Publishing is a very competitive industry. Most people applying for jobs will have a degree.
You might find it hard to get in with just GCSEs or similar. However, with good GCSEs (or similar), especially in English and maths, you might be taken on in administration, operations or production roles. Relevant work experience or voluntary work could help you prove what skills you have and help you to get a first job.
Example jobs
Administrative assistant
Helps keep paperwork organised, takes messages, photocopies. Could lead on to proofreading and editing opportunities through internal promotion.
Print production assistant or trainee
Supports the printing and binding of the final book or magazine, and its distribution.
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
- You are likely to work in an office, at a computer.
- The office will usually be busy.
- Working hours are usually 9am to 5pm.
- Most publishers do not mind you wearing smart-casual clothes.
Qualifications needed
- Good GCSEs and strong literacy and numeracy skills are very important to get a job in publishing.
- However, you will be competing for jobs with people who have A levels and degrees.
- If you want to work on the planning and producing of books, magazines, etc., it is a good idea to think about going to university.
Career path
- If you are lucky enough to get into publishing with just good GCSEs, you may find that progress is slow.
- Your employer may offer you further training. Or you might want to consider doing a university course to go further in your career.
- Alternatively you could train to improve your copyediting and proofreading skills.
Useful links
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Creative Skillset: careers in publishing
Information about working in publishing
British Printing Industries Federation
Information about careers in printing