Commissioning editor apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university courseworking towards this roleapplying directlyspecialist courses run by professional bodies
University
The degree subject you choose is not usually important but particularly relevant subjects might include:
- publishing
- creative writing
- journalism
However, if you want to work for a specialist publication, for example, a technical, medical or scientific journal, you're likely to need a related degree or a high level of specialist subject knowledge.
You could take a postgraduate qualification in publishing or digital publishing, but this isn't essential.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, and 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
Work
You'll usually start out as an editorial assistant and work your way up. There's a lot of competition for jobs so you may find it useful to have a degree.
Volunteering
You'll need to get some experience before applying for your first job in publishing. To build up your experience you can:
- volunteer for student and community newspapers
- keep an online blog
- have an online presence on sites such as Twitter
- submit articles and reviews to local papers or websites
This is also a good way to develop contacts, as many jobs are not advertised.Direct Application
You may be able to apply directly for a job as a commissioning editor in academic and professional publishing, if you have a high level of specialist subject knowledge.
Other Routes
You could take a proofreading or editing course, like the ones offered by the Publishing Training Centre or the Society for Editors and Proofreaders.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the The Publishers Association and Professional Publishers Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Commissioning editor apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of English language
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to read English
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Commissioning editor apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- keeping up to date with trends in the book market
- identifying future markets and new products
- deciding whether to accept submitted manuscripts
- developing ideas for books and identifying suitable authors
- preparing publishing proposals, including costings, projected sales and income
- making decisions on reprinting, revising, and producing new editions
- making sure schedules are followed and deadlines are met
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression - Commissioning editor apprenticeships
With experience, you could move on to be a senior commissioning editor, editorial manager, director, or work as a freelance consultant.