How to Find the Best Jobs in Publishing

The publishing industry is vital to our culture and intellectual landscape and can help to promote diversity, creativity, and innovation. It significantly contributes to the U.S. economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually and employing hundreds of thousands of professionals. And with the rise of digital publishing, from e-books to online newspapers and magazines, there are more jobs in publishing than ever before.

Working in publishing is an exciting and fulfilling experience if you enjoy being involved in a creative process. From editing and design to marketing, sales and distribution, you can find various career paths to match your professional background, interests, and goals, including in remote work positions. Plus, there are many opportunities to develop your skills and gain knowledge that can lead to long-term career growth.

In this article, you’ll discover an overview of the publishing industry and a list of some of the top companies hiring for the best careers in publishing. We also give you a step-by-step guide on how to break into this rewarding and dynamic field.

Important Facts About the Publishing Industry

The publishing industry is constantly growing and evolving. With the increasing demand for more diverse and inclusive content, this industry is likely to continue adapting to meet the changing needs of readers and consumers.

How Many Jobs are Available in Publishing?

It’s important to note that the publishing industry is constantly evolving. Various factors, such as technological advances, changes in consumer preferences, and economic trends, can impact the number of jobs in publishing.

This industry includes several different types of publishing. The most common are:

1. Trade publishers: books for the general public, including fiction, non-fiction, and children's books.
2. Academic publishers: includes textbooks, journals, and research papers.
3. Self-publishing platforms: such as Amazon Kindle, Apple Books.
4. Professional publishers: includes trade magazines, technical manuals.

Before you start looking for jobs in publishing, educate yourself about these important employment facts and trends in the publishing world:

• The U.S. digital publishing industry is the largest in the world, with an estimated market size of over $9 billion.
• The publishing industry is increasingly focused on diversifying its workforce and publishing lists, with efforts to support and promote underrepresented voices and stories.
• Audiobook consumption remains stable with nearly 50% of adults reporting to have listened to an audiobook.
• The U.S. book publishing industry is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2% by 2030.
• Penguin Random House is the world's largest trade book publisher, with a catalog of over 300,000 titles across many genres.
• Self-publishing has become more accessible with the rise of digital publishing platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple Books, Smashwords, and IngramSpark, further expanding the industry.
• Despite changes in technology and digital media, the demand for physical books remains strong, with print books still accounting for most book sales. Approximately four print books sell for every e-book that sells.

The Best Careers in Publishing

There are many different types of jobs within publishing, from editorial and design roles to sales and marketing positions, so your job prospects will vary based on your skills and interests. Let’s look at some publishing careers that might be a great match for you.

Editor

Editors oversee the creation and development of written content, ensuring that it's accurate, engaging, and meets the intended audience's needs. In this role, you'll work closely with writers to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement and review drafts for grammar, style, and consistency.

You could also be involved in the planning and execution of editorial projects, such as books, magazines, or online content. You'll typically collaborate with other professionals, such as designers and marketers, to bring these projects to fruition.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field.

Median salary: $24.5 per hour

Find editing jobs on Monster.

Writer

A writer creates content for books, articles, press releases, magazines, or web content, to inform, entertain or educate their intended audience. Depending on your specific role, you'll develop ideas, conduct research, and craft written materials that are engaging and informative. You could work independently or collaborate with other professionals, such as editors, designers, or marketers.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, copywriting, or a related field.

Median salary: Writers make $24.62 per hour, copywriters make $59,691 per year and technical writers earn $33.17 per hour.

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Marketing Manager

This role involves developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote a company's products or services. You'll work closely with sales teams, product managers, and other stakeholders to develop campaigns that increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive revenue.

You’ll also collaborate with creative teams to develop advertising and promotional materials. And you'll conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences and analyze data to measure the success of marketing initiatives.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration or a related field.

Median salary: $76,852 per year

Find marketing manager jobs on Monster.

Public Relations Specialist

A public relations specialist manages a company's or author's reputation and interactions with the media, customers, and the public. You'll work to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, develop and implement communication strategies, and handle crisis situations. You’ll also write press releases, coordinate interviews and media appearances, plan events, and manage social media accounts.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.

Median salary: $50,345 per year

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Literary Agent

A literary agent represents and advocates for writers and their work. In this role, you'll act as a liaison between the author and the publishing industry, helping to secure book deals, negotiate contracts, and provide guidance on career development.

You can specialize in specific genres or markets, and you'll work closely with authors to develop and refine their manuscripts before submitting them to publishers. A literary agent is also one of the highest-paying jobs in publishing.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in English or literature, journalism, writing or a related field.

Median salary: $82,530 per year

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Graphic Designer

You'll create visual concepts that are aesthetically pleasing and functional using digital and print techniques. You'll use design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create your designs.

Depending on the publishing company, you could work on projects such as logo design, branding, advertising campaigns, packaging design, book covers, website design, and social media graphics. You may also work closely with art directors and editors to understand their needs and preferences.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related fine arts field.

Median salary: $23.15 per hour

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Sales Representative

A sales representative generates revenue by selling books, e-books, and other publishing products. You'll work closely with publishers, authors, and other industry professionals to promote and sell books to retailers, wholesalers, libraries, and other customers. You could also develop sales strategies, conduct market research, and analyze sales data to identify growth opportunities.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communication, or a related field is preferred though not always required.

Median salary: $51,180 per year

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Advertising Manager

In this role, you'll develop and implement marketing and advertising campaigns to promote books and other publishing products. You'll work closely with authors, publishers, and other industry professionals to develop strategies to reach target audiences and generate revenue. You could also manage budgets, negotiate advertising rates, and oversee the production of advertising materials such as print ads, online banners, and promotional videos.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications, business, or a related field.

Median salary: $70,628 per year

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Product Manager

If you’re looking for high-paying jobs in publishing, this could be a great match. A product manager oversees the development and success of a specific publication or product line, such as books, magazines, digital content, or other media.

You'll play an essential role in developing and implementing product strategies, determining pricing and distribution channels, and managing budgets. You may monitor product sales and performance, analyze data, and adjust as needed to optimize results.

Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Some employers require a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Median salary: $95,974 per year

Find product manager jobs on Monster.

The Best Publishing Companies Hiring Now

When searching for jobs in publishing, choosing the right company to work for is essential. To make an informed decision, it’s important to research and consider factors such as the company’s culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion, work-life balance, employee benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Here are some of the top companies to work for in publishing:

Penguin Random House

What they do: Penguin and Random House came together in 2013 to form Penguin Random House, the largest book publishing company in the world. It’s home to more than 300 imprints and publishing houses and publishes 70,000 digital and 15,000 print titles annually. It provides competitive benefit packages, paid internship opportunities, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and training programs.

Number of Employees: Over 10,000

Find Penguin Random House jobs on Monster.

Pearson, Inc.

What they do: Founded in 1844, Pearson is one of the largest publishing companies in the U.S. and worldwide. They provide education publishing and assessment services directly to schools, corporations, and students. If you’re looking for jobs in publishing that offer flexible work schedules, paid parental leave and excellent healthcare plans, this company is a great match.

Number of Employees: Over 30,000

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The New York Times

What they do: Established in 1851, The New York Times is an American daily newspaper published in both print and digital formats. It’s considered one of the most influential and prestigious newspapers in the world and is known for its coverage of national and international news, politics, business, culture, and science. Plus, its known for its diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and provides paid parental leave, and employee resource groups.

Number of Employees: Over 5,500

Find New York Times jobs on Monster.

HarperCollins Publishers

What they do: Founded in 1817, HarperCollins prints fiction and non-fiction books as well as audiobooks, e-books, and other digital content. It has publishing operations in 17 countries and publishes more than 10,000 new books each year in 16 languages. It offers excellent health and wellness benefits, tuition reimbursement and job and career training.

Number of Employees: Over 4,000

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Hachette Book Group

What they do: Formed in 2006, Hachette is one of the largest trade publishers in the U.S. and a division of trade and educational book publisher, Hachette Livre. The company is committed to publishing diverse voices and has won numerous honors and awards for its titles. It also offers paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities.

Number of Employees: Over 1,300

Find Hachette Book Group jobs on Monster.

How to Get a Job in Publishing

This industry can be competitive, so try to be patient as you navigate your search for jobs in publishing. Keep researching, refine your skills, network, and stay current with industry trends until you find the right opportunity. If you want to learn how to get into publishing, use our actionable tips to help you get started.

1. Educate Yourself

The education required to enter this field varies depending on your specific role and employer. However, a bachelor's degree is generally the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs in publishing, such as editorial assistants and junior editors. A degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field is often preferred, as is a strong foundation in language, writing, and communication skills.

For higher-level positions or specialized roles, such as marketing managers or executives, you may need a master's degree in a relevant field. Additionally, certifications or professional training programs in specific areas, such as marketing, graphic design, or project management can benefit specific roles.

2. Gain Experience with an Internship

Internships are a great way to gain practical experience in the publishing industry and can be a valuable steppingstone to a full-time position. Remember, jobs in publishing can be competitive, so securing an internship can give you an advantage over other applicants. Look for publishing companies or subsidiaries that publish content you’re interested in and that match your career goals.

Also, consider applying for an internship with smaller publishers as well. And as self-publishing continues to grow, you can find opportunities with independent authors and online publishing platforms.

3. Network

The power of networking cannot be overstated – it's all about who you know. So, while searching for jobs in publishing, it's essential to use your in-person and online networking resources to build valuable relationships. Use social media platforms to follow publishers, literary agents, and industry professionals, engage with their content and participate in discussions.

Consider joining industry organizations such as the Association of American Publishers (AAP) or the Publishing Professionals Network (PPN), where you can connect with professionals and learn about internship opportunities, job openings, and industry trends.

If you prefer face-to-face interactions, look for events in your area, such as book fairs, author readings, and publishing conferences. Also, look out for career fairs at colleges and universities, including those specifically for the publishing industry. Remember to be proactive and persistent in your networking efforts. Building relationships takes time and effort but can pay off in the long run.

4. Update Your Resume

Your resume is often the first impression you’ll make on a potential employer, so make sure it showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Keep in mind that jobs in publishing require keen attention to detail and editing skills, so be sure to highlight your meticulousness and ensure your resume is error-free.

It’s crucial to tailor your resume to the specific job description, highlighting the skills that are most relevant to the job. Try to also include metrics and numbers when listing your accomplishments. For example, you could say that you generated $1 million in book sales in 12 months through your social media campaigns.

If you have writing or design samples, provide links to your published work. An online portfolio is an excellent way to organize and showcase your best work and it also gives you credibility.

5. Prepare for Interviews

When interviewing for jobs in publishing, preparation requires both research and practice. Look up information about the publishing company and familiarize yourself with its mission, values, and recent projects or publications. Then prepare thoughtful, specific answers to common interview questions. These could include:

1. What are your favorite books and authors?
2. How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects?
3. Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a problematic author or client?
4. What marketing strategies have you used to promote a book or other product in the past?
5. Can you describe a time when you successfully worked on a project as part of a team?

Remember to demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the publishing industry and your eagerness to contribute to the company’s mission and goals.

Create a Rewarding Career in the Publishing Industry

Explore tons of exciting jobs in publishing to find the one that matches your skillset and professional goals. Get started in your search by setting up a free profile on Monster and uploading your resume. Take advantage of our personalized job alerts and receive new job postings that match your preferences. Plus, we'll help connect you with top companies hiring in the publishing sector.