Trying out a career helps you discover if it's right for you. This week: publishing
No matter how much excitement there is about this week's release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it won't match the frenzy that surrounds the publication of a new Harry Potter book. JK Rowling is living proof of the health of the publishing industry.
"People tend to think that publishing is all about editing," says Michael O'Brien, founder of the O'Brien Press. "They don't think of the other jobs, like marketing, sales, design or production."
The small size of Irish publishers means there tends to be a lot of crossover between departments, and people can move from one to another. "The hardest part is getting your foot inside the door," says Rachel Pierce of Verba Editing House. "No matter what department has a space, jump at the opportunity and learn whatever you can. It all helps."
O'Brien and Pierce agree that work experience is very important if you can get it. "Make the letter and CV original, not just the standard one that you could send anywhere," says O'Brien. "Give a tangible reason for your interest, tell us what you're reading or mention where you buy your books . . . Don't say you want to be an editor; just be willing to work in any department and find out as much as possible."
Pierce stresses the value of getting the basics right. "Ensure that everything is well presented," she says. "You can get letters from people who misspell 'editor', which doesn't look good."
Luck has a lot to do with it: it can be a matter of simply phoning at the right time, when a publishing house needs somebody to do odd jobs for a week.
O'Brien advises people to look at who they know. "See whether your parents or teachers know anybody working in publishing. You'd be surprised at how many people you know. It's still the best way of getting a foot in the door."
The retail end of the industry is also looking healthy. As well as the shop floor, there are marketing and buying departments, and shops such as Hughes & Hughes have management training programmes. "You need a passion for books," says Derek Hughes of Hughes & Hughes. "Good people skills and personal drive and ambition are also useful qualities to have."
The Society of Publishers in Ireland, which holds events every now and again, welcomes students. Pierce, who is its secretary, encourages people to get in touch. "We have a website, and if people give us a call beforehand we can let them know what they might enjoy. It would be a good way of finding out a bit more and also meeting people who are already working in publishing."
The society's website is www.the-spi.com. Also have a look at www.obrien.ie and www.hughesbooks.com
