Publishing FAQs

I often get questions about how to start a writing career, get published, or break into the publishing industry, so I’ve put together answers to some frequently asked questions here. Please note I am unable to answer individual queries due to limited capacity.

GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED

How do I get my book published?

Due to the volume of requests I receive, I have set up sessions to discuss this process. For an initial (free) fifteen-minute session, please book in a time here: https://calendly.com/mireilleharper/initialconsultation.

Any follow-up consultations will be subject to a fee.

WORKING IN PUBLISHING

How did you get into publishing?

I got into publishing in 2017 through a traineeship scheme. At the time, I had four years of writing experience, along with a background in admin, customer service, retail, and visual merchandising. I’d also completed work experience placements at PackT, Penguin Random House Children’s, and the Birmingham Literature Festival. During my traineeship, I worked in Editorial at Trapeze (part of Orion) and in Marketing at Hodder Education, which led to my first editorial role.

What’s your career trajectory?

I joined Octopus Publishing Group in 2018 as an Editorial Assistant, supporting a wide range of titles across humour, gift, beauty, lifestyle, puzzles and quizzes, sport, and narrative non-fiction. In 2019, I moved to Square Peg, a non-fiction imprint at Vintage (Penguin Random House), where I worked as an Assistant Editor supporting the Editorial Director. After their departure, I took on the day-to-day running of the imprint and began commissioning my own titles. I was subsequently promoted to Editor, and later to Commissioning Editor. In 2021, I joined Bluebird, a non-fiction lifestyle imprint at Pan Macmillan, and I recently moved to Tonic, a wellbeing imprint at Bloomsbury.

Alongside my in-house roles, I’ve actively supported diversity and inclusion initiatives and helped implement charity partnerships. Beyond publishing, I’ve also worked as a freelance sensitivity/authenticity reader, editor, public speaker, and communications consultant - collaborating with diversity-focused organisations, creatives, cultural institutions, and events.

How do you progress in publishing?

My career progression has been rapid, largely due to being in the right place at the right time. While working at a major publisher during the pandemic, the company implemented a hiring freeze, which meant I was entrusted with responsibilities beyond the typical scope for an Assistant Editor. This increased responsibility ultimately led to several promotions.

My advice for anyone pursuing a career in publishing is to advocate for your growth at every stage. Make sure to engage with your hiring manager and HR about your career development goals and aspirations. If you feel there's limited room to advance in your current role, don’t hesitate to apply for opportunities elsewhere. Alternatively, seeking guidance from a careers consultant can help you navigate your next steps.

What are the career paths in publishing?

The most common departments people apply to in publishing are Editorial, Marketing, and Publicity. However, there are many other roles across different departments, including Sales, Special Sales, Rights, Audio, Art & Design, Production, Managing Editorial, Operations, and Contracts. Additionally, broader functions like Legal, Finance, IT, and HR also play a crucial role in the industry.

Where can I apply for roles?

Some of the major publishers include Penguin Random House, Hachette, Pan Macmillan, HarperCollins, Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster, Faber, Granta, And Other Stories, Profile Books, Duckworth Books, Post Wave Publishing, Bonnier Books, Quarto, Chronicle, Abrams, Laurence King Publishers, and Jacaranda Books, among many others.

There are also academic publishers (such as Springer Nature and various university presses), educational publishers (like Sage, Pearson, and Hodder Education), and specialist publishers.

For those interested in children’s publishing, notable names include Andersen Press, Usborne Publishing, and Walker Books. Art publishers such as Thames & Hudson, Taschen, Phaidon, and Prestel are also key players in the industry.

If you’re struggling to find work at a traditional publisher, consider applying to literary agencies, talent agencies, and digital agencies, especially those with literary divisions. Literary festivals, writer’s organisations (like Spread the Word, Apples and Snakes, and Writing West Midlands), and charities (including BookAid and the Reading Agency) are also excellent options, as are independent bookshops. I also advise visiting the following recruitment websites: Bookseller Jobs, BookMachine Jobs, Inspired Selection, Redwood Recruitment, Think Selection, Wonderful Recruitment and Creative Access (for under-represented groups).

Can you give advice on my CV and cover letter?

I work full-time, freelance, and hold several voluntary roles, so unfortunately, I’m unable to take on additional requests. However, I recommend reaching out to recruitment agencies (as mentioned above).

Can you provide a character reference/letter of recommendation for me/mentor me?

I can only write letters of recommendation and provide references for individuals I have directly worked with or mentored, and currently provide mentorship to multiple individuals so I am closed to mentoring.