Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Consultants And Publishers
Valerie, a consultant and publisher specializing in children's picture books, notes that entry-level publishing opportunities are limited in traditional publishing but abundant in self-publishing, where one can "set your own course" and develop necessary skills like writing or illustration. The most insightful advice given is to "perfect your art" or writing, "look for opportunity," and "create your own path" by leveraging platforms like blogs and social media.
Publishing, Self-Publishing, Children's Literature, Writing, Illustration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Valerie Williams-Sanchez
Consultant & Publisher
Valorena Publishing
University of California, Berkeley
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism - MS, St. John's University - PhD
Communications
Education
Creative
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. There are multiple routes to publishing, including traditional and self-publishing. Self-publishing offers more control over your career trajectory and allows you to build skills in various areas, such as illustration and writing.
2. To enter the field, focus on perfecting your art (if an illustrator) or writing skills (if a writer). Actively seek opportunities to develop your craft, such as writing for blogs or creating social media content.
3. Innovation and creating your own path are crucial. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore different avenues within publishing to find your niche and build your experience
Transcript
Q10: Entry-level positions
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
There are a couple of different routes to publishing. Traditional routes are grueling, coveted, and not very numerous. However, there are opportunities for those more interested in the self-publishing space.
In self-publishing, you can set your own course, define your trajectory, and establish your goals and objectives. You can cobble together the skills, audience, and talent you need.
You can learn the skills to be a publisher or develop skills in specific areas, like illustration or writing. I specialize in children's picture books, which are a multimodal text format.
For undergraduates looking for the "nuts and bolts," I'd recommend perfecting your art if you're an illustrator, or really getting into and perfecting your writing if you aspire to be a writer.
Just do it. Look for opportunities; they are everywhere. You can write on your blog, and social media content producers are making amazing contributions, both multimodal and written. Innovate, never settle, and create your own path.