<p>I am pretty sure that I want to go into book publishing. I know that it is standard to graduate with a major in English, Journalism, or Communications. Linguistics and a Foreign Language are also beneficial. Do you know of any schools with good programs in any of the majors above? I want a relatively selective school. Thank you!</p>
<p>I know I'm being pretty vague..</p>
<p>Yes, you are being vague. Can you give us a bit more information about what you are looking for besides the majors you mentioned? For instance, do you have any preferences for size of school, location, type of school (university, liberal arts college, religiously-affiliated or not, single sex or not, etc.)?</p>
<p>There are many schools where you can find what you're looking for, and end up with a career in publishing --- so, you need to narrow down your parameters just a bit in order for folks to make recommendations.</p>
<p>As Carolyn says, many schools offer what you're looking for. And people at all levels and in all departments of publishing come from every kind of school you could name, from elite LACs and Ivy League schools to small, regional colleges, huge land-grant Us and so on. </p>
<p>And "a career in publishing" covers a lot of ground, too. Are you interested in marketing? Publicity? Sales? Design? Production? Editorial? Finance? New media? Are you talking about trade book publishing, or text books? Adult books or children's? </p>
<p>Much of the publishing world still functions along the lines of the apprentice system, where capable people learn what they need to know by working for and with experienced people, but there are certain areas (finance and design, for example) where a particular background is also required. Beyond that, what you're going to need comes under the heading of "a good education" - critical thinking skills, broad exposure to different disciplines, and an ability to express yourself clearly and effectively. </p>
<p>Study whatever you want to study, and pay attention to the kinds of books you think you want to work with when you've got a degree.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input. I don't think my stats are good enough to get into a school of the Ivy League caliber, but I do want to go to a pretty prestigious school. The type of school doesn't matter too much. I don't mind if it is religiously affiliated, just as long as there is diversity. I want a diverse student body. I definitely want the school to have more than 1,000 students. I don't want get lost in a swarm of people, so anything more than 20,000 might be too big. I live in Arizona, but I don't mind where I go. I know there are some good schools in California and on the East Coast, both of which I would be willing to go to.</p>
<p>Of course I don't know if I will even end up in publishing, since I am just a seventeen year old girl who changes her mind about what she wants to do with her life. If anything, I'm pretty sure I would want to go into the editorial side of publishing. Thanks.</p>
<p>Go to the very best liberal arts college or overall university you can get into. All good schools will give you the education you will need to work in the editorial side of publishing. The key to actually getting a job in the field are internships. And since the heart of the publishing industry is in the New York area, I'd suggest you focus on the east coast since it will be easier to get good internships close to your school.</p>
<p>Agree with Katliamom. A solid LA education is important and being able to write well and also recognize quality work. Internships are very important to break into this field. Also, a love of reading helps. Good luck!</p>
<p>I'd look into Vassar, NYU, Barnard(if you're a girl) & Columbia. It's important to be in NYC or as close to it as you can if you're interested in publishing, Vassar for one has stated on their website that their careers offices often have set up internship opportunities in NYC for students interested in publishing or in the fashion industry.</p>
<p>If you can't be in NYC, then don't settle for mediocre schools, look at top LAC's or top universities, ie Williams Amherst Brown, etc. Even though jobs in publishing dont pay well, getting you're foot in the door through connections is essential, and you'll have an easier time meeting the right people at top schools(not that this is the only route to go).</p>
<p>Just so happens I'm an editor with a children's nonfiction book publisher about half an hour outside of Manhattan.</p>
<p>The best major for you is English. Take as many creative writing courses as you can as well. If book publishing is your goal, I recommend staying away from journalism. That's truly a different animal (though my boss has her masters in journalism). Communications won't be of much help either.</p>
<p>A good liberal arts college or any good English program at a good school will be fine. No need to attend college near New York City. Though keep in mind that many NY publishers offer excellent summer internships. </p>
<p>Whether you intend to go editorial or production in book publishing, major in English!!</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Hi, editor. I have a feeling you and I may know each other in RL.</p>
<p>I absolutely second "no need to attend college near New York City" and much of the rest of what editor says, but I do want to repeat one thing I said earlier (and that other posters have helped emphasize, too) - that it isn't necessary to have an English degree to become a successful editor. It's a common choice, and I agree that it's a good choice, but it is absolutely not essential. And while creative writing courses are also helpful, they're not essential either. A really good liberal arts education is the essential.</p>
<p>Read the kinds of books you want to work with. Notice what gets published. Read book reviews; look at shelves in book stores; start looking at the sales ranks of books when you browse through Amazon.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your input, Editor and HarrietMWelsch.</p>
<p>I will definitely keep your pointers in mind. It's nice to hear from people who work in the field.</p>
<p>Irvine,
I'm a former publishing person...graduated from a good but not Ivy school with an English degree. Attended a program at the University of Denver
University</a> of Denver -- Publishing Institute
the summer after I earned my BA. Met my first boss there, she was the Director of a well known University Press. I basically hounded her for a job druing the whole program, then followed up when I finished the program.<br>
Was hired and worked my way up at the Press until I left the East Coast with my new husband.<br>
Agree of course with everyone about an English degree. After that it is a matter of being persistent. (As with any career pursuit in any field).
I should also add that while receiving my BA I worked as an intern one summer (not paid) at a publishing firm and I worked as an intern at an advertising agency one semester of school. Look for those real world experiences during the time that you are earning your BA. They will help you stand out among lots of other English grads wanting to get into the field.</p>
<p>Worked in publishing for 25 years. Founded my own (very successful) publishing house. Was a Williams grad - English/Comparative Lit. major. What made me successful, however, was not where my degree was from (which was irrelevant), but wide exposure to the world, and eagerness to write about it, and to attract others to publish with my firm. </p>
<p>Travel, travel, travel, meet lots of interesting people, and keep your brain fresh.</p>
<p>Publishing is a pay-your-dues field. You'll start at the bottom (i.e., editorial assistant), perform administrative duties, maybe get to work in some sort of editorial capacity if you're lucky, and be paid a very low starting salary. Publishing does not pay well. An intership will be extremely valuable to you. </p>
<p>Publishing is an extremely rewarding profession. I could not imagine doing anything else. It is also a very creative field as well (even for an editor). </p>
<p>Walk around a good book store and get a feel for what's out there. I've done "it all." I've worked on scientific, scholarly, and academic books and journals. I've transitioned well into children's nonfiction and absolutley love it.
There is room for movement within the industry, so don't be afraid to take a job because it's not your "dream" job. Get your foot in the door, take the ball, and run!!! I actually started out (over twenty years ago!) in the production end of things and now am a senior editor, aquiring and developing. Production knowledge is very important.</p>
<p>First things first though. Get your BA. Read, write, read, write.
You'll be fine!!</p>