subject: Tips on Getting into the Publishing industry [print this page] Tips on Getting into the Publishing industry
If you're just starting out as a journalist, writer, or want a career in copyediting, breaking into the publishing industry can be daunting, especially since modern media is such a competitive field. But with a few simple steps, you can be on your way to applying for your first publishing job.
Undertake internships Even if you read every single bit of information on the publishing industry, paid or unpaid internships are still the best way to learn how the industry works. You can learn important things from co-workers, and depending on the publication or company you work for, you may even make some valuable contacts to keep in mind for when you're looking for paid work.
Make sure your own writing's up to scratch To be able to read and edit other people's work, you'll need to ensure that you're confident about your own writing skills. If you feel like you need a refresher course, there are many online journalism courses, as well as editing and proofreading courses available at a number of institutions in Australia.
Maintain a blog Having your own public blog (flawlessly edited, of course!) provides an easy resource to show any prospective employers that you're passionate about words, and that you can keep up to date with what's going on in the media. You can also upload any published articles you've written, and any other work you've done in other fields. If you don't already have a blog, there are many free sites available, such as Wordpress or Blogger.
Entering the publishing industry doesn't have to be as hard as it might seem. Following these few easy steps will help you launch your publishing career.
