trends and technologies, a publishing house is a great career option for you! Additionally, traditional publishing houses are not the only type of publishing anymore! With the introduction of indie, hybrid and self-publishing.

I need a degree to work in publishing.

Not at all! At Austin Macauley, we have a range of staff with us who do not have degrees, but are extremely passionate about working in the industry. Lots of our employees have started out small, in part-time or apprentice roles, and have worked their way up to be some of our best! Also, one of the big five, Penguin Random House states that they are more interested in strengths, potential and a wide range of skills, and you do not always need a degree to apply for their roles. Click here to read some advice from a Chronicle Books Editor. Her post talks about the different roles available at publishing houses, how to tackle the interview process, getting into the industry without a degree and more. So if you are considering joining the publishing industry, her blog is definitely one to read!

Publishing is a shrinking industry.

This is a myth! With the huge audiobooks trend and the current state of print and eBooks, the publishing industry is growing, and has been for 4 years in a row! There is no better time to consider working in this thriving industry. The next time somebody mentions that the industry is shrinking, just think – can you imagine going on holiday without a book in hand? Have you ever spoken to a person who has NEVER read a book before?

You have to be an amazing reader to work in publishing.

Of course, being passionate about books certainly helps if you would like to work in publishing. But no, you don’t necessarily need to be an avid reader to work in the publishing industry! There are some roles within publishing, such as production, marketing and sales, that actually allow you to be incredibly creative within the industry, where those who don’t like to read so much can thrive. There are also less creative but still incredibly rewarding roles that will still allow you to enjoy working in publishing such as admin and HR roles.

For more information about getting in to publishing, head on over to the Publisher's Association website.

Get involved by using the hashtag #WorkinPublishing online now!