<p>if one is an english or comparative literature major and wants to get into the publishing field, how are the job prospects, security, and pay? how do you get into the industry? is it practical to major in english with the idea you'll be employed in the publishing field?
I looked at the Dept of Labor Job outlook manual thingy and they just gave some really basic information that didn't really help, so if you could point me to other resources I'd appreciate it.</p>
<p>I don't know if I would really advise you to go into publishing. Having grown up in that field (both my parents' careers are connected to it) I know that it really is a declining field. It can be very hard to get a job in publishing because there are many applicants, often english or lit majors like yourself, and not many jobs. Many publishing companies are becoming smaller (ie accepting fewer books, not hiring new junior staff, etc.) or being combined into mega-companies. The pay isn't great at the junior level and the job security not so good either, it isn't rare for people to get downsized. Unfortunately, I would say that no it isn't really practical to major in english expecting to get a job in publishing. Sorry to be such a downer but all this is why I am not going into publishing myself. The bottom line is people just aren't reading that much in this country.</p>