How to get started

Hello readers!

In this post, I will just attempt some kind of introduction into journalism as a career and the different choices in the industry. The website Prospects gives a helpful insight into the different types of jobs that can be offered in an journalism career (and publishing):

• Broadcast journalism

Job will include researching, investigating and presenting news and current affairs for television, radio and the internet, and can fill a number of roles such as: editor, presenter, news anchor, reporter, producer and correspondent. Expect that looks and speech will play an important part in this, and if you are a woman, you may have to sue when you turn 40 and suddenly find yourself fired.

• Commissioning editor

Job role is identifying books or media products to publish in order to build up a publisher's list, therefore work as a key link between an initial proposal for a book or product and the published work. Reading manuscripts all day sounds like the dream for an English student 

• Editorial assistant

Job will include support in all stages of publication of books, journals, magazines, online material and publicity materials by working with senior editorial staff in administration of commissioning, planning and production of publications 

• Lexicographer

Okay, until today I've never heard of this role. You have to be a fan of dictionaries to find this one appealing. Their role is to write, compile, and edit dictionaries for print and online publications. Actually, I take back my snark and have profound appreciation for the lexicographers: the Oxford Online Dictionary has helped through dark times in my degree

• Magazine features assistant

The role will include responsibility for content and quality of their publication, ensuring that stories are engaging and informative. 

• Magazine journalist

Job role involves researching and writing news articles and features for a wide variety of publications that include consumer titles and magazines 

• Newspaper journalist 

Job role is similar to a magazine journalist; researching and writing stories but for national, regional and local press. Articles and features not just focus on news and politics, but also sports, arts and culture, science and business.

• Press sub-editor

This job role focuses on checking the written text of the newspaper/magazine journalists before publication, ensuring correct grammar, spelling, and tone. Additionally, they are responsible for the layout of the content on the page and headings. 

• Print production planner

Job role plans, controls, organizes and monitors the flow of printed materials in a printing company, checking schedules, confirming product specifications, oversee work of staff in the department and monitor the quality of the product. 

• Publishing copy-editor/proofreader

Job role is ensuring that material is clear, consistent, complete and credible, as well as grammatically correct and accessible for a range of publications including journals, books and websites.

• Publishing rights manager

This role is the overseer and developer of publishing rights for books and related products to ensure that a publishing company makes the maximum profit  

• Science writer

In this role, science writers research, write and edit scientific news, articles and features for business, trade and professional publications, scientific journals and general media.

• Writer

Write something (poem, books, scripts for TV/plays, etc). Hope its good. Hope it gets published. In *Taken voice*: Good luck.

Source: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_publishing_and_journalism.htm