Industry Guide

Publishing Careers for Young People

Publishing brings written, audio and digital content to readers. It includes books, magazines, newspapers, educational resources, newsletters and audiobooks, with roles in editorial, production, design, rights, marketing, sales and distribution.

Publishing is a good fit for people who enjoy words, ideas, and detail — but there are also practical, people-facing roles too.

Curious learners: Enjoy researching new topics and asking good questions.
Detail checkers: Spot mistakes and polish work (spelling, structure, style).
Creative communicators: Like storytelling, design, or shaping how something “lands”.
Organised project-runners: Keep deadlines, briefs, and feedback moving.
Audience thinkers: Care about what readers want and how to reach them.

Open Budi

Salary range

£20,000–£26,000 (assistant/trainee); £28,000–£45,000 (experienced); £45,000+ (senior/editorial/rights/marketing leadership)

Trade association

Publishers Association →

Industry overview

How the industry is changing: Digital publishing, audiobooks, newsletters, and creator-led media are growing. Print is still strong in many areas, but roles increasingly blend creative + digital skills.
Entry routes: Work experience, apprenticeships, trainee roles, internships, and portfolio projects (writing samples, editing before/after, design work, social posts) can matter as much as qualifications.
Earning potential: Varies widely by role and location. Entry roles can start modestly, with progression into editorial, production, rights, marketing, sales, and management.

Growth and hiring

—k recent vacancies

Publishing has a mixed picture: traditional print is steadier, while digital publishing, audiobooks, newsletters and audience-focused roles are creating newer routes in.

Opportunities & challenges

Opportunities

Opportunities include editorial support
production
rights
marketing
sales
newsletters
audiobooks
educational publishing and digital audience roles. Building writing
editing or content examples is useful.

Challenges to navigate

Things to be aware of: entry routes can be competitive
deadlines can be tight
and digital platforms keep changing. Building examples of writing
editing or audience work helps.

Traits employers value

Helpful skills include writing and editingattention to detailresearchcommunicationorganisation/project managementbasic design/content tools and digital marketing/analytics. You do not need to be perfect at all of them straight away — these are strengths you can build through projectsvolunteeringpart-time workcoursesapprenticeships or simply practising.

How to get started

Build a simple portfolio: reviews, articles, short stories, blog posts, or edited pieces.
Learn the basics of the publishing process: brief → draft → edit → proof → design → production → launch → marketing.
Try entry roles that build transferable skills: admin, customer service, social content, events, or project support.

Interview tips

Bring writing
editing
reading
reviewing
design
marketing or content examples. Talk about the audience or genre the publisher serves
and show you can take feedback without taking it personally. Mention deadlines
accuracy and digital awareness such as SEO
newsletters or social content if relevant.

Publishing: bringing stories, ideas, and information to life

Publishing is the industry behind books, magazines, newspapers, websites, and audio content. It’s where ideas become something people can read, listen to, learn from, and share. Publishing mixes creativity with organisation — and it needs people who can write, edit, design, market, and manage projects from start to finish.

Explore more about publishing

Emerging trends: Audiobooks, self-publishing platforms, newsletters, AI-assisted workflows.
Skills needed: Editing, writing, communication, organisation, digital marketing.
Roles & pathways: Editorial assistant → editor; production assistant → production manager; marketing assistant → marketing manager; rights assistant → rights manager.
Tools & resources: Industry job boards, trade bodies, and starter guides.

Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/datasets/employmentbyindustryemp13 (—)