The Insider's Guide to a Career in Book Publishing

by Carin Siegfried

Do you want to work in publishing?

Publishing is a hard industry to get into and the first few years involve a lot of work for little pay. Through this book you will gain the information you need to enter the world of books with your eyes wide open.

The vast majority of people who want to go into publishing want to be editors, which is the path with the least pay and most work (at least initially). But do you know what the other jobs in publishing even are? You might be more ideally suited and enjoy working in a completely different department that you’ve never thought of before. This book takes you through all the major career paths in book publishing and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can match up your personality and skills to find the perfect job for you.
The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Book Publishing explains about the different types of publishing houses, explains whether or not all jobs are in New York, and gives you tips for how to get into publishing, including:

• how to break down a job description and see what it’s really asking for
• how to research the ideal jobs for you
• what you can do to stand out from the crowd
• how to approach the job hunt if you’re not in New York City.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

134 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2014

Reviews

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carin Siegfried has written a completely straightforward, fun to read guide that would be helpful to anyone who is interested in a career in book publishing. In an amazingly short number of pages, she manages to provide an overview of what it's like to work in different types of publishing houses (the atmosphere and opportunities at a small indie can be dramatically different than at a Big Five like Simon & Schuster, where I worked, so I know her descriptions were spot on!), a detailed description of all the major departments and jobs and what kind of person might be best suited to each, and even practical advice on how to go about getting one of these jobs. The author cuts through the mystique of book publishing and the perception that it's full of brilliant editors and glamorous publicists and tells the reader what to expect while providing useful suggestions on some less obvious ways to get the experience you need to make it in the book biz. College English departments all over the country should hand this book out to all juniors.

[Yuxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Book Publishing by Carin Siegfried is particularly well-suited for Milllenials who have an idea that their dream is to work with books yet lack a compass. Siegfried first points out the common misconception of editing as the equivalent to publishing and introduces the reader to the many other opportunities in the field. The book then helps readers narrow down their interests and addresses the tactical steps to getting the job. For instance, by following Siegfried’s advice and documenting their favorite books, readers can narrow down publishers they would most likely enjoy working for. Siegfried offers clear advice and tips based on her personal experience, insightful interviews, and thorough research. The Insider’s Guide is concise yet comprehensive, humorous yet honest, and perhaps best of all – realistic yet optimistic. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a career in publishing.

[Elaine Ruth Boe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Book Publishing, what resonates the most strongly is not advice on the importance of researching your interviewer or expanding your reading horizons beyond the classics—although I have channeled those lessons into furthering my career goals. Rather, the sentences that have stayed with me are the ones that dissipate the growing panic I sometimes experience as the hurdles I must overcome to join this industry increase. This is in part thanks to Carin’s humorous, supportive, and pragmatic voice.

It's obvious she's done her research on (or experienced herself) the different avenues of the publishing industry. Very helpful in decoding the publishing industry.

The Insider’s Guide to a Career in Book Publishing is an incredibly user-friendly manual thanks to Carin’s ability to converse with the reader as a well-informed, witty friend.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant to purchase this book as I had already read much of the content on publishing that is available on Carin Siegfried's website. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the additional information provided in the book format. This book gives a good overview of the publishing industry, in depth information about different types of positions (not just editing, imagine that!), and a lot of helpful resources to use for the job search. I'd recommend it to anyone considering publishing right out of school, as well as people considering changing careers and moving into publishing.

[Nicole C. Ayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to copyedit this book. I say fortunate because I learned so much about careers in the publishing industry. Siegfried's writing style is informative and interesting. She held my attention with her anecdotes and personal stories. If you're considering a career in publishing or you know someone who is, then this is a must read.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and to the point; filled with excellent resources. I'm glad I stumbled on to this book.
The book gives information on the different types of jobs in publishing, how to go about preparing to get experience, and how to prepare for getting the job. I will keep this at my right hand for a while.

[Brian]

****

[Chella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very specific and practical advice. Though I don't have the job I want yet, I'm planning on using this book to get it.

[Alisha Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real eye opener and I found it very helpful. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to go into publishing. I'm glad to have won this book in a giveaway on LibraryThing.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and concise book on the majority of the publishing industry. I am happy that I picked it up. It has given me a lot of ideas as to how I should continue my current job search.

[Carah Gedeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so, so helpful. It broke up the industry in sections, gave helpful tips for interviews, and how to network. I will absolutely be referencing this book for years to come!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about being quick and to the point. It is a technical look at the various aspects of the book publishing industry and provides insider knowledge about the industry. A must read for anyone interested in the publishing business.

[Mackenzie Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read most of this for an editing and publishing class, and it was straightforward, thorough, and engaging.