Book and Magazine Publishers - Job Description, Everyday Work Life and Educational Requirements Magazine publishing Program is not limited to just bringing news, stories, content or information through various means for readers’ consumption. In fact, the role spans to writing for production, editing, content management, designing for publishing, and handling copyrights, contracts and permissions. Book or magazine publishers may take on a variety of roles, depending upon their employment, type of media they work in and their individual qualification, skills and experience. They may act like subject matter experts, content management and production managers, copy editors, journal editors or eBook publishers. They may be employed in various areas including writing, editing, designing, management, publishing, liaising, acquisition, sales and marketing or copywriting. Magazine and book publishers can find employment with
eBook publishing companies
Academic book publishers
Newspaper companies
News channels
Entertainment or sports books publishers
Business magazine publishers
Online content publishers
Any company that publishes its own magazine or produces online content
Job Description of Book and Magazine Publishers Regardless of the media (print or electronic) they work with, book and magazine publishers have to perform some basic tasks, which include:
Networking with writers, sponsors, promoters and advertisers
Reviewing the specific projects and identifying the factors that may promote or hinder their success
Understanding readers’ requirements in a particular geographical location or basis their professions, age and gender
Planning how to go about the entire project
Identifying the scope of a particular project
Reviewing the manuscripts from the writers
Editing the write-ups, documents or books submitted by the writers
Meeting the production deadlines
Working on sales and marketing strategies
Liaising with advertisers and promoters
Handling contracts with writers Maintaining professional relationships with everyone involved directly or indirectly in the project
The exact responsibilities may vary depending upon the job role they assume. Everyday Work Life The everyday work-life of book or magazine publishers may be very hectic, as they have to oversee every aspect of a project from its conception to bringing it to the market. They need to be energetic and motivated and must have an eye for detail. They are expected to
Act as mentors to their subordinates
Possess extraordinary interpersonal and networking skills to maintain relationships with sponsors and advertisers
Think critically as to ensure that each project is a success
Resolve problems whenever they arise to ensure that it meets production deadlines
Attend meetings with sponsors and promoters
Ensure that the production process goes smoothly and as planned
Discuss and negotiate payments and royalties with writers
The book publishers may be required to oversee anything and everything related to production and publishing of content. However, in big publishing houses, they may be required to work in teams with exact roles and responsibilities. Educational Requirements The professionals interested in making a career in magazine and book publishing should have a thorough understanding in and practical hands-on-experience on commercial publishing operations. They should also be well-versed in all facets of the publishing process for eBooks. Centennial College’s postgraduate certificate program in Publishing - Book, Magazine and Electronic is one of the most prestigious programs in Canada that prepare you for a wide variety of positions in publishing industry. It combines classroom learning, publishing assignments and an industry field placement at a magazine or book publisher. To apply for this program, you will need to:
Submit college diploma or university degree in any discipline
Complete an editing exercise
Submit a portfolio of writing
Submit a resume
Relevant work experience (for applicants with partial post-secondary education)
For more information about the program visit Centennial College at http://www.centennialcollege.ca/Programs/ProgramOverview.aspx?Program=6438