OpenBooks Resources
Want to find out more about working in the book industry? Here are some useful places to start.
Read more about careers in books
Publishing is the home of creativity and communication. It’s where the world’s most brilliant and original minds bring their ideas to be presented to the world. But the creativity doesn’t stop once the words are on the page. The talent and innovation found in every department across the industry is what gets our favourite books from the printers to the shops and into our homes. There are various roles in publishing suited to a variety of skillsets and interests.
Details of some of the resources that breakdown the different roles and departments can be found below:
- Publishers Association offers a detailed breakdown of what each department does and the different roles they offer which can be found here.
- Association of Authors Agents sets out the key aspects of a Literary Agent’s role, the skills they require, and how people stepping into the industry could enter the role. This can be found here.
- Booksellers Association have collated an list of organisation and resources that would be of interest for anyone interested or actively working in bookselling. The list can be found here.
- Run by a team of dedicated volunteers, The Society of Young Publishers aims to assist, inform and encourage anyone trying to break into the industry or progress within it. Click here to learn more about what they do.
Find out about jobs, apprenticeships and internships
Creative Access is dedicated to supporting individuals from under-represented communities break into the creative industries. This includes providing career-long support, job opportunities, and training, whilst also encouraging employers to open up access to careers and build an inclusive culture.
Find out more about Creative Access here.
Arts Emergency currently runs mentoring programmes in London, Brighton, Manchester, and Merseyside for 16-18 year who are passionate about the arts and humanities. Supported by a passionate group of volunteers, Arts Emergency offers guidance and crucial gateways into the creative industries.
Find out more about Arts Emergency here.
LDN Apprenticeships aims to help ambitious people accelerate their careers and find a job they love. Since starting up in 2010, LDN Apprenticeships have opened their apprenticeships up to people of all ages, and used their established track record to launch a number of exciting new apprenticeships for specific industries, including publishing.
LDN Publishing Apprentices provide support at every stage of the publishing process. The course covers the entire publishing journey, from the conception of a book, digital product, journal or other product, through to production, sales, marketing and publicity processes.
Find out more about LDN Apprenticeships here.
To learn more about the Publishing Assistant Apprenticeship, further details are available here.
Book Careers offers personal and professional guidance on all aspects of a book industry career. This includes a FREE year round advice clinic on range of topics, such as entering the industry, career development and going freelance*.
Find out more about Book Careers professional guidance here.
*Under 18s will need permission from a parent or guardian.
The Bookseller’s recruitment platform is the premier job-finding resource for the book trade. Advertising roles at four global book fairs, every week in print and to a broad pool of jobseekers via its Friday email.
Find the job board here.
Take a closer look at the book industry
People of Publishing is a growing community made up of passionate industry experts that offer guidance to new entrants into the publishing industry.
Find our more about People of Publishing here.
Publishing Post provides a platform where publishing hopefuls can develop industry specific knowledge and skills.
Find out more about Publishing Post here.
Society of Young Publishers have launched their ‘Inside Publishing’ podcast series where industry experts and publishing gamechangers talk employability, skills, victories and challenges.
The podcast and their transcripts are available here.
The Bookseller has been the business magazine of the book industry since 1858; reporting on every significant publishing and book trade event. Bookseller runs industry leading online and in-person events, such as British Book Awards and FutureBook.
The Bookseller also runs the Jobs in Books site, where the book trade advertises its vacancies and where those in the trade, or wanting to enter it, look for their next role.
Find out more about the Bookseller here.
Book Brunch is an industry leading daily news service and information site for the book industry. New opinion pieces, articles and job listings are made available daily.
Find out more about Book Brunch here.
Publishers Publicity Circle has enabled all book publicists from publishing houses and freelance PR agencies to gather and share information on a regular basis. Publishers Publicity Circle offers a successful mentoring scheme, curated by the PPC committee to give publicists the chance to learn from some of the finest in the business. From campaign planning and skill honing to career and personal growth, the aim of the scheme is to give successful applicants the opportunity to brainstorm, develop and unlock their full potential.
Find out more about Publishers Publicity Circle here.
Book Marketing Society aims to celebrate marketing excellence; create a forum where members can network, be inspired and develop their expertise; and, collectively as a total membership, provide more of a voice for marketing within and beyond the book industry.
Find out more about the Book Marketing Society here.
Resources from publishers
For more careers advice from people across the publishing industry, view these articles.
- Bonnier Books: Work in Publishing
- Penguin Random House: Working in Publishing video playlist
- Hachette: Opening the Book
- Bonnier Books: Inside BBUK Instagram
- Usborne: Roles in Publishing
- DK: Careers
Short videos:
If you’re interested in seeing what working in the industry could look like, view these videos made by industry professionals:
Bonnier/ Hot Key Books – Day in the Life of a Book Marketer
DK – 5 Minutes with Client Publisher Sales Executive
Bloomsbury Books – Day in the Life of a Marketing & Publicity Assistant
DK – 5 Minutes with a Sales Executive