marisreview:

Last week I spoke to a college senior who was contemplating a career in book publishing (editing, specifically) and wanted my advice. I thought I’d write down a few of the things I told her.

1. Being a book person is the best. Working in book publishing is not as lucrative as working in many other professions (if you can afford to consider factors other than salary, be so very thankful that you can), but there are other rewards. 

2. Rewards include: free books, working with great writers, being surrounded by smart/passionate people with similar interests, free books!

3. There are jerks in every industry. That’s life. But there are enough non-jerks to make the whole enterprise worthwhile. Learn to deal with the jerks and learn to laugh at the absurd—it’s so much better than crying in a bathroom stall. Not like I’ve ever done that, ever.

4. Oftentimes, especially at first, you might not get to work on the kinds of books you love to read. So what? Learn as much as you can. Take it all in. Dr. Phil’s book sales allowed for me to publish literary fiction. For that, I will always have a soft spot for Dr. Phil.

 5. Read. Read all the time. Do not tell a prospective employer that each and every one of your favorite authors died decades ago. Have opinions about the books that get published today. Know what critics are praising today. And know what people are buying today. (Hope there is some overlap!)

6. Take a copy editing course. I can’t guarantee that you will be happily employed and secure forever. But if you can do a decent job at freelance editing, you’re going to be better off. Especially as self-publishing grows, and more authors/agents will be looking for input from freelancers.

7. Your peers are your best allies. Make friends with colleagues in every department, make friends at other publishing houses/lit agencies/PR firms/booksellers/writers/critics/etc. This is not just a helpful strategy, this is fun.

8. The book industry is not going anywhere anytime soon. It is changing, as it should. But it will be around as long there are people who want to read books—in print or on their phones and tablets, or otherwise. We like to complain in this industry. Complaining is an art form. But don’t mistake that complaining for gloom-and-doom prophesy. I think most of the people I know in book publishing are an optimistic bunch, and rightly so.

Maris is smart.

blackballoonpublishing:

Black Balloon is sniffing around for a freelance writer. Click here and here for how to apply. Clementine the Hedgehog explains what we’re looking for:

Let me get this out of the way: I think freelance writers are bums, but hey, I guess I can’t talk myself since I haven’t left my cage in months. Anyway, we want someone who’s the lovechild of Truman Capote and a Buzzfeed editor. We want you to turn that shit out fast and have it sparkle like a diamond. You have to be able to fly with whatever assignments we throw your way and be able to pitch your own stories, too. You should be able to smell a good story the way I can smell a good mealworm. And if you can’t make a hedgehog laugh, get the fuck out. To quote Beyoncé, “I need a soldier … known to carry big things if you know what I mean.” (Take that last part with a grain of salt.)

Yo heads up Bookternet! This is a cool-ass opportunity.

thepenguinpress:

Our friends in the UK have just released what is probably the most endearing job posting of all time: Impress a Penguin.

This job sounds so cool, I’d consider leaving the country. Someone snap this up! Their recommended application format? A Tumblr blog!

“Being intimidated by the prospect of a “full-size” blog, I joined Tumblr in February 2011. Since then I’ve shamelessly promoted my “name” and stalked down as many libraries/librarians on the site as I could find. I’ve connected with libraries, librarians, library students, publishers, writers, readers, Doctor Who fanatics, and cat lovers. I even linked up with LJ and got to write my first “Backtalk” piece.

Days later, my now current employer reached out after reading the piece, complimented my writing, and told me about an opening at their company. I was in immediately for an interview, and a week or so after that, received an offer. Just like that, I’m a working librarian.

It’s an example of social media at its best and most useful. I can’t promise Tumblr will get you a job, but I can bet you’ll find a welcoming, engaged community of bloggers open to new ideas, lively conversation, and real-life friendships.”

(via Tumblrarian 101: Tumblr for Libraries and Librarians)

The producer will work as a member of our web team to produce content for and update nybooks.com and related sites. This is a full-time job located on-site in our Manhattan office. Responsibilities include preparing images and text for posting online, proofreading and checking information to match house style, using the content management systems to update content on the sites, and preparing email newsletters and web pages. Additionally, the producer will assist the web department with various other tasks.

(via Positions Available: New York Review | The New York Review of Books)

You guys! This is a raaaaaad job! You should apply!