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What does a Publisher do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A publisher is a person or company that publishes books, magazines, newspapers, or other works.

Publisher job duties include:

  • Overseeing the production of books, magazines, or newspapers
  • Coordinating activities among different departments, such as editorial, design, and advertising
  • Hiring and firing staff
  • Approving final layouts and proofs before publication
  • Negotiating contracts with authors, printers, and other vendors
  • Managing budgets and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget
  • Marketing publications to potential readers/customers
  • Developing new business opportunities
  • Keeping abreast of industry trends and technologies
  • Attendance at book fairs and other events

Publisher Job Requirements

There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a publisher, although most publishers have at least a bachelor's degree. There are also no specific certification or experience requirements, although most publishers have several years of experience working in the publishing industry.

Publisher Skills

  • Proofreading
  • Editing
  • Organization
  • Project management
  • Layout and design
  • Printing process
  • Budgeting
  • Marketing and sales
  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity

Related: Top Publisher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Publisher

There is no one specific path to becoming a publisher. However, there are a few things that will help you on the way. Firstly, it is important to get a degree in publishing, or a related field such as English or journalism. This will give you the theoretical knowledge you need to understand the industry. Secondly, it is helpful to gain some practical experience by interning at a publishing house, or working in another role in the book industry such as a bookseller or literary agent. Finally, it is important to network and build relationships with other professionals in the publishing industry. These connections will be invaluable when you are looking for a job or trying to get your own publishing company off the ground.

Related: Publisher Resume Example

Related: Publisher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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