Is your dream career too competitive?

[@Louisyed]

Literally everything you said here applies to lots of other careers. I'm at a similar stage as you in being in a competitive profession which is seen by undergrads with my degree as closed. It's not true. It takes perseverance when it seems impossible and self-belief. If you don't have the last one yet then pursue it as if you do and eventually you'll prove it to yourself.

[@meliazeaman2772]

Im going to college soon and but I realized what I wanted to do is different and harder than I thought. not really having class this year hasn't helped.

[@bexby99]

This video is also super perfect for anyone thinking of entering academia!

[@GingerRootss]

R Teague BIG YES THE MOST YES

[@pearlnunn869]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@strawb2811]

I disagree. Academia is far more precarious with crappy short-term contracts the norm for literally years until you're lucky enough to hit on a full-time job (or your forced to move on to another field). The whole system is pretty exploitative. Other issues include the fact you're often expected to move every few years (even internationally) which can put serious strain on anyone with family or partner commitments. Also there's a seriously toxic work culture with excessive hours normalised and the informal work environment making it harder to question discrimination or other unpleasant work practices. Currently a lot more people care about your quantity of work over it's quality. Academia is awesome but the current environment is very difficult to navigate.

[@bexby99]

Sorry, I didn't mean to appear like I'm not aware of everything happening in academic careers - everything you've said here, I'm totally aware of, as it's happening in my field, or to me specifically. What I meant was: don't think that the industry (academia) doesn't need you, and don't give up because you don't see a way in. If you love it, and you think it can be better, your contribution is important.

[@strawb2811]

Sorry if I was too harsh :S I felt your initial comment might be misleading for people who don't know a lot about academia. It seems quite different to how Leena talks about publishing. But yeah we should still be encouraging people to pursue the careers they want even if the road is difficult.

[@anuquidditch]

As much as I love the enthusiasm and the desire to encourage other people, there's a loooooot of underlying privilege in your story (happened to know someone in the industry, lived close enough to London to be able to go there, ability to support yourself while on an internship) that makes these things totally out of reach for some. To be honest, it's a bit hard to digest when you're staring at yet another job rejection for something you're well over qualified for...

[@leenanorms]

Yup that's totally fair. I'm not using my own experience as an example of the barriers being completely down, just giving context to the position I was in when getting my first job and assigning work experience places etc. I'm going to be talking more about privilege and access in later videos around internships etc, in fairness I perhaps should have mixed in and included some of what I've scripted for that in this video too. Sorry to hear you didn't get that role, if you need anyone to look over your CV please do get in contact. x

[@mothcub]

It's really hard to know when is an appropriate time to decide that actually something is not for you and you're gonna move on. Definitely a lot of people must become discouraged and give up way too early, but I wonder what's the best advice for moving on from a career goal that you couldn't get near. Also I would really love to see more discussion about what people can do do help themselves out if they suffer from anxiety, depression, or other similar things that impact jobhunting specifically, because it seems to be very common that people struggle with that kind of stuff.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I want to be in a different part of book making...the author side of book making, but all of this enthusiasm and encouragement is still very helpful. I swing constantly between the thoughts "no one is ever going to want to read my work" and "wait, so many books are published each year, so why not mine?" I always love your videos about the industry, and as I begin to work on my first ever query letters, I would also enjoy hearing more about how the publishing industry and authors interact, or even just advice for aspiring authors from a publishing professional's perspective. Thank you for making such wonderful and uplifting videos!

[@shannonheal]

I’ve been feeling so dejected lately as I’m apply for publishing jobs but not progressing and this video honestly helped me. I did my MA dissertation on the importance of representation in literature and it’s something I’d love to see grow within the industry. There are so many great resources out there already I’d love to see them grow and possibly be involved in doing so. I love this series so much as it keeps me motivated while I try and get in the industry so thank you so much for making them!

[@xxfrancesnthomasxx]

Leena, pretty sure this changed my life. Thank you! I did my undergrad in English and am just finishing up my MA in Film Studies. No idea if I wanna go into journalism/ publishing/ film production/ marketing bla bla bla, but I will definitely consider publishing now.

[@drawsleepread]

I'm loving the direction your videos are taking. It's very interesting to know and learn about your experience especially that we get to learn about them as you grow in this field. Intrigued to see what other questions you'll be discussing next.

[@itsjuliacampmany]

It was really helpful, not particularly going into publishing but my dream career is definitely a competitive one. I am finishing my bachelor's degree and I've felt quite insecure, but as you said: fight for it!

[@raccoonsnacks]

Loved this, Leena. Your positivity and authenticity always warms me. What always stands out for me in your videos, though, is the difference and similarities between the UK publishing industry and the South African one, where I live. What I'm passionate about changing in the southern African publishing industry is the gap that exists between the older legend and the younger enthusiasts. I really think we should be working together because fundamentally we're all passionate about ideas and storytelling, even if our values and strategies differ.

[@emmatheowl]

Thank you so much for making this! I had kind of given up on my dream of publishing for reasons related to my location/ background but this has made me want to maybe think about giving it another try. You are one of my biggest inspirations online and the publishing industry is truly lucky to have you in it!

[@martynaw662]

I've just finished my second year of graphic design and I'm doing really well in uni and I'm enthusiastic about new ideas and developing, however I have this fear that I'll be one of those people that peaks in education and then doesn't evolve after. I still have so much to learn and I think this video was a really nice and positive thing to hear, thank you!

[@claire-ht4gs]

Leena this series on publishing is really making me want to go into the publishing industry!! Currently pursuing a career in another highly competitive industry but maybe publishing can be my plan b if that doesn't work out - I'm completely unqualified but your enthusiam is just very infectious... (also side note: your make up is ON POINT in this video

[@katewoodruff8806]

This video left me feeling PUMPED. Just sat here with my coffee occasionally clapping at the screen.Thanks Leena!

[@musicalconnie6216]

Great video as usual :) I feel like the publishing industry should focus on being eco friendly - using recycled paper/finding more eco friendly materials and only sending out enough books to meet demands. Book covers are usually covered in a kind of plastic, and removing this would also help. Encouraging people to give back their books (and refunding them part of the price) would mean that books could be resold as second hand for cheaper, which uses less resources than re-producing the book. The author would need reimbursing for second hand sales, so the finances of all of this would need to be worked out! In short, I think we should rely less on new books.

[@komal146]

You know you've got two potential startup/ business plans .

[@katemillington1450]

This is just the boost I needed after starting to get despondent with applications, so thank you! I'm determined to power on! Looking forward to seeing the Publishing industry use social media, especially KZbin and Instagram, to publicise their books more and more. We need to infiltrate the non-bookish corners of social media because Books 100% will save the world.

[@michelleboon7646]

I'm so relieved that you said you don't just need to love reading to work in publishing, cos I go through periods where I don't read much at all. I always took that as a sign that I wasn't "cut out" for publishing.

[@kikiwylde]

Late to the party but I've just watched all of the videos you made in this series and wanted to say thank you so much. I am in the midst of contemplating a mid-30s return to study and career change and this has been so helpful in clarifying things for me

[@pumpkins922]

Oh I’m tearing up because I’ve reconciled with aversion to corpses we study at med school, with my indifference about medication. I’m reminded that people can be passionate about their career.

[@aliciamuriel5044]

I feel like this video came to my life in the perfect moment so thanks a lot, I really needed this kind of content right now.

[@BostonBookBitty]

I was completely blindsided with the competitive nature of the library industry. Took me 2 years to get the job I wanted. So don't let that deter you from aiming for your dreams!

[@ClaireBrit123]

ahhh this was so helpful and reassuring!! I'm trying to break into the design industry after graduating and have been going through a tough time trying to find a job. This was just what I needed to hear. I think having self belief even if you don't truly believe yourself (fake it till you make it) really helps. I tell myself that within the next 2 years I will be in a full time position as a designer! So, I will!!

[@BishyFiveSogafi]

I really wanna work in publishing as a book designer/book cover designer, but i'm at the end of a four year bachelors in interaction design, living in a country with a really small publishing industry and no real chance at moving for work. However this video is reminding me to keep my head up and keep trying cause who knows what might open up, and there's no harm in putting myself in for other publishing jobs with the mindset of moving about later I guess, so thank you for this.

[@marianna3833]

This is exactly how I feel about clinical psychology, which is exactly what I want to do. I kinda think I use the "it's too competitive" thing to avoid disappointment and give me an excuse not to try

[@shutupcharli483]

I keep going back and forth on whether its journalism or publishing that I want to go into, mainly because publishing feels like such a secret industry that I know nothing about! This series is really helping to clarify that so thanks!!!

[@flaviam.6048]

This is the pep talk I needed. Thank you 💖

[@wietskejanse5951]

I just have to say, I'm absolutely LOVING your videos on the publishing industry. This video in particular spoke to me on so many levels, it even made me tear up a little :'). I've loved books ever since I can remember, but never really thought that I could be of any value to the industry. I'm in my second year of uni, studying Language and Linguistics, and still have no idea what I really want to do with my life. This video made me really excited about books again and may have influenced me in trying to look for an internship in a publishing house next year. Thank you Leena, I love your channel so much and would love to meet you one day at a cool party where we could just chat about books and changing the world all night :P Have a nice week! x

[@grapefruit2431]

Leeeenaaa you might never see this but I wanted to say thanks for this video and all of your informational content you’ve posted re: the publishing industry. I was also convinced that you needed to know someone in the industry to ever have a chance of getting a job. If it weren’t for your channel, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to apply for a super competitive role at PRH. But I did. And I got a job offer last week. I’m currently on a CLOUD and just had to say thank you thank you thank you

[@everythingelseistakenso]

Hi, Leena! Long time subscriber but first time commenting here. I just wanted you to know that a few months ago, I watched your video '5 signs you should work in publishing' out of curiosity and I had never even thought about what the publishing industry entails. Your video woke something in me and pretty much everything made sense about where I needed to be. That was a few months ago ... and now I'm working an internship in New Zealand which was a big move for me but has been the best thing I've ever done. So thank you, you're amazing and I just need you to know that.

[@alainakester3719]

Thank you Leena! Not going into publishing but so needed that pep talk that's in this video just as I am about to go into the next step in the application process for a job I really want!

[@anac.camacho1609]

It feels so cool to hear someone say they believe books can save the world! I believe that with all my heart, but still sometimes I feel naive when I say it. Thanks!💜

[@missinquisitive7413]

So last week after months of deliberating and feeling pretty rubbish I decided to leave my job and have been struggling with what to do next. I considered publishing when I was younger but definitely had that mindset of 'publishing is super competitive, and my friends and family don't run in those circles, I've got no chance'. Your video has definitely filled me with confidence (thank you!), so now I've got some time I'll definitely start looking at short term internships and see where that goes. I only wish I'd started looking when I was at uni!

[@booksandbrambles]

This is super encouraging to hear as someone who is currently applying to jobs in the publishing industry. Thanks for the tips and advice!

[@booksnotlooks1959]

I've always loved the idea of working publishing, and I've just finished my degree in English so I'm about to start the scary career applications soon. I managed to find publishing placements last summer and I live in Warwickshire and I know literally no one in the industry so I agree it's 100% possible. The only hurdle for me is distance and how expensive it is to live in London, but you've definitely made me reconsider the field and reminded me how much I loved it. Thank you.

[@CiaoBellaBee]

I was one of those that completely discounted publishing as I really only knew about editor jobs and that they were insanely hard to get into (and did I really want to edit other people's books???) so I went and did an animal science degree and now I'm doing marketing/merchandising for a beauty retailer (I know, how related are they?!). And now I know more about the publishing industry I'm sitting here thinking "if I can completely get behind improving how a customer shops for makeup to make a brand money then I sure as hell can get behind marketing books (which cover so many important and hard hitting subjects) to ensure a marketing house keeps open. And, as you mentioned - I can so see gaps or areas I'd want to improve in the industry. I can tell my CV is going to be all kinds of crazy in a few years haha!

[@rekawho]

So good to hear these words, I am made to believe that working in publishing is basically an impossible task without practically being born into it. However, I do not live in the UK it might be the case for my country. But these ideas, innovations resonate with me SO MUCH. Sometimes I have spiraling thoughts about what I would do and make if I had the means like workshops, or interactive gatherings and such, for example just think about a fantasy book it has so much potential especially for a younger audience. Imagine organising camps with games and dress up or starting a really great audience network where you can help a kid find friends, like-minded people and just... connect everyone. You CAN do so much with books and ahhhrg. Stories reach far beyond where the pages end.

[@kathrynpyrah4793]

I do not want to work in publishing but with your passion and voice I think I do :) so great .

[@AylenL]

Thank you so much, Leena!

[@moonie4951]

Love these videos of yours! PLEASE make a video on your advice on how to get into the publishing industry starting with what degree to take🙏🏻❤️

[@kaiitsang]

This is such an important video! Although not publishing, illustration also has this competitive stigma that was taught and engrained in me at university that it made it seem like this exclusive club. I guess one aspect that I found in this specific creative field is that there's not many interns or jobs that necessarily hire a 9/5 illustrator - it always had that freelance element that made it feel a struggle at times. I can totally relate to this idea of questioning self worth in the midst of applying for things but I find comfort/motivation in the idea (and firmly believe) that success does not always come immediate; you have to have a constant drive to put yourself in as many opportunities as possible and also to understand that it is okay if it takes a month or a year.

[@parvativillarba753]

Hey, here's a video idea: How is the publishing industry changing? How is it innovating? Loved the video! Thank you!

[@sarahwilliamsandco]

This video got me really fired up to change my future, thank you!

[@nla1280]

Love your vids leena! Keep it up 💞

[@bethanyblueberry]

As someone who hopes to work in publishing, this was really inspiring.

[@AthenaMatisseLit]

I was just thinking about exactly this. Perfectly timed! :)

[@pureheartbadass]

thank you so much for this, these videos are so bloody helpful

[@CinziaDuBois]

This is a wonderful video Leena! It still breaks my heart though at how competitive it is; after completing several internships at big publishing houses (including Penguin), all unpaid, and over five years of bookselling, and seven years of book reviewing online and still not even getting an interview for a publishing job, I still can't help but think there are insane barriers in place (which I suspect are more about internal hiring procedures and 'personal favours') which is upsetting. I apply for three publishing jobs a month on average, and have done for the past three years: I hope it's easier for people in England than Scotland. To anyone younger than me, kep fighting and applying. I may never get there, but I really hope this video inspires you as much as it did me (despite my total failures thus far haha).

[@avendesora2495]

Have you thought about going freelance within the industry? I did this as I had the same experience trying to get a traditional in-house job. I still work with publishers, but on a freelance basis. It also saves you from having to commute to London, so you save money as well.

[@nonono6537]

My ultimate life goal is to start up my own publisher. A whole other story - but getting into publishing would be a good start 😂 As always, amazing video!!

[@Redhellmet]

Yes! Thankfully there's KZbin + Patreon. Hopefully that works out. Online is the present.

[@defense360]

you're a rockstar!!!!

[@leenanorms]

Xxx

[@herreguda6199]

It's the same in Norway - I remember when I was deciding which degree to study, I had read an article in a national newspaper on how hard it is to get into publishing, so I decided to study psychology instead. Aaaand, guess what, this degree is also very difficult to get a job with. So thanks for this video, it applied to my career troubles too.

[@suzilahlah]

Inspired. Thank you for this video

[@hannxo2692]

Thank you for this !

[@procrastinatetolive]

I always wanted to go into publishing, did English lit at uni and was also under the impression it was too competitive, too much of a need to know structure. Along with this I just couldn’t afford to do the internships which at the time I was looking were more than two weeks I could not afford to not work or travel etc etc. I’ve looked around since at less desirable publishing jobs but overall kind of gave up thinking it was an impossible dream but I might start trying to go for it again!

[@madalenacaldas7666]

what a fantastic video! subscribing :)

[@claudiajade624]

Plant attack strikes again! I feel a similar way about my career choice. It is super competitive and gonna be really hard, but it's worth a shot cause it is an awesome career. Side note; books sales from my perspective have gone up because I buy audiobooks but then if I really love the book I buy a physical copy too 😅

[@larissadelgado1969]

Your videos are so informative and brilliant Leena!

[@chasityd6168]

This is a great video. I found it really encouraging as someone who wants to go into publishing eventually. I was wondering what classes, other than English classes, someone can take in college to make themselves a particularly appealing candidate for publishing jobs? What tangible skills are beneficial to learn and develop? Also, I was wondering if you think there are opportunities for people who might not be super young in the publishing industry? I'm going to college a bit later than most people do and sometimes I worry that being older than most new applicants (probably) might put me at a significant disadvantage.

[@andreacecchini5733]

I had the chance of doing work experience with Penguin and it was life changing. I felt like I belonged there and it made me believe I could actually do something I love for a job. I am graduating in July and I've been rejected for other Penguin internships and starting to lose hope. This video is really helpful and inspiring, but I have so many questions and doubts. What makes a cover letter 'banging' like you said, why there is such a massive number of British people working in publishing companies instead of a more diverse group of people, and it daunted on me an age gap being there as well (everyone was in their 20s or early 30s, or in their 50s and 60s). Publishing is such a poorly discussed industry. Like you said, even English graduates like me don't know anything about it, which I think makes it both harder for it to grow and change and for those who want to be part of it to help it do that.

[@sineadsmithh]

can you talk about if your masters was worth it?

[@paytonreadsbooksyay]

While this was very interesting, and I totally understand how this might be helpful to someone in London, I don't think this is the case for me. I live in Toronto, which is the publishing capital of Canada, and it's not in a publisher's practice to hire interns, paid or unpaid. Even the big publishing houses don't hire interns, unfortunately. Are there any tips on getting into publishing that aren't through the intern route? Or things that would be good to have on a CV (or things that you looked for in cover letters) for when you're applying? Loved this video though, and #GumptionClub4Ever

[@celineludewig987]

Hey there, thanks for the cool video, could you also talk about how illustrators work with publishers?

[@emmawonderful]

i love this.

[@sabahfatema]

You have an ASL chart!

[@paradisestars905]

I fucking loved this, very needed

[@miaamargareta]

Slightly off topic but I study zoology and eeeeveryone always asks if I'm studying to work in a zoo! No! That's not what it's about. Sure some people could take that path but zoology is more about understanding how animals live and coexist with each other in the wild, nothing about captive animals or animal handling at least in my experience

[@ramilomb6142]

I thought my field was really competitive. I’m 19 but I always wanted to be a diplomat. I basically went to every single embassy and gave my cv to lots of people. Now I’m going through the interview process to maybe be an intern there

[@ramilomb6142]

May I add I got called back a few times. And I have no experience whatsoever. The only “skill” I have is being kinda trilingual and perhaps my eagerness to work idk

[@deepfriedinkelvin]

so how'd it go? don't you need a degree for that job in your country? i want to be one too x

[@tadhgprovan1895]

Your videos on publishing always really intrigue me but I'm not sure what kind of qualifications I would need. I'm going to university in September but to study history and sociology and was wondering what advice you could give? Thanks!

[@AilsaVlogs]

I've worked in publishing for a couple of years now, and I think this is another big myth about going into the industry: that you need an English degree, or a Publishing degree. While there are quite a lot of people working in the industry in London that I've met who studied English, there is an equally large amount of people who did something completely different. I did Classics. You just have to look at the skills you've learned, and think about how you can apply them, so from my degree (and this will apply with most, I think), I said that I'd learned to critically asses pieces of writing, manage my time, work independently, and a variety of other things.

[@tadhgprovan1895]

Thanks, that was really helpful x

[@xtashamariax]

I was wondering how easy it is to get a publishing job outside of London? Also..excellent video, so inspiring! X

[@veronicamilroy]

10 years of trying to break into the industry I want to work in.....

[@connorovington6013]

I recently went to a teach first assigment center. 2 fellas had PhDs there was a lawyer; an accountant... Well out of my depth

[@EllenJones]

This is probably terrible to admit, but for a long time I assumed I was going to naturally become a corporate lawyer. I am very academic and so it seemed natural (and besides, law firms have literally started taking us out to dinner) but what I have realised is that I am also super into media type things and that is is possible to be both of those at the same time. Publishing is an industry I have always been super interested in but the access and progression seemed impenetrable from the outside, especially compared to other media roles. I just really hope one day I can have a job I am good at and enjoy and that will let me use my academic brain & my not so academic brain and hopefully that will be in a profession a bit more interesting (and human) that corporate law

[@EllenJones]

ALSO thank you so much for saying that thing about loving books vs books existing. I don't always love to read and thought that would be an imposition but I am so into the idea of books and the need for them to exist so that is reassuring

[@moonie4951]

Should I move to England for a better opportunity to get a job in publishing?

[@MissTwilightHater]

You look super beautiful in this video

[@SallyLock103emeCaris]

Thanks :)

[@tiahsays]

I don’t know if you have and I don’t think this is a new video but I was wondering if you’ve made a video on what you look for to make a cover letter catch your attention

[@melonnash]

I’m going through this exact crisis at the moment, but my problem is getting over the barrier of moving to London and away from all my friends and family. I’ve just finished my English Literature degree (lol predictable I know) and no job sector excites me more than the publishing sector but moving to London just seems like a huge hurdle and do you move first then find a job or do you find a job then move??? If anyone has any advice that would be so helpful or maybe if you could do a video about how you ended up in London Leena?

[@nonno318]

Do you think its possible to get into publishing in uk if English is your second language?

[@savannahtraill4641]

but what do you actually do as a publisher day to day? Like 9-5 in front of a computer? (I genuinely have no idea)

[@leenanorms]

This video should help with that! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn7HpqSEiZ1kqZI

[@savannahtraill4641]

thanks!

[@vrose7808]

I’m studying graphic design/illustration and I totally needed to watch a video like this! Insta is @vivmakes if u wanna support me y’all! 😅😅😂

[@seahorse7fly]

hot damn you're inspiring

[@katemillington1450]

This is just the boost I needed after starting to get despondent with applications, so thank you! I'm determined to power on! Looking forward to seeing the Publishing industry use social media, especially KZbin and Instagram, to publicise their books more and more. We need to infiltrate the non-bookish corners of social media because Books 100% will save the world.