When we think about books, most of us focus on the authors behind the stories. But it takes a whole team of professionals to bring those stories to life. From acquisitions and editing to design and publicity, there are many rewarding career paths in publishing that don't involve writing your own book.
If you love books and want to play a part in getting them into readers' hands, a career in publishing might be perfect for you. Here’s an overview of the key roles in the industry, organized by salaried, commission-based, and freelance opportunities.
Salaried Publishing Jobs
Acquisitions Editor
An acquisitions editor is responsible for finding and acquiring manuscripts for a publisher. They review submissions, attend conferences, and network with literary agents to discover new projects that align with the publisher's vision. After identifying promising manuscripts, they pitch them to the editorial board, explaining the book’s potential market and why it's a good fit for the publisher.
Once a project is approved, the acquisitions editor negotiates the contract with the author or agent, covering terms like royalties and deadlines. They may also provide initial editorial feedback to help shape the manuscript. A strong understanding of market trends and the ability to build relationships with authors and agents are crucial for success in this role.
Editorial Assistant
An editorial assistant provides support to editors in various tasks involved in the publication process. They assist in manuscript evaluations, proofreading, and copyediting, and may also handle administrative duties like organizing meetings, managing schedules, and maintaining communication with authors and other team members. They are key contributors to the smooth functioning of the editorial department.
Art Director
An art director oversees the visual aspects of a publication, such as book covers, interior layouts, and overall design aesthetics. They work closely with graphic designers and illustrators to create visually appealing and engaging designs that align with the publisher's branding and target audience. They ensure that the visual elements enhance the content and convey the intended message effectively.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual materials for publications, including book covers, illustrations, layouts, and marketing materials. They use their creative skills and knowledge of design principles to develop visually appealing and impactful graphics that complement the content and attract readers. They collaborate with the art director and other team members to bring visual concepts to life.
Publicist/Publicity Manager
A publicist or publicity manager is responsible for promoting and generating publicity for books and authors. They develop and implement marketing and PR strategies, coordinate media campaigns, organize author events and book tours, and maintain relationships with media outlets, reviewers, and influencers. Their goal is to raise awareness, generate buzz, and ultimately increase book sales and author visibility. Larger publishing houses will have a marketing arm with different publicity roles to support their authors.
Commission-Based Publishing Jobs
Literary Agent
A literary agent acts as a representative for the author, working to secure the best possible book deals and advocating for the author's best interests throughout the process.
⭐️ Finding and Developing Authors
Literary agents actively seek out talented authors by reviewing query letters, attending writing conferences, and networking. They help authors polish their manuscripts, providing feedback and guidance to ensure the work is marketable to publishers. Agents often act as a sounding board for authors as they develop their projects.
⭐️ Pitching to Publishers
Once a manuscript is ready, agents pitch it to the right editors at publishing houses. Agents have established relationships with editors and know which imprints are the best fit for specific genres or topics. They negotiate contracts on the author’s behalf, aiming to secure favorable terms such as advances, royalties, and subsidiary rights (e.g., foreign rights, film rights).
⭐️ Commission Structure
Literary agents work on a commission basis, typically earning 15% of any book deal they secure. This is standard across the industry. A portion of this commission, typically 7.5–10%, goes to the individual agent who handled the deal, while the rest goes to the literary agency they work for. This structure incentivizes agents to secure the best deals possible, as their income is tied to the success of the authors they represent.
⭐️ Ongoing Career Management
Beyond just securing book deals, agents are often involved in managing their clients' long-term careers. They help authors plan future projects, navigate legal and financial aspects of the publishing process, and explore additional revenue streams like film adaptations or speaking engagements.
Literary Scouts
Literary scouts are hired by foreign publishers, film studios, or production companies to identify new books that may be worth translating, acquiring, or adapting into films or TV shows. Scouts constantly monitor book releases, industry trends, and bestseller lists. They earn commissions when they successfully connect foreign rights or film adaptation deals, with their income typically being a percentage of the deal value.
Sales Representatives
Independent sales representatives (sometimes called book reps) work on commission, promoting and selling books from multiple publishers to bookstores, libraries, and other retailers. They usually earn a percentage of the sales they generate, providing them with incentive to build strong relationships with booksellers and buyers.
Rights Agents
Rights agents specialize in selling subsidiary rights, such as foreign translation rights, audio rights, or film and television adaptation rights, on behalf of publishers or authors. They typically earn commissions based on the percentage of the deal value. These agents must have strong industry connections to help place books in international markets or with production companies.
Freelance Publishing Jobs
Freelance editor
Developmental Editor
A developmental editor works to improve the "big-picture" elements of a story. They ensure the story arc is solid, the theme is clear, the characters are developed, etc. They help authors identify plot holes and remove unnecessary details.
Copyeditor/Line Editor
After developmental editing, a copyeditor polishes the manuscript on a sentence level. They focus on grammar, clarity, word choice, and style, ensuring the manuscript reads smoothly and consistently.
Proofreader
A proofreader checks the final manuscript for any lingering typos or formatting issues before it goes to print. Their attention to detail ensures that the book is error-free when it reaches readers.
Illustrator
An illustrator in the publishing industry creates visual artwork, such as drawings, paintings, or digital graphics, to accompany written content. They work closely with authors, art directors, and publishers to bring stories to life through visual interpretations. Illustrators often collaborate with authors and other publishing professionals to ensure that their illustrations align with the tone, themes, and target audience of the publication.
Cover Designer
A cover designer specializes in creating compelling book covers that attract readers. They work closely with authors and publishers to develop designs that not only look appealing but also effectively communicate the tone and theme of the book.
Ghostwriter
A ghostwriter is a writer who is hired to write on behalf of someone else, typically with the understanding that their name will not be credited as the author. Ghostwriters collaborate closely with their clients, who could be public figures, experts in a particular field, or individuals who lack the time or writing skills to create a book themselves. Ghostwriters work diligently to capture the client's voice, knowledge, and ideas, crafting a book or manuscript that aligns with the client's vision and goals.
Where to Find Jobs in Publishing
There are several resources to help you find salaried, commission-based, and freelance jobs in publishing:
Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor frequently post openings for salaried positions such as acquisitions editors, editorial assistants, and publicists. You can also explore niche sites like Bookjobs.com, which specializes in publishing careers.
Publisher and Agency Websites: Many publishers, literary agencies, and design firms post job openings on their own websites. Major publishers like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster often have dedicated career pages. Literary agencies and smaller presses may also post opportunities for commission-based roles like literary agents or freelance editors. Publishers Marketplace is another excellent resource for job listings, particularly for roles like literary agents or rights agents.
Networking and Conferences: Attending publishing conferences (e.g., BookExpo or the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and literary events provides great networking opportunities. Many job opportunities arise through personal connections made within the industry.
Freelance Platforms: For freelance roles such as proofreaders, graphic designers, and ghostwriters, platforms like Upwork, Reedsy, and Fiverr offer a range of job opportunities. Authors and publishers often hire freelancers directly through these sites.
Whether you prefer the security of a salaried position, the hustle of commission-based work, or the flexibility of freelancing, the publishing industry offers a wealth of opportunities for those passionate about books. Explore the possibilities and find the role that’s right for you!
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