Careers for Bookworms & Other Literary Types

Careers for You

by Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler

The only career series designed expressly to turn passions into paychecks! The Careers for You series inspires career explorers to look at the job market through the unique lens of their own interests. Each book reveals dozens of ways to pursue a passion and make a living­­including many little-known but delightful careers that will surprise readers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Reference, Business, Self Help, Library Science

149 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[CLM]

Is it too late for us all to find the right career?

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I m giving 4 stars not because I enjoyed this book, but because I feel it is well written. They are technically correct that certain jobs do a lot of reading, but I'd hardly call reading over contracts or legal briefs my idea of a good read. Also, I while I am sure that their data is correct regarding the public sector vs. private sector in terms of job growth and outlook, I feel that the public could make better use of accessible libraries and researchers more than a think tank (looking at you RAND corporation, no one needs a million ways to kill the enemy on the battlefield). Their realism regarding potentially having to move locations to more metropolitan areas for a lot of the jobs is depressing to me. Also, a great many people in these fields, on average, make less than others of the same level of education (in particular, those with Masters and Doctorates). While most of the people they interviewed loved their job, the way they described the day to day grind would not be "intellectually stimulating" and "challenging" to me, those are buzzwords to my ears for your boss working you too hard. Side note: The book is like many others, in that it is part of the McGraw-Hill Careers series which contains occupational outlooks for the careers in this category, as well as subsections for what industries one may find these sorts of jobs in.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the version I read (1993 publication) is rather dated, the book is a good starting point to research bookworm jobs -- some of which may have died with the internet and others that may have evolved.

Personally I realize that I would need to get further education and take a huge pay cut. At my age, losing pay and incurring debt is not on the map.

I guess I just have to be a bookworm on my own time. And... Can one be a bookworm if they don't own hundreds or thousands of books? Can a minimalist be a bookworm? Can a bookworm be a minimalist?

[Daleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The info was a bit outdated, but it definitely gave me more ideas of what I can do with my love of reading and writing!

[Stacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read approximately 100 pages - skipped some sections I felt weren't relevant (for example, I have no interest in working for the government at this time).

I won't knock the information in the book for being out of date - I have the third edition, from 2002. There are more recent editions. This one mentions the internet as an occasional job search tool but not at all as an actual place one might work (as in online publications). Also, it mentions "nonprint formats for books, such as audio books and CD-ROM discs." That sort of thing, plus out-of-date salary info, publishing house numbers.

That aside, the types of careers mentioned, while limited by the time it was written, were interesting to skim through. Nothing earth-shattering. They included more editing positions than I expected, discussed the need for advanced degrees, and even went into archiving a bit.

Overall, it may be worth picking up if you're looking for ideas. I'm not sure how recent the most recent edition may be. There could be better resources out there. This has been on my shelf forever - I certainly wouldn't have picked it up new given the date on it. But it was nicely presented.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a graduate student wrapping up my MLS in a rough economy for library careers, I'm at a point where I'm looking for help brainstorming places to be looking for employment. In this sense, Careers for Bookworms was helpful. It provides a variety of suggestions for fields of potential interest for employment. But in trying to provide information on people in the field, I felt the book relied very heavily on anecdotal examples rather than facts or figures, making it hard to gauge the practicality of the suggestions. Additionally, there was virtually no information on the job search or application process, which is more than half the battle of choosing a career - figuring out where to find job listings, how to apply, networking opportunities, etc. I'd recommend this book to somebody pretty early in their job process.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly informative book that describes a lot of careers for "bookworms". I started reading it when I was doubting my choice of college majors, but actually found out that my degree plans, while not suitable to every possible job, actually is a lot more suited to my career goals than I believed! It could have been more in-depth about necessary degrees and salaries, but it gives you a basis, which is more than a lot of other "source books" I've read. Plus, it gives a lot of information on other important reading materials. Bookworms who can't see themselves doing any job where they don't get to read at least part of the day definitely need to take a look at this book.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good info. More jobs than I anticipated. Says unless I get a Masters in Library Sciences, I cannot be a Librarian.
However it also says to be an entry level Library Clerk, you just need to be literate and have a highschool diploma and some office experience. However, a few years back (because I really do *love* the library) I applied for that job, part-time, at my local library. Even though I graduated MCL with a BA and have over 10 years of high level administrative experience, I didn't get an interview.

Sooooo, not so easy to get in as they imply, by a longshot! At least not in the Bay Area anyway. Thems the breaks...

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, interesting and well written, clear and full of information, my only remark is that is strictly U.S. based, so if you are not american some opportunities aren't possible.

Bel libro, interessante, ben scritto, chiaro e pieno di informazioni, l'unico appunto che mi sento di fargli é che é talmente centrato sugli Stati Uniti che alcune cose si possono fare solo se uno é americano.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some interesting ideas. It sometimes reaches pretty far for what could count as a 'reading' job. It would be best for a student deciding what path to take or someone with experience in the field looking for something different.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking about switching careers.... again....

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too general for my needs. Good for High School grads and university students planning their careers.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offered me a lot of information about occupations that I never really knew about.

[Manintheboat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gave me one really good idea!

[Anne]

wasn't much help to me since I'm out of grad school.

[fyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know there were so many job options out there for avid readers! Wow.

[Kathryn Shumate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly helpful. Primarily an overview, but it gives you books to seek out for a more in-depth look at specific careers.

[Lauren Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book because it showed me I have options, a few more than I originally thought. It made me hopeful, something that it takes a pretty special book to do.

[Nora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much new here for anyone who's been keeping an eye on this sort of thing... And as with everything printed, rather out of date when it comes to internet careers.

[Charles M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a bookworm...there's apparently quite a few career choices out there for you!!!

[Lissa Notreallywolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better to read the updated version.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know there were so many job options out there for avid readers! Wow.