Publisher

The main responsibility of publishers is to decide what books to publish. An author may submit a manuscript or may be commissioned to write a book and then the manuscripts are submitted to the publisher. When an author submits a manuscript the publisher has to make a decision based on quality and suitability of the book for the company's publishing list.

Commissioning general books requires an ability to accurately assess trends in the reading market. Commissioning for educational publishing entails maintenance of regular contact with government or university departments, depending on the sector of education, to establish suitable subject areas in which to publish. Once a reading trend or subject area has been identified, the publisher needs to find suitable authors to write manuscripts and negotiate publishing contracts with them.

When a book is accepted for publication it is subjected to a process of editing, design, production and marketing. In medium to large sized publishing houses specialized personnel often control each of these processes. The publisher needs, however, to keep in touch throughout the process as budgets, deadlines, publicity and special editorial agreements are ultimately his / her responsibility.

Personal Requirements

an avid reader
wide general knowledge
deep interest in all aspects of education, as an educational publisher
able to coordinate financial arrangements and have good negotiating skills

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate

What to Study

No specific educational requirements. Skills are usually developed on the job and through in-house courses in the publishing industry. Several years’ experience in the publishing industry, usually as an editor or in marketing and sales, is essential. However, entry to this occupation may be improved if you have degree qualifications in journalism, communication, business studies, marketing or an area in humanities, such as English. These courses are offered at most universities.

The Publishing Training Project offers a range of short courses including:

Publishing Overview
Publishing Management
Commissioning
Editing
Production Management
Book Design

Employment

This type of work is specifically geared towards employment by a publishing house. The majority of publishers in this country either fall into the educational or general book category. There are, however, publishing houses that specialise in publishing for niche markets, for example, classical literature and books for children, religious and technical books.

Further Information

The SA Publishers Association of South Africa
House Vincent
Wynberg Mews
1st Floor, Unit 104
Brodie Road
Wynberg, 7800
Tel: (021) 762-9083
www.publishsa.co.za

Getting Started