The publishing industry is constantly evolving with the advent of new technology and readerships, which means publishing career opportunities are expanding and changing with the industry. Traditional jobs such as editors, publishers, copywriters, and proofreaders still exist, but relatively new publishing career opportunities such as web developers, digital content providers, and podcasters have also become common. Web design is, in fact, a growing field for anyone with computer experience and skills with design or the ability to learn design techniques. Other careers within this large field include marketing and advertising, distribution, outside and inside sales, and freelance content development.
Freelance writers and photographers can find publishing career opportunities across a wide array of publications. Freelancers essentially work for themselves and create content that they can then pitch to various publications for print or other presentation. This type of work requires the freelancer to be exceptionally organized, personable, and able to produce interesting and relevant content. The freelancer will need to research various publications to find appropriate venues for his or her work. Pay is not always very high, which means freelancers will need to take a lot of work at once to make a living.
Editors work with a creative team to create appropriate content for a specific audience. Such publishing career opportunities are usually reserved for candidates who have spent a significant amount of time working in the field. The background of the editor may be in writing or design, or a combination of both; he or she will need to have a keen eye for detail, a solid grasp of the language in which the publication is written, and a thorough understanding of the publishing industry as well as the target audience for which the publication is created.
Print publications will provide publishing career opportunities that involve the physical assembly and distribution of the magazine, newspaper, or other publication. Pressmen and bindery operators will work with the various pieces of equipment that assemble the publications, and delivery personnel will distribute the publications to various sales outlets or specific customers. Packaging engineers may also be hired to ensure the publications can be transported safely without damaging the aesthetic of the magazine, newspaper, or other print publication. Maintenance personnel may be responsible for repairing or otherwise maintaining machinery used in the printing process, as well as the facilities in which the production takes place. Machinists may be hired to work exclusively on the machines, while janitorial services may be hired to maintain the facilities.