ABSTRACT
Publishing is a popular career choice and there is strong competition to enter the industry. Digital developments–from ebooks to interactive fiction–have been prominent in the media, highlighting the exciting opportunities for new entrants unafraid of new technologies or fast-paced change. Although many junior jobs that are advertised state that publishing experience is necessary, entry to publishing is paradoxically mainly at the bottom. The Publishing Training Centre originally developed the National Occupational Standards for Publishing for the main job categories. They list job competences against which candidates may be assessed. Publishing groups on LinkedIn provide contact opportunities, especially in non-consumer publishing. Most entry into publishing requires an undergraduate degree, and common subjects are English, History and Modern Languages. For marketing posts publishers recognize the benefits of qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. There are some websites that advertise work experience, and many of the larger publishers have established mechanisms for recruiting students keen to gain placements.
