Work experience in the books industry

Biteback Publishing 

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]very student knows that work experience is the best way to land a job, but that can be easier said than done in the closed world of book publishing. Like any dream industry, trade and consumer publishing is a highly-competitive place to find work.  It can feel inaccessible at the best of times when the vast majority of publishing houses are owned by a select few giants based in London. However, you may be surprised by how much is on offer if you take the time to research independent companies offering internships.

I was lucky enough to spend July with the marketing and publicity department of Biteback Publishing, an independent publishing house specialising in political and non-fiction titles. You may not have heard of them, but they are about to publish the most hotly anticipated political book of the year, Call Me Dave, David Cameron’s unauthorised biography and have already published the Political Book Awards Polemic of the Year, An Inconvenient Genocide.

Biteback are a small but very busy office where about five books a month are commissioned, edited, proofed, publicised and sold. The office is very close knit and the casual atmosphere makes it a really fun place to work. In their busy marketing and publicity department, my main roles included sending out review copies to literary editors at the most influential newspapers and magazines in the country, writing press releases, updating the website and planning social media content. I was never short of work and I learnt so much about book publicity and, most importantly, the value of gaining contacts in such a small industry. Working in a small office was also brilliant because I was able to be learn about all stages of the process, ask as many questions as I wanted and see how the different departments work together to get a book published in time.

While bigger publishing houses may have planned which titles are set for publication months in advance, non-fiction publishing definitely has very different demands

Most people think of fictional bestsellers such as Girl on the Train when they consider a publicity career in the publishing industry. While bigger publishing houses may have planned which titles are set for publication months in advance, non-fiction publishing definitely has very different demands. Biteback has a relatively quick turnaround time to allow them to be far more reactive to current affairs as new stories break.

The main role of any book publicity department is to get the most influential figures in the press to take an interest in their publications and Biteback regularly gains coverage in top newspapers, radio and TV shows. However, it takes a lot of work to get a book review featured in The Times or a segment on Daily Politics so organisation, dedication and building good relationships with the press are absolutely vital.

Next time you’re searching for an internship, look beyond the media giants and you might find a far more rewarding experience waiting for you

While Biteback isn’t necessarily a household name, I learnt so much about book publicity at the highest level and had a really lovely month with people who are as passionate about books as I am. So, next time you’re searching for an internship, look beyond the media giants and you might find a far more rewarding experience waiting for you.

Biteback offer two editorial internships and one internship in with the marketing and publicity department every month. Both roles offer an exceptional insight into the industry and an in-depth look at the everyday roles in publishing. To apply, you just need to send an e-mail with your CV, cover letter and times of availability.

Warwick Books

If you’re anything like the average Warwick student who has bought one Bread Oven too many, you’ll be searching for a part-time job to fill the gaping hole your rent has burnt into your student loan. While the extra cash is a clear bonus, having a part time job can also be an ideal way to gain relevant experience for your future career of choice. Want to prove time management and organisational skills? Train to be a barista. Want to work in sales, management or marketing? Better get a job in retail. Want to work in publishing? Why not work in a bookshop? There are always plenty of part-time jobs available on campus so adding an extra line to your CV may be easier than you think.

Most of my time is spent solving the endless puzzle of finding shelf space to display new titles and helping customers find what they are looking for

I’ve just started working at the Warwick Books, the campus bookstore, and, like any English Lit student, I’ve had a great time being surrounded by thousands of different books. Most of my time is spent solving the endless puzzle of finding shelf space to display new titles and helping customers find what they are looking for. Students, visitors and conference delegates are always browsing our selection so it is always busy and no two days are the same.

Want to work in publishing? Why not work in a bookshop? There are always plenty of part-time jobs available on campus so adding an extra line to your CV may be easier than you think

Lots of people don’t realise that the bookshop also sells lots of Warwick merchandise including cosy hoodies, gifts and cards. There’s never an excuse to miss your Gran’s birthday again! Add us on Twitter @warwickbooks for updates of literary life in the Warwick bubble and come on over next time you’re relaxing in the Arts Centre.

Image credits: Kasey Specian / Flickr (Header)