Publisher

The main responsibility of publishers is to decide what books to publish. An author may submit a manuscript or may be commissioned to write a book and then the manuscripts are submitted to the publisher. When an author submits a manuscript the publisher has to make a decision based on quality and suitability of the book for the company's publishing list.


Commissioning general books requires an ability to accurately assess trends in the reading market. Commissioning for educational publishing entails maintenance of regular contact with government or university departments, depending on the sector of education, to establish suitable subject areas in which to publish. Once a reading trend or subject area has been identified, the publisher needs to find suitable authors to write manuscripts and negotiate publishing contracts with them.

When a book is accepted for publication it is subjected to a process of editing, design, production and marketing. In medium to large sized publishing houses specialized personnel often control each of these processes. The publisher needs, however, to keep in touch throughout the process as budgets, deadlines, publicity and special editorial agreements are ultimately his / her responsibility.


Personal Requirements

  • an avid reader
  • wide general knowledge
  • deep interest in all aspects of education, as an educational publisher
  • able to coordinate financial arrangements and have good negotiating skills


Employment

This type of work is specifically geared towards employment by a publishing house. The majority of publishers in this country either fall into the educational or general book category. There are, however, publishing houses that specialise in publishing for niche markets, for example, classical literature and books for children, religious and technical books.


Getting Started

  • try to obtain vacation or part-time work in a publishing house
  • develop your interest in particular types of books
  • arrange to speak to a publisher about this type of career


Programmes

Boston City Campus and Business College does not offer a programme that leads directly to this occupation. Please take a look at the related occupations below to see whether any of these appeal to you. Alternately, please send an email to taryn@boston.co.za and a Student Advisor will call you back.


Related Occupations


A PACE Career Centre Product. © All rights reserved | Developed by Netgen (Pty) Ltd. Disclaimer: Please see disclaimer