A career in Publishing

A career in Publishing can be extremely competitive career choice. We at X-cel know only to well the demands of the profession. However, if you are still keen and think you have the edge to succeed there are lots of different fields within the publishing sector.

Magazines

Working for magazines as a journalist again can be extremely competitive. You have all heard of Loaded, Cosmopolitan and Glamour and can see a vast array of magazines on display at the news stand. There is also a huge number of business, professional and specialist titles that provide information and entertainment on just about every subject under the sun. To this you can add the growing number of customer magazines, such as which are produced under contract.

Publishers do much more than publishing on paper. They often provide readers with a package of products and services ranging from trade shows and exhibitions, to supplements, awards and licensed goods. They are also publishing on the internet and provide an increasing range of information services on-line.

Newspapers

A Career in Newspapers can be an exciting career choice. Newspapers are the backbone of Britain's media, read by the vast majority of adults every week. There are around 1,300 national, regional and local newspapers in the UK today, published as mornings, evenings, Sundays and weeklies, and are paid for or free.

Regional newspapers are an integral part of their communities, championing local causes, spearheading campaigns and fighting on behalf of their readers. From the largest regional daily to the smallest rural weekly, regional and local newspapers embody the identity of the villages, towns and cities they serve.

Books and journals

Working in Books and Journals mean you can be part of a profession that publishes thousands of books each year. Other markets, such as educational textbooks, academic research works and STM (scientific, technical and medical) books offer a wealth of opportunities.

If you've got a deep interest in a subject area, journal publishing is an exciting way to learn the latest advances and to be at the heart of discovery. Thousands of professional journals spread new research findings worldwide. Journals are perhaps the fastest changing field in publishing; almost all journals are now going on-line, so computer and web skills are a definite asset.

Jobs in publishing

Jobs in publishing cover a much wider range of areas than you might think, Job opportunities are many and varied and so the industry is looking for people with a range of different skills and interests. The majority of jobs can be found in sales and marketing, editorial, production or design.

If you are hungry for a challenge and lots of responsibility, and have the stamina and determination to succeed then a job in sales could be for you. A job selling adverting on a magazine or newspaper is a highly-skilled, professional job for those with tenacity and who want to be at the cutting-edge. Those who are successful become first-class negotiators and presenters. They are rewarded both financially and by fast progression.

Competition for jobs in editorial is intense but if you have the talent and commitment to succeed there are a wealth of opportunities available. The editorial team includes those who research, write, edit and commission.

To get that first step into journalism, still one of the most popular career choices around, you can apply direct for a junior position as a news trainee or editorial assistant. Alternatively, you can do a journalism course to give yourself a head start. The best courses for journalists are those that have been accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists or the Periodicals Training Council.

The visual appearance of a publication is a vital element in attracting readers. Successful designers are able to combine their creative and artistic skills with a good understanding of IT and - as with all jobs in publishing - the ability to meet deadlines.

Marketing and circulation teams are responsible for getting publications to their readers. Whatever the publication, it has to reach the right reader, in the right place, at the right price, at the right time and this is a sophisticated business. You'll need excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, numeracy and the potential to develop creative and strategic ideas.

The production team is the lynch-pin department in the publishing process and deals with everyone involved. It involves keeping editorial and sales teams to deadline as well as liasing with suppliers and printers. As much of the production process is becoming digital, you'll need good IT skills as well as the ability to work under pressure with good communication, team and organisation skills.

If you are seeking employment Join Xcel now for free, Job information please fill in the Career Information form

The College Information service is your free, Study information service, helping you find out about study opportunities at colleges and universities