The publishing world offers far more than just traditional roles like editor or literary agent. While these positions are important, there are numerous unique and fun jobs within the publishing industry that you might not even know exist. Whether you're a book lover or enjoy working in creative environments, publishing offers many interesting careers. These roles span various areas, including marketing, design, technology, and more, all contributing to the vibrant world of books and media. Below are some fun and lesser-known jobs in publishing that are both exciting and rewarding.
Literary Scout
A literary scout reads and analyzes manuscripts, books, and other literary materials to identify potential bestsellers or noteworthy works for publishers, production companies, or translation rights agents. Literary scouts typically work in international publishing, helping publishers acquire foreign rights for books or finding material for adaptation into movies, television series, or other forms of media. The job requires a deep understanding of both the publishing market and emerging literary trends. If you have a knack for spotting promising books before they hit the mainstream or enjoy reading to predict market trends, literary scouting can be a unique and enjoyable career path.
Audio Book Narrator/Voice Actor
With the growing popularity of audiobooks, there’s a rising demand for talented voice actors to bring books to life. Audiobook narrators do much more than read; they perform the characters, inflecting voices and adding emotions that can deeply affect the listener’s experience. Audiobook narrators often specialize in specific genres, such as fiction, self-help, or non-fiction, and may work on multiple books simultaneously. For those passionate about voice acting, storytelling, and performance, being an audiobook narrator offers a fun way to combine creativity with a love of literature. This job can be done from a studio or, in some cases, from home with the proper setup, making it an accessible and flexible career path.
Publishing Event Coordinator
For those who enjoy organizing events and connecting with people, being a publishing event coordinator is a fun and interactive career option. These professionals are responsible for planning and executing book launches, author signings, festivals, and other promotional events that unite authors and readers. A publishing event coordinator works with authors, publishers, venues, and promotional teams to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their tasks can include organizing catering, arranging transportation, managing social media promotion, and ensuring that event guests have an unforgettable experience. It’s a highly social job that combines elements of marketing, logistics, and hospitality, all while supporting the growth of an author’s career.
Book Blogger/Influencer
While technically not a job within traditional publishing houses, being a book blogger or influencer is a thriving career within the publishing ecosystem. Book bloggers write about books, review new releases, share their thoughts on literary trends, and interact with their audience. Influencers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok (known as Bookstagrammers, BookTubers, or BookTokers) have transformed the way books are marketed and consumed.
Becoming a book blogger or influencer is a fun and creative career for those who enjoy reading, writing, and connecting with others online. Bloggers and influencers are often invited to special events, receive early access to books, and collaborate with authors and publishers, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look into the publishing world.
Book Indexer
Though often overlooked, a book indexer plays an essential role in ensuring that readers can easily navigate the content of reference materials. Indexers create detailed indexes for nonfiction books, academic texts, and technical manuals, helping readers find key information quickly and efficiently. This role is highly specialized and requires an eye for detail, a thorough understanding of the book’s subject, and a knack for organizing complex material. Book indexing can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating job for those who enjoy research, problem-solving, and a keen interest in structure and organization.
Digital Publishing Specialist
With the rise of e-books, podcasts, and digital content, digital publishing specialists are in high demand. These professionals manage the digital publishing process, ensuring that books and content are formatted and distributed correctly across various digital platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, and Google Play. They also work with digital marketing strategies to promote e-books and audiobooks. For those interested in technology and innovation, this is a great way to combine publishing with digital trends. Digital publishing specialists ensure that books and content reach a wider audience in formats that are more accessible and convenient in today's digital world.
Literary Agent Assistant
While a literary agent is a well-known career in publishing, many people don’t realize how much fun and hands-on experience the job of a literary agent assistant can be. These assistants help agents with various tasks such as reading manuscript submissions, conducting research on market trends, drafting pitch letters, and communicating with authors. The job provides an exciting and in-depth look into the world of literary representation and book deals. For those interested in a career as a literary agent but looking for a starting point, working as an assistant provides valuable experience and exposure to the exciting world of book acquisitions and contract negotiations.
