Anyone in the Publishing industry in NYC area (current or past)? (New York: employment, pros and cons)

[calitonyc]

I'm planning on doing a midlife career change from education to publishing, and I just wanted to hear people's experiences - the good, bad and ugly (which I know is the pay mostly). I'm leaning towards books, but I may have a contact at a prestigious magazine publisher so that's also an option.

Any advice you have (and what I've heard most is network, network, network so duly noted) is appreciated. Things you wish you'd known before you got in the business would also be helpful and what specific job you have or had and the pros and cons of that position.

I considered adding this to the employment forum, but I really only want to hear from tri-state.

[Cida]

Not exactly sure what you want to know. What kind of career/work are you envisioning? Editors usually started as editorial assistants, and editorial assistants are usually in their 20s.

[calitonyc]

I would like to hear from folks who work in publishing specifically. I want to know which position they hold and their likes and dislikes about it.

[Cida]

Originally Posted by calitonyc

I would like to hear from folks who work in publishing specifically. I want to know which position they hold and their likes and dislikes about it.

Excuse me, but what difference does it make? If someone tells you that they work in the legal department of Simon & Schuster, will you go out and study publishing law? If someone tells you they work in the travel department of Time, how will that help you? I doubt you want to function as a travel agent.

[calitonyc]

So I take it you are not in publishing and are not interested in being helpful. I'd love to hear from others who are actually in publishing, and I'm over responding to this type of conversation. Feel free to continue, but I'm not being pulled into a weird debate.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by calitonyc

I'm planning on doing a midlife career change from education to publishing, and I just wanted to hear people's experiences - the good, bad and ugly (which I know is the pay mostly). I'm leaning towards books, but I may have a contact at a prestigious magazine publisher so that's also an option.

Any advice you have (and what I've heard most is network, network, network so duly noted) is appreciated. Things you wish you'd known before you got in the business would also be helpful and what specific job you have or had and the pros and cons of that position.

I considered adding this to the employment forum, but I really only want to hear from tri-state.

Consider placing your query in the "Work and Employment" forum: //www.city-data.com/forum/work-employment/

It will receive a wider viewing audience and thus hopefully responses more to what you are seeking.

[calitonyc]

Thanks BugsyPal. I see what you are saying, but I just wanted responses from folks in the New York area for now. Appreciate the kindness though.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by calitonyc

Thanks BugsyPal. I see what you are saying, but I just wanted responses from folks in the New York area for now. Appreciate the kindness though.

Well for one thing just because someone works in that field and the headquarters is in NYC does not mean they live here. There is New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island to consider for a start. Also those "in the past" employees you are seeking may very well have joined others in moving/retiring to other areas outside of NYC.

But it is your post and query to manage as you see fit.

Good luck.

[calitonyc]

Very good point. If I don't get much response, I'll take it over there.

[rv224]

I used to work in consumer magazines. Cida's question is very relevant. What aspect of publishing do you want to work in? Editing? Production? Advertising? Digital?

Both book and magazine industries have been on a serious decline over the past decade. Pay is low and competition is fierce, especially for editorial based roles. Many former editors from magazines that have downsized or closed have switched careers or are working in other sectors (corporate communications for example).