Keep in mind that when you are looking at publishing opportunities, you are typically looking at one of two different editorial positions. The first, and slightly better-known, is that of the copyeditor. A copyeditor is the person who looks at an accepted manuscript and works with the author to get it ready for publishing. A copyeditor looks at grammar and punctuation, of course, but will also look at substantive issues like continuity. They are the people who make sure that if a black cat shows up on page five that it is still a black cat when it shows up again on page eighty. This is a position that has a lot to offer someone who is organized and very meticulous.
The second type of editorial job is that of an acquisitions editor. An acquisitions editor is someone who will be taking on the job of finding properties that the publishing house would like to own. This may range from working with the slush pile—unsolicited manuscripts—to working with agents to find a lot of different kinds of work. This is a very social position and it has an administrative slant to it. This is a job that requires a lot of people interaction and a lot of time making decisions that can make or break a firm.
Remember that when you start applying for an editing job that this is a very small and intimate field. For the people who already work in it, it already feels like everyone knows everyone, so it is important to be on your best behavior. Be ready to search for weeks, or even months, if need be. At the moment especially publishing is a highly competitive field, and any edge that you can muster is a good one. Patience and a steady understanding of the process itself and of the industry will help you figure out where you need to be when you are looking at moving forward with in position.
If you have any personal connections you should use them. It does not matter if they are very close or if they can get you a job. Sometimes all you need is news that a publishing house is hiring and you can go apply for the job yourself. Be ready to take on any work at the beginning. There is a great deal of potential for advancement in this field, but be prepared to work hard.
Another thing that you should keep in mind when you are looking at moving ahead in publishing is that you need to do your homework. This is very important when it comes to interviews. What do you have to offer a publishing house that they have not seen before? How much do you know about the industry and what sort of improvements could you make? Be prepared for an interviewer to ask what you like to read. If you are in publishing you had better be reading a lot and having a well-considered answer to the question can tell an interviewer a lot about you.
This is an interesting time to get into publishing. If you are looking at moving forward and getting the right kind of work, this can be something that is quite important for you.
