Starting a placement as a university student can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the things I was looking forward to was the placement module of my Publishing course. I was equally scared, anxious, and excited about what to expect because it was my first taste of the professional world and an opportunity to gain valuable industry experience that I believe would help me in my future career. I had the opportunity of being a part of the editorial team of the Edinburgh Literary Salon for their upcoming anthology called “The Golden Hours”. 

Here are some of the things I learned during my first-time placement as a university student.

1. Be prepared to learn – As an international student in university, I had a basic understanding of the industry I was entering, but there is always more to learn. One thing that I learned was to be open to new ideas and approaches, and not be afraid to ask questions. Taking notes about important dates and information was helpful to stay on track with the deadlines.

2. Be professional – One thing we were told at the start of the placement was to always be professional. When we had to contact different authors, being professional helped make a good impression of ourselves. Showing respect to colleagues, clients, and the workplace. This helps build strong relationships and create a positive impression.

3. Be proactive – Take initiative and look for ways to contribute to the team. If you see an opportunity to take on additional responsibilities or support your colleagues, don’t hesitate to offer your assistance. This will demonstrate your willingness to learn and your commitment to the project. Being part of the editorial team was amazing since everyone was not only on top of their own personal projects but helped others in need too. 

4. Be flexible – A publishing placement will likely involve a variety of tasks and responsibilities, and you may be asked to work on projects that are outside of your comfort zone. This experience taught me to be open to these challenges and embrace the opportunity to learn new skills. There were times when I took on projects that challenged me intellectually, but what did help was being flexible taking it head on, and working with the author side by side to find a common ground while editing their work. 

5. Be reflective – It is important to take time to reflect on the experiences during your placement. It is equally important to consider what you have learned and how you can apply this knowledge in the future. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. This will help you to make the most of your placement and prepare for your future career.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

During my time working at the Edinburgh Literary Salon as part of my placement course, I was able to gain a deep understanding of the various aspects of the industry, which majorly included the editorial. I was expected to edit and proofread the manuscripts, at the same time retaining the original theme and idea. I was given the chance to work on a range of different projects, from copyediting and proofreading manuscripts to assisting with the development of marketing materials and promotional campaigns for their new anthology called ‘The Golden Hour’.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most about working at Edinburgh Literary Salon was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of people, including authors, editors, designers, and marketers. It was fascinating to see how everyone worked together to bring a book to life, from the initial idea to slowly progressing towards its publication.

Another aspect of the experience that I found particularly rewarding was the chance to develop my skills and knowledge through hands-on experience. Although I was at liberty to choose the author I wanted to work with, there was a lot of responsibility from the outset, and being trusted to take on a range of different tasks, helped me to build my confidence and develop new skills.

Of course, working in publishing also has its challenges. Tight deadlines, demanding clients, and intense competition can all make for a high-pressure environment, and it is important to be able to work well under these conditions. However, I found that the supportive and collaborative culture of the editorial team helped to mitigate some of these challenges, and I was able to learn a lot from my colleagues about how to manage my workload and stay on top of deadlines.

All I can say is, working your first-time placement as a university student can be an incredibly valuable experience. It will give you a chance to gain real-world experience, develop your skills, and make meaningful connections in your chosen industry. I would highly recommend working at a publishing house as part of a placement course. It is an incredibly valuable opportunity to gain industry experience, enhance your skill set, and learn from experienced professionals. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in publishing or simply looking for a way to explore your passion for books and literature, working at a publishing house is an experience that you’re sure to find both challenging and rewarding.