Introducing ‘The Next Chapter’ Series
While watching this TedTalk by Elle Griffins on serialised publishing, a statistic she mentioned stayed with me - publishing is a $28 billion industry (in the US) which seems like a lot but compare it to video streaming which is a $375 billion industry, it really puts things into perspective… The industry is certainly a global behemoth, but it’s also tight-knit, exclusive and slow to adapt to change. Adding to that the various issues that prevail in the workforce, from the staggering stats relating to lack of representation and diversity, and the problem with low wages, to the sheer volume of people vying for one job, getting into publishing is akin to a marathon rather than a sprint.
Most people working in publishing have something to say about the amount of time, energy and sacrifice it takes to break into the industry. What struck me was how isolating and hopeless that process sometimes feels, especially if you’re a foreign national like me. I’ve lost count of how many times I was told that the chances of me getting into publishing are very low even with an MA in Publishing, or that I should make better use of my time and experience by applying to another industry.
During all those hard months (and even now), I think the one thing that kept me motivated was seeing people in similar positions to me, publishing hopefuls, finally getting their dream jobs or even shifting industries only to find that their true passions lie elsewhere. When I joined ReTyped, I thought one of the best ways to contribute to this space is to grow this community and hear from people who’ve gotten into publishing or even gotten out of it by using the transferable skills they’ve gained and showing people that there’s more than one avenue to explore.
Publishing doesn’t have to be an exclusive, impenetrable space. It can also be open, inclusive and a safe space for everyone whose favourite gift growing up was probably a book. Similarly, studying or working in publishing does not mean you cannot find your passion in another industry, whatever the reason may be - higher pay, location or even just a change in pace.
Keeping this in mind, I’m happy to announce a new series for anyone who wants a platform to speak about their journey and spread a little hope. If you’ve chosen a non-traditional route into publishing, jumped industries, or moved out of the publishing sphere and into another industry using the skills you’ve gained, please do reach out if you want to share your journey!
Use our form below and one of the ReTyped Editors will get in touch with you to flesh out your story in our new series “The Next Chapter”. We think it is important to talk about how people are getting into the industry, but also talk about why people might choose to leave and what their options are if they do. Understanding how people get into this notoriously difficult industry, and why they choose to leave can help publishing hopefuls learn more about the industry and the challenges that may lie ahead, while offering new options that they may not have considered while finding their dream role.
If you have a story to share about your journey into/out of publishing, reach out with the form below:
