Although different publications have different content and formats, most publishers take the following steps to produce their material:
- Editorial departments acquire the content.
- Photographers and artists supplement the content with the required photographs and illustrations.
- Prior to publication, publishers obtain legal rights from content providers.
- Publishers verify the accuracy of the material.
- Editors and proofreaders make changes to the grammar, style, and tone of the content.
- Editors and designers write captions and headlines and design pages and covers.
- Once the content is ready, the pages undergo prepress operations done with the help of publishing software.
- Page plates then undergo printing and post-printing processes.
- Distribution people ensure that the publication safely reaches readers in time.
- Marketing and circulation departments promote the publication.
Job opportunities in publishing are many and varied. Most people in publishing find careers in sales and marketing, editorial, or in the production or design departments of newspapers, books, magazines and periodicals, journals, and directories. Online publishing is also thriving as a good career option.
Newspapers: Around 1,300 national, regional, and local newspapers are published in the U.S. as mornings, evenings, Sundays, and weeklies. These newspapers employ the largest number of people in the publishing industry.
Books: A few big national and international book publishers rule the book publishing industry, though several mid-sized and small publishers do reasonably well by specializing in certain categories. Every year, thousands of books hit the stands, including paperbacks, educational textbooks, research works, and STM (scientific, technical, and medical) books. The industry offers a wealth of opportunities for people who are interested in careers in publishing.
Magazines and Periodicals: Magazines fall mainly into two categories: business-to-business (trade) and consumer magazines. Trade magazines cater to the needs of particular industries, professions, or interest groups, while general audiences read consumer magazines.
Journals: For those pursuing interests in specific areas, the scope of careers in journal publishing is great. Many professional journals have found it beneficial to go online where selective audiences can access them easily.
Directories and Databases: As there is a huge demand for consumer and business directories, thousands of companies publish such directories. Directories are normally of two types: white pages and yellow pages. White pages contain phone numbers and addresses; yellow pages are paid advertisements.
Online: Increasing reliance on computers and growing access to the Internet is having a significant impact on the publishing industry. A large number of national newspapers and magazines have set up their own websites. Books have also ventured into the medium, though at a lower success rate.
Skills to Succeed in Publishing
- Have some experience.
- Develop contacts in the industry.
- Understand the content and business of different publications.
- Be prepared to work hard.
- Try to be creative and innovative.
