Career Zone

Career ZoneCareer Research and PlanningExploreEmployment SectorsMarketing, Publishing and JournalismPublishing

Publishing

Publishing is a sector focused on producing and distributing content across a variety of formats, including books, journals, magazines and digital media. Key areas within publishing include editorial, production, marketing, rights management, design and digital content development.  

When most people think of publishing, they often picture roles like copy-editing or proofreading. However, the publishing industry offers a much broader range of career paths, including production, audience and digital development, sales, rights management and design; Explore job roles in publishing. 

Recent trends in publishing reflect a significant shift toward digital transformation, with e-books, audiobooks and online platforms redefining how content is created and consumed. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, opening doors for those passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices. The rise of data analytics and AI is also reshaping the industry, offering new opportunities for graduates with digital fluency and technical skills to drive reader engagement and inform strategic marketing. 

If you would like to do further research into this sector, the following may be useful: 

Explore job roles in publishing:  Editorial assistant, Publishing copy-editor/proofreader, Publishing rights manager, Bookseller and Commissioning editor.

Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here. These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and adverts for each role you consider applying for. 

  • Adaptability: responding to evolving technologies, audience preferences and publishing models (e.g. digital-first, self-publishing).
  • Attention to detail: ensuring consistency and accuracy across text, design and metadata.
  • Communication: liaising clearly with authors, editors, designers and stakeholders throughout the publishing process.
  • Content development: shaping and structuring manuscripts, articles, or digital content to suit the intended audience and format.
  • Data and analytics: using sales data, reader feedback and platform analytics to inform publishing decisions.
  • Design and layout awareness: collaborating with designers and understanding layout principles for print and digital formats.
  • Digital publishing skills: using content management systems, e-book tools and online platforms to produce and distribute digital content.
  • Editorial skills: editing, proofreading, and refining content for clarity, accuracy, grammar and style.
  • Market awareness: understanding audience needs, current trends and commercial considerations in content planning.
  • Project Management: coordinating publishing schedules, contributors and workflows from manuscript to final product.
  • Rights and Permissions: managing copyright, licensing, and intellectual property for published materials.
  • Teamwork and collaboration: working effectively with cross-functional teams, often across editorial, production and marketing departments. 

To develop these skills, remember Career Zone offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.

Gaining Experience

A love of books is a great foundation for a career in publishing, but this won’t be enough to get you into the sector. The number of applicants for publishing jobs far outweighs the number of positions available. It's therefore crucial to give yourself an edge by gaining work experience. There are several ways you can start developing this insight: 

On campus opportunities 

Browse societies on the Exeter Students' Guild website (Exeter) or SUs' website (Cornwall).    

Getting involved in university publications, such as student newspapers (Exeposé, The Falmouth Anchor, Witness Journal), magazines (RAZZ, Her Campus) or journals, is a great way to gain hands-on experience that’s relevant to a career in publishing. These opportunities allow you to develop practical skills in writing, editing, design and content management, while also learning how to meet deadlines and work as part of an editorial team. You’ll gain insight into the publishing process from idea generation to final production. 

Penryn Press is a student run publishing house that for the last ten years has been designing and producing books which are distributed around Cornwall and beyond. 

Part time work and volunteering 

Working part-time in a bookshop can help you develop a strong understanding of what sells, current market trends and how books are promoted and displayed. You'll also gain first-hand experience of interacting with readers, which can give you a useful insight into audience preferences.  

You could also look at working or volunteering in your local library. This will help you gain awareness of reading trends and a retailer’s view on the market. Another way to gain experience is to volunteer at literary festivals, these are a great way to develop your network and learn more about the industry. Visit the Exeter City of Literature website for a list of relevant events taking place in the South West.  

Internships and work experience 

There are very few formal internships in publishing. The ones that do exist tend to be run by large publishers and are highly competitive. It is a good idea to follow publishing houses on social media e.g. LinkedIn as they often advertise their schemes and internships through these channels. Also visit the Publishers Association website to see more opportunities, including a list of publishers that offer work experience.  

Widen your search for work experience by looking beyond the well-known names, there are numerous smaller and independent companies that you can contact speculatively. Use the member’s directory on The Publishers Association’s website to find publishing houses to contact. 

Placements  

If you're interested in gaining work experience as part of your degree, consider a placement. To learn more, visit the Placements Hub  via your Exeter Single Sign-On. It covers everything from how to apply to opportunities abroad and guidance for international students.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition for publishing roles - particularly at entry level - is very high, so it's important to be proactive in your job search. Many publishers, such as Penguin, Bloomsbury, Usborne and Pan Macmillan, advertise vacancies on their own careers pages. To discover more potential employers, use the Publishers Association’s member directory, which lists publishing organisations across the UK.  

Graduate Jobs 

For more helpful resources, look at How to find publishing and journalism graduate jobs and the Publishers Association’s website.  

Graduate Schemes  

Most graduates begin their careers in publishing through individual entry-level roles rather than formal graduate schemes. While graduate schemes do exist, there are relatively few and are typically offered by larger publishing houses. These schemes often place a strong emphasis on attracting and supporting candidates from diverse backgrounds, as part of the industry's broader commitment to improving inclusivity. 

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

Further study  

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.    

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.    

Other useful websites can be found below: 

  • Postgraduate Qualifications in Publishing provides an overview of available courses, along with helpful points to consider when deciding if this path is right for you.
  • Prospects - search for postgraduate degrees in publishing, creative writing, editing, and related areas. Includes course comparisons and career advice.
  • UCAS Postgraduate - search engine for Master’s-level publishing and literature courses. Includes information on entry requirements and how to apply.
  • FindAMasters - comprehensive listings of taught postgraduate degrees in publishing studies, digital publishing, and editorial practice across UK universities.
  • Publishing Training Centre (PTC) - offers short professional courses in editing, proofreading, rights management, and digital publishing. Highly regarded in the industry.
  • BookMachine Learning - provides access to online workshops, courses, and industry-specific training designed for publishing professionals and students. 

Professional bodies 

Professional bodies support individuals in a specific industry, providing resources like training, certification and networking. While membership is optional, it can help you grow your network, develop professionally and stay up to date with industry trends.