Skip to content
Back to Career Guides

How to become a Publisher

Publisher

Career progression and salary expectations for a Publisher

1

Editorial Assistant

| Up to £18,000
2

Publisher

| Up to £35,000
3

Publishing Manager

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Publisher

Want to get into publishing? Must be interested in books (or magazines, or music, or newspapers, or...you get the idea).

Publishers are in charge of printing and broadcasting a range of media content, making it accessible to audiences on a variety of platforms.

They overlook the publishing process, and deal with the selection, planning, funding, and reviewing of works prior to their publication. Some types of Publishers (e.g. desktop) may also be required to manage and design the format, graphics, and layout of a piece of work.

Although Publishers are most commonly associated with dealing with content for magazines, newspapers, and books – many are also responsible for publishing music, software, and copy on online.

General duties for a Publisher could include:

  • Reading and reviewing submissions and providing feedback
  • Ensuring published content is in line with company objectives
  • Building and maintaining relationships with trade publications, distributing channels, and bookstores
  • Preparing and negotiating contracts
  • Estimating costs and handling payments
  • Liaising with and supervising members of the staff
  • Recruiting for the wider publishing team (e.g. copywriters, illustrators, advertisers)
Aspiring Publishers will need an understanding of a range of up-to-date marketing and publishing techniques – alongside an excellent knowledge and awareness of popular content in the publishing world.And because the majority of the role is based around communication and negotiation, you must also have an ability to network, build relationships, and liaise effectively (and professionally) with all kinds of people.

Skills in the English language are similarly essential, to ensure only good quality content is published.

You will also need to be:

  • Able to meet deadlines and work under pressure
  • Organised
  • Detail oriented
  • Able to recognise good content
  • Good at multitasking
  • Familiar with office applications and specialist computer programmes
"After interning at a local book publisher in the summers off from uni, I was able to start as an Editorial Assistant once I graduated. From there, I progressed upwards to Publisher – and even had the opportunity to move onto a larger scale publishing house (one which actually publishes my favourite book). Although it’s full-on, I love my job, and reading and editing manuscripts is really exciting – although it’s not the only thing I do. My day-to-day mainly consists of communicating with the team and negotiating with external clients to ensure everything we publish is ‘on brand’ and of high quality. I also deal with contracts and payments – which is a huge responsibility."

Get qualified as a Publisher

You’ll usually need a degree (in any field) to become a Publisher – although studying subjects such as English literature, journalism, and art may improve your chances of breaking into the industry. Some publishing houses also offer internships and apprenticeship schemes, allowing you to start from the bottom and progress within the company.

Recommended Publishing courses

  • Creative Writing and Publishing - Novel

    Cambridge Open Academy
    Spring Deal 16% Off | CPD Accredited | Updated 2024 | FREE PDF Certs | Lifetime Access | 100% Pass Rate | 1K+ enrolment
    • Online
    • 3 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Did you know that creative writing is a dynamic field, with a growth rate of 7% in the UK alone? Dive into the world of Creative Writing and Publishing - Novel with our comprehensive course. From crafting compelling narratives to overcoming writer’s block, creative writing cour …
    Save 16%
    £21 £25

  • Writing, Editing, Evaluating and Publishing

    Academy for Health & Fitness
    Super Saver Offer! CPD Accredited| Interactive Lessons| Free ID Card & Assessment Included| 1 Year Access
    • Online
    • 5 hours · Self-paced
    • 10 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Unleash your inner wordsmith and follow in the footsteps of renowned authors like J.K. Rowling, who transformed the literary world with her imaginative Harry Potter series. This comprehensive Writing, Editing, Evaluating, and Publishing course is designed to unlock your creativ …
    £16
Want to see more?
View all Publishing courses

Publisher jobs

All Publisher jobs

Similar Career Guides

View all Career Guides