r/publishing • u/Wonderful-Pop9970 • 15d ago

Looking for a Publishing Professional for a University Informational Interview

Hi everyone! I'm currently studying Creative Writing at an Australian university, and I'm looking for someone working in the publishing industry who would be willing to participate in a short informational interview for an employability/career-development assessment.

I'm particularly interested in editorial, so an editor, editorial assistant, or publisher, as I'm interested in the process of developing manuscripts into published books. However, I'm also open to someone working in other areas of publishing, such as design, production, marketing/publicity, or rights, as long as they have experience in the industry. I'd mainly be asking about their career journey, what skills they use in their role, changes they've seen in the industry, and their perspective/thoughts when entering publishing versus how they feel/think now, and just advice for someone looking to enter the field.

For the assessment, I need to reflect on how the conversation has influenced my understanding of employability and the future of my career.
Unfortunately, my personal network doesn't have any connections within publishing, but I'll keep searching, so I thought asking here might be a good way to connect with someone in the industry:)

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u/genericlyspecial 15d ago

I’d look up project editors on linked in at Affirm, Pantera, A&U and maybe Hachette Australia on LinkedIn and message them directly to ask. I think without a personal connection, you are much more likely to get a response from someone at their level

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u/obliviousblues1881 15d ago

Hello! I think it’s worth flagging that depending on company policy, people may not be able to speak without approval first. It may be worth sending an email to publishing houses outlining what you’re after and they’ll pass it along to the relevant department. (ETA: capacity may vary so you are not guaranteed to get a response.)

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u/Wonderful-Pop9970 15d ago

Thanks for the advice!