Your career in book publishing...

I talk you though all the jobs you can do in publishing whilst eating a wagon wheel. Yes that is literally it.
If you're interested in a career in publishing - perhaps you're a graduate, or you'd like to switch industries - perhaps you've been looking to apply but don't know what department you'd like to work in - hopefully this will help.
Sales, Marketing, Editorial, Production, Publicity, Social Media - we have got you covered. And when I say covered I mean, we have a vague overview to offer you that will only lead to more questions.
3:48 Literary Agent
5:20 Editor
7:46 Rights Team
9:32 Sales Team
13:29 Production Team
14:57 Book Designer
16:10 Publicist
17:19 Marketer
18:10 Social Media Producer
18:53 Closing Thoughts
Production video with Polly: • How we make our books ...
TLC bursary to get a job in publishing: literaryconsul...
If any representatives of Wagon Wheel are watching this, please get it touch, I would like some free ones for this unsolicited product placement.
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[@joan98610]

Also, the translators! Always behind the author's words, but crucial for a foreign book to be published.

[@KJTR90]

THANK YOU! As a translator I was devastated that once again we've been forgotten :(

[@jjvermunt]

3:48 Literary Agent 5:20 Editor 7:46 Rights Team 9:32 Sales Team 13:29 Production Team 14:57 Book Designer 16:10 Publicist 17:19 Marketer 18:10 Social Media Producer 18:53 Closing Thoughts Thanks Leena! This was super helpful!

[@leenanorms]

ah thank you for time stamping! I'll put this in the description

[@freyamallard3313]

I don't even want to go into publishing but all these videos you do make me so happy because I just imagine how happy they would make someone looking to go into publishing. Just yes for making industries seem more approachable and giving practical tools to break into them 🙏👏🏻

[@emsalarslan2098]

I love this series. I’m currently trying to get into publishing as an editor. I’m about to finish my Masters and so I’m starting to apply for ALL the jobs hahah.

[@marianaalejandramontalvofl6294]

was your master related to editing?

[@BrianaIturrino]

My bunny knows that crinkling wrappers = food, and her ears perked up soooo much when you opened the wagon wheel she was super on alert :D

[@amyd7301]

currently halfway through an english lit degree and having a tiny crisis so thank u xoxoxoxox

[@mothcub]

You have no idea how much I've been idly thinking about wagon wheels since you tweeted about this the other day. Once again I have been cruelly influenced against my wheel. I mean... my will.

[@purplerose7318]

This was so thorough and informative. Thank you so much for doing this! You've inspired me to keep pursuing my dream of working in publishing.

[@leenanorms]

Yey I'm really glad x

[@BickylaBiscuit]

Even though I don't want to go into publishing, the transparency of this series has been fascinating and super motivating to see how many jobs there are in the world & that they are way more accessible than I thought

[@tiinamaijaart]

I think this was so fascinating! I love listening to people talking about something that they are passionate about especially when it's something that I know almost nothing about. Somehow this made me very excited about publishing. :D

[@michellegibson8321]

Hey Leena, I'm going into the third year of my undergrad degree in communication studies with a minor in film and english. I just wanted to tell you that I have been planning to go into publishing for some time because of my passion for books and that this video was extremely helpful in framing the different jobs that may entail. (so ​thank u)

[@glitteracido]

My ultimate life goal is to be an editor in the US or UK. I'm OBSESSED with watching videos about the industry and am just so passionate about everything it entails but it hurts me so much that my dream is unachievable because I'm not a native English speaker. At least I'll always have books 💕 Great series!!!!!! Thank you for letting us see some of the industry!! 💕💕

[@wonderfront]

Dear Lena, thank you so much for making this video! I graduated last year and have been working in politics ever since. I enjoy my job but I think publishing is what I really want to do and it's so great to hear about all the different aspects of publishing. Definitely given me some food for thought about how my skills would best fit into the industry. I also really respect that youtube isn't your fulltime job, but you still keep at it to share your insight and make us laugh. Happy Sunday gal!

[@BeautifullyReckles]

This was SO interesting! It makes me want to make a video about working in theater. I work as an Assistant Technical Director of a live performance venue. I run the shows that come through my theater. When you decided you wanted to work in publishing, did you have an idea of what role/area or did you figure that out over time?

[@ardenf.3208]

Thank you so much for making this video! I was hoping something like this might exist as I'm looking to get into publishing but don't know much... thank you so much. Holy grail.

[@teatimewithnaomi]

Thank you so much. I'm an aspiring novelist whose 3/4 way through my first book, but looking for a job in publishing to actually survive. (The only way I could be more of a cliche is if I worked at a coffee shop). BUT this helped so so much. I realised which sections I have more experience in, or where I could be of more use. I am definately going to go make myself a cup of tea, grab a notebook and binge all your videos. Thank you so much.

[@tinomak1332]

Did you end up going into publishing? If so - any tips? If not - what did you do instead and do you have any tips haha

[@Kashgawalis]

Very interesting and informative. Well done. Thank you!!

[@teamakesmehappy5399]

Thank-you Leena! I am glad you have made this video, especially right now as I am writing an essay about a possible job path for a subject at University about arts students getting jobs. After watching this I really do want to look to getting into publishing or bookselling.

[@carafollon7308]

this is soooo useful! I find it really interesting as a career and this helped a lot!

[@thefrancophilereader8943]

Thank you so very much! I've been looking for a video like this for ever. I'm interested in academic publishing, but there is probably a lot of overlap.

[@ilhansamira7277]

I’ve watched this series over and over throughout my time at uni and I’ve only just understood what you meant by the iBooks store. I’m halfway through a 1 year grad scheme working for them right now and it’s been such a good stepping stone into working in publishing- came back to re evaluate what publishing role I might want to go for after this scheme!

[@russellstephen6998]

Super helpful and informative! I never realized how much went into it, but it makes sense that it takes so many different position. Thanks, Leena ❤️

[@acalbrecht1]

I also have a friend who is a literary scout, which seems to involve finding good books for other markets or industries. I don't know the detail, but she does a LOT of reading and she loves it :)

[@Larissalove55]

this video (and seriously all of your videos) made me so happy! I did a bit of researching about working in book publishing one or two years ago but I kind of abandoned that because I remember reading that you're much more likely to start a career in book publishing if you have an English degree, and I don't think I want to study that in college. I'll be a freshman (first-year) in the fall and I'm not decided on what to study. Since watching this video (and your '5 Signs you should work in publishing' video) I've come to the realization that I want to study something that will give me a skillset of things that really interest me that's also broad enough to be applicable to a lot of careers. I've loved reading since I was a kid and am always talking too much about the books I love to friends and others, as well as developed a hobby (and habit) of going to a new independent bookstore every time I'm in a new town that has one!! I also realized that I really like recognizing the significance/importance/uniqueness of something (books or otherwise) and sharing it with others! I really appreciate this video and watching your enthusiasm radiate to your audience. I'd love to learn more about working in book publishing and am anticipating any other videos you'll create about this topic! :)

[@nidhipatel5722]

I much more similar I love reading and I'm currently planning to get Masters for working in publishing company but I'm so confused which undergrad program should I choose also I'm nervous as hell

[@GraceHebditch]

Damn son I needed this years ago. I’m really happy you made this Leena, it will help a ton of people ❤️

[@lilynxa1209]

This was extremely interesting ! Thank you !

[@julzgaskell128]

I really want to work in the design department! I did do some work experience in a big publisher's design dept and I loved it so much, but other than that I'm finding it really hard to find out about that department in publishing! These videos are so helpful Leena and also endlessly witty I love them

[@domeniquetelesca6690]

This was so interesting, especially for me as an Italian guy trying to get into Italian publishing. I've pointed out some differences, but also many similarities! I don't know if you just forgot to mention it, but in Italy we have another REALLY important player in publishing industry: the distributor. It is a company that basically stores the copies of the book in his big and expensive storages and then moves (sells) them to all the bookshops around the country. So they are very similar to the film distributors like Universal, 20th Century Fox or Lionsgate. The main problem is that these people take about 50% of the price of the book to do their job. Sometimes even more! Sorry about my English.

[@annierebecca6116]

Thankyou! these videos have been so helpful, I really enjoy the idea of publishing and helping authors get there books published or helping to craft that story and your videos have helped me figure out what that could really look like

[@TiffanyMarie157]

This is so so so helpful, I graduated uni last summer and I've finally decided it's publishing I want to go into. Now I'm just scrambling to try and find work experience and/or a job that can get me there! It's a hustle :'(

[@sOpHiE-br7nn]

Genuinely didn’t want this video to end. You’re great

[@MissMoortie]

Thank you for this brilliant video. I sold my first novel recently (now at edits stage) and I feel like I now understand what's going to happen to my book from now on. So far so lovely though - everyone I've met seems incredibly passionate about what they're doing.

[@danidifranza9858]

The thing is, publishing is the only thing I want to work in, and now I think specifically as a publicist or producer. But I have no work experience, a psych degree, and am getting a masters in Marketing right now. I have always managed to convince myself that it's not possible for me, and I think I'm just basing that on my anxiety about leaving education. I need to watch your other videos on this for sure, I have a placement year for my masters where I need to get a 12 month placement and I'm desperate for it to be in a publishing house. I just have no idea how to find it.

[@lillyhorselover]

this is a super helpful and awesome watch for a 2020 graduate feeling like she's never gonna make it to a single interview, nvm the actual editing/publihsing job she wants!

[@WaistHighView]

I have no interest in getting into publishing, but this was so interesting! I love hearing behind the scenes on things I've interracted with but never think about.

[@evalentine39]

LOVE this!! Currently trying to get into publishing and just finished my Master's so all advice is appreciated!!!!

[@amyevans9618]

Working in publishing is my dream... thank you for these videos because they are super useful!!!

[@PETRAosebno]

I attended a workshop at my uni about publishing careers...and it consisted of this one guy talking about being an editor and why you could never be as good as him. I didn't think editor is the position I would go for anyway, but it was just very demoralizing, I really don't think that "publishing" workshop did the industry justice.

[@leenanorms]

Aw man that makes me sad :( Hope this was more helpful! The industry definitely needs to be better at getting out their and recruiting!

[@sophiecreamer8796]

In no way do i want to go into publishing but these vids are amazing Leena! Thank you for teaching me about all of these other careers i wouldn't have ever learned about otherwise :) XX Also, could you please make some more university advice/how to adult advice, im going to Edinburgh uni in September and im incredibly excited but also a little nervous, and wisdoms from an adult i trust?

[@Emgreen19]

great content as always and omg Leena, your glasses fit you so well I literally can't get over how good they look WOW

[@JESSiCO]

this is really interesting to me cause when i was younger i wanted to get into literary editing and publishing, and now post-uni have kind of gone unintentionally more into media/visual stuff but still on an editorial level, like being an editor for an online platform with articles and short stories and then now doing editing for closed captioning and subtitles for tv and film. i think id still like to try out literary publishing at some point tho and stuff like this is really cool to see how it all runs on that side of editing/publishing!

[@emilyweber8216]

This is an awesome video! I worked as an assistant to a literary agent for a bit (read a lot of the slush pile!) and I really miss it. I don't live in a big city any more.

[@Sophieesaur]

THANK YOU! This is such an informative video! I'm just starting my journey into publishing and this is so helpful!

[@indubitablyzara]

Thanks for making this! I've been thinking about maybe trying to center my career around books for a while...my degrees are in political science and public policy, but I'm still jobless 15 months of out graduation with my MA, and the thought of working in publishing in some way has been hanging out in the back of my mind.

[@endlesslykelly]

I have been trying to get into publishing for well over a year now. I have loads of experience in many aspects of publishing and even a degree in publishing. I have very little problem getting interviews, but getting an actual job is the issue. I would love to know if you or anyone else has some tips for acing a publishing interview as those types of interviews seem to be so different from interviews for other types of companies. The tips I get from Google searches aren't super helpful. These videos just make my desire to work in publishing grow so much.

[@anna-qf5qh]

such an interesting and informative video, thank you Leena!

[@catsfromaway]

This was extremely helpful. It definitely confirmed about what I was thinking of focusing on. I’m going to start school and go from there.

[@angelforfreedom]

Firstly, you’re GORGEOUS!!😍❤️ Secondly, I’ve very recently incorporated my own independent publishing company. I’m unfamiliar with a lot of the subtle nuances of which this vocation (ie: “side hustle”) entails, but I’m up for the challenge! And, watching this video of yours, thus far, is really putting me back at ease - with confidence, might I add. Lol!! Cheers, from Canada. 🇨🇦

[@nidhipatel5722]

Hey I'm currently planning to do Masters in Canada and would like to work in a publishing company I'm so nervous can you help me out with what universities should I apply for it?

[@angelforfreedom]

@@nidhipatel5722 Hello Nidhi ji! I'm thinking that the first thing you should do is READ A LOT OF BOOKS IN ENGLISH!!! Next, have A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS with everyday North American people, here, once you get to Canada. Spend time with various groups of people: hipsters, householders, single people, hip-hop fans, business people/entrepreneurs, construction workers, prostitutes and drug addicts, rich people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, gamers and nerds & geeks, welfare bums and losers, and other various social groups so that you might cull a high degree of variety in vernacular. This will assist you in knowing what your literary target market would potentially be. Next, move to a Canadian city that is socioeconomically worth moving into; a city which would add a tenure of dignity to your future profession (ie: Toronto, Kingston, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, Victoria, etc., etc.) and then find a viable university to attend within that city. Don't be fuckin' cheap!! I am Hindustani so I can say this - DO NOT be a cheap fuckin' Hindu, dude. Get yourself into a city that's WORTHY of your future in the publishing game, regardless of rental prices and the cost of living! Don't go on what's cheapest, go based on what is most commercially viable for your future profitability. Think capitalistically. Think opportunistically. Grab life by the fuckin' balls and just give 'er. Hope that helps! Jai Siya-Ram.

[@nidhipatel5722]

@@angelforfreedom Thank you so much for your advice! I'm thinking for Toronto so your words helped me. As for the books I'm obsessed with that I'm almost reading whole day at this point even my friends are tired of me but whatever I'll definitely follow your advice!

[@angelforfreedom]

@@nidhipatel5722 Good luck, buddy. You can do it!

[@Katiedora122]

It's funny to me, because I've been working for a publisher for over 6 years, and a lot of this was new to me. My jobs have been in fulfillment and finance (so, getting the books to the stores, and then collecting the payments), and I've never had much info to give people who have asked me about the industry.

[@kristinehoejen6136]

Thank you for making this video. It was very informative and a great experience :) I can wait to show it with my uni mates who want to get into publishing.

[@theotaylor8252]

thank you Leena!! this was fab! I feel even more interested in publishing now 😆

[@qlsocks132]

great video!! very helpful, thank you for taking your time and making it xx

[@PlentyofPerni]

Thank you for this informative video! I also think Editorial Assistant plays a major role as well, depending.

[@MrArchiePancakes]

That was both incredibly interesting and encouraging!

[@nrt523]

In our country, translators are always the essential but overlooked/underpaid ones in publishing, but I can imagine that that's different in English speaking countries. What's their role in the UK? I can't imagine there's very many of them

[@doraa1719]

thank you so much, this video was really interesting as i am considering going into this sector

[@pureheartbadass]

I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!! IT'S SO HELPFUL!! I'd love to be an editor some day

[@zv54]

As if you didn't already know, you're great. :)

[@gellythedreamer2320]

You helped me a lot. Thank you so much!!! 😍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aniekantant6037]

Love your glasses!

[@TheHappy2beme]

Thank you soooo much for this very insightful video. New subbie!

[@VG-wp3hu]

Thank you- this video is so helpful and informative :)

[@shutupcharli483]

So so helpful, thank you!!!

[@Louisyed]

How much do you think there is a problem in the industry in terms of privilege - so it's a lot easier for say a white, middle class, wealthy person with connections to succeed as an author etc? Is anything being done to combat that?

[@Louisyed]

(I haven't finished the video yet so sorry if you mention this - would love to see a full video on it though)

[@flaviam.6048]

Great video! 😍

[@randallisreading4561]

Oh mannn, I wish I could wave a magic wand and become an editor today!!

[@michellemarie1197]

I wanna go into publishing, but idk how it will end up for me because i live in the states and not UK, my dream is to maybe work for harpercollins or simon & Schuster in like NYC, and have my own office

[@elizabethfraser2996]

Are there Literary Agents for children's books ? Love your work !

[@verityuj9325]

Do you have to have a degree to work in publishing or can you learn everything on the job? Is having gone to university really important? 💛

[@natalia4772]

naguara muchisimas gracias babe

[@gracecarter1469]

Thank you Leena!

[@lenazwarg4437]

thanks for this!

[@estherspencer9644]

Thank you for this series! It has been very insightful. How would one find copy editing opportunities in publishing? I am constantly on sites like Indeed and LinkedIn and don't see those jobs posted. I have also checked publishers' website and nothing. Do you think those jobs don't come up often? Any insights? Thanks!

[@winterwolf1111]

This is so interesting!

[@chloerosewescott3097]

After I graduate in English and World Literature I would love to work in Editorial or Sales, but I have no idea where to start. Do you think an internship would be a good place to begin? Or would a publishing masters be a better idea?

[@OjaswiShxrma]

Chloe Rose Wescott regardless of wether you do a masters or not, a couple internships are absolutely vital. You need some work experience to be able to apply for sure, a degree is not enough.

[@AilsaVlogs]

I second this! I've been working in publishing for a couple of years, and seen a few people trying to get in with a publishing degree. Practical work experience carries a lot of weight :)

[@888bujo]

v informative thx

[@mollygabrielle4171]

just got a wagon wheel to watch this with

[@alma2258]

Hi leena, thank you so much for this video, it was so enlighting! I have read and heard from many people that working in publishing is a very lonely job, you barely interact with others and spend most of your time in front of a screen. I spent a lot of time in front of a screen during my uni years, doing essays and dissertations; although I enjoy writing that bit scares me a little because I do like working with people. Would you say this statement is true, is it you and you laptop most of the time?

[@marriedaprince1]

Hi Leena, very informative video. So currently I am working as a freelance writer, editor, and (aspiring) illustrator (I've been an artist for a while but want to transfer it to children's stories); I got started in the fitness industry, got a degree in Kinesiology, spent some time personal training and helping people as a health coach. When I had kids, I decided to stay at home exclusively. I have been writing for almost ten years, but just recently got into editing. I would love to be an actual employee for a publisher when my kids are a little older ( I have 4 under ten years). The design department sounds wonderful, do you have any advice for somebody like me who is doing it "backwards"? Thanks so much!

[@naym1010]

This was so interesting, thank you!! I’m super interested in book design - do you know if you need a degree in graphics/art to get into that area? I’m quite set on studying english lit aha

[@chloegrace9052]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@felipefuente1264]

That facee ... jajaa 🐧🐷🐍 i mean about the begining of video

[@moonie4951]

THANK. YOU! Do you think it's easier to get a job in a publishing company in England compared to other countries?

[@ChosenbyVoters]

Could you do a video about how to get into publishing?

[@danecobain]

Oh my god, a Wagon Wheel! You wanna know something super depressing? I can't eat Wagon Wheels because they have gelatine in and so they're not veggie friendly :( But Pom Bears are still fair game so I mostly spend my time hunting the elusive multipacks of salt and vinegar Pom Bears.

[@LAUGHINGLADY5]

Do you have any advice for what you should look for in college programs for those planning on a career in publishing?

[@MissTwilightHater]

I feel like you'd get on well with Daniel J Layton

[@vanessarodriguez1813]

I’m currently a marketing student it is my dream to work in a publishing company!! Do you think I would get farther with a minor in management?

[@pauleemonx4320]

If any representatives of Wagon Wheel are watching this, please get in* touch, I would like some free ones for this unsolicited product placement.

[@lottie7813]

Do you think you have to be good at business to go into publishing

[@charleykane4548]

First time a wagon wheel has been used for agitprop?

[@selvichukirvendhan8792]

Hi Leena, I m from India being working in books industry for 12yr need ur guidance for my development... Still working hard in sales but poor in development pls help me...

[@lz6764]

Interesting snippets of info but badly organised! Particualrly annoying to see talking and eating at the same time. Also what about the challenges on publishing in the digital age? Is it even a good time to get into publishing?

[@leenanorms]

Sorry this free content wasn't up to scratch, Andy.

[@SUBHASHNISARTA-x3b]

Book publishing is a good business : and you have proved me very good information which is in my mind So every business has a wide range of field and a very long process, so many people working in this business but you have given me little bit a glimpse that's the important in my opinion, So this business starting from writer and new writer their own way, their life, and carrier, information about book, and there are many ways of sales and selling the books and reach out to the reader, finding new ways of selling price of the book every detailed can be helpful for me in my opinion as well as you are joining in my channel that's the good opportunity for me so your helping hand is important to me directly or indirectly. Thanks for sharing your details in this business.