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Topic: Help...how do you break into book publishing???
| Author | Message |
| jmr83 | Posted – 6/11/2008 8:35:36 PM | show profile I am trying to transition over from being a paralegal to an editorial assistant and I'm finding it impossible. I have had experience in college as an editor and years of editing legal documents. I have tried sending resumes out online but haven't heard back. I have networked and got an email from my contact that I should expect an interview, but it's been over a week and nothing has happened. It seems as though getting an entry level job requires some experience, but how do you get that experience if they won't even give you a chance at an entry level position? I'm too far out of college to have any internship opportunities. Any suggestions as to what else I can do to land that initial interview? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! |
| westsidestory | Posted – 6/11/2008 10:50:35 PM | show profile With your experience, I would suggest you start applying for rights or contracts positions at publishers; there are several up for grabs now on this job site and places like publishers lunch. (Search "rights" and "contract") The pay is better than starting as an EA and you will learn a great deal about the business of books. Most book editors are painfully ignorant about rights and intellectual property issues; wannabees are even stupider. The fact that you can read a contract and are comfy dealing with lawyers will put you ahead of the crowd. Good luck! |
| foodlit | Posted – 6/12/2008 7:17:27 AM | show profile That's a really great suggestion! Plus, once you're into a company and do well, you may have the chance to move around into different departments...or you may find you like it in legal. It's so difficult to get those entry-level editorial assistant roles. I remember when I was right out of school I had an incredibly difficult time getting interviews because I didn't have enough publishing related experience and then also realized I couldn't afford that job anyway, back when I was looking the range was 15-18k in NYC! Am dating myself, but even back then it was barely above poverty. The legal suggestion would at least get you in, and I bet you'd find the work interesting and the money better. Good luck! Pam |
| westsidestory | Posted – 6/18/2008 10:59:00 AM | show profile jm, I just saw a contracts job posted on MB today. Go for it. |
