I’m in my 5th year of university and leaving the educational setting is daunting to say the least. Education has provided me knowledge, but also a comfort blanket of familiarity, and moving away from this feels like a big step. But I finally feel like I’m on the way, so I’d like to share how I began this seemingly perilous, but actually not that bad, journey into the publishing industry. 

First, placement experience. I recently completed my first publishing placement with Luath Press, an independent publisher based in Edinburgh. For a long time I felt pretty frustrated with the paradoxical issue of ‘needing experience to qualify for some experience’. Luath Press is an example of a publisher genuinely offering some help though and I’m sure there are more out there. If this is your first placement too, then take it as the learning experience it is meant to be. We were offered feedback on our work during placement and this was the most valuable part for me. No one wants you to fail, least of all the people employing and relying on you! So, use constructive criticism for the personal and professional development it’s meant to provide. 

Second, LinkedIn. I have never had much of a social media presence, so making an account with my entire professional experience on it was something I put off for a long time. But I’ve finally done it, and here’s why you should do it too: 

  • It offers employers an automatic look into why they should hire you. 
  • It verifies your status as a practicing professional. 
  • It gives you job adverts you might otherwise miss. 
  • It allows you to connect with other professionals without the pressure of an official email. 

Similarly to writing a CV, this is your chance to sell yourself and your skills. You can summarise your CV on here, but you can also inject a bit more personality. At the end of the day, this is still a social media site and so speak in a way which feels professional, but still chatty and with a personal undertone. It might be helpful to see what other people have done to get inspired (my account is under Aisling Repp if you want to take a look or connect!). 

Third, London Book Fair. Industry events are key to networking and getting new perspectives on the industry as a whole. I was recently lucky enough to attend London Book Fair, and whilst it can seem intimidating, it was also worth while. Here are my practical  tips if you’re attending as a student for the first time:

  • It gets really warm in there so make sure not to wear too many layers. There is a cloakroom but the queues are usually very long for this on the first day, and calm down on days two and three.
  • Food and drink can be very expensive inside so consider a packed lunch. 
  • A lot of the talks have limited availability and a queuing system so make sure to factor this wait into your schedule and get here early if it’s a talk you particularly want to see.
  • Everyone at London Book Fair is very busy. If you’re wanting to set up a meeting with someone specific then make sure to do this in advance. 
  • Enjoy it! It is an overwhelming atmosphere but its also exciting, and you can take a break at the side if you need. 

Final tips

  • Put imposter syndrome out the door. 
  • Confidence really is key.
  • Everything is experience, even when it doesn’t feel like an obvious success.

And good luck! I’m just beginning this process too, but these are things which can be achieved in the space of a few months. You’ll be surprised at the progress you can make.