Publishing

There is something special about being involved in the creation of a book or magazine; at least that’s the way people in the publishing world think about their work.

Position Overview

Gaia Steinfeld DeNisi ’20 with fellow intern Miranda Halversen making Christmas Ornaments to send to authors who have published a book with Inkwater Press.

If you enjoy the printed page, the look and feel of a book or magazine; if you are an avid reader, appreciate a well-written sentence, have fun proofing or editing other people’s writing, read the New York Times’ Book Review first on Sunday mornings – you may really enjoy the world of publishing.  There are other jobs within the publishing world that can be equally captivating. The roles of the book designer, the production manager, the marketing team, and the publicist all have an important place in the success or failure of a book project. So, if you love books and magazines, perhaps you should consider a career in this interesting field.

To learn more about the industry, check out the Guides on Book Publishing and read up on these 7 tips about publishing etiquette. You can also read reports from Shaheen Currimjee ’20 and Gaia Steinfeld DeNisi ’20 on their summer internships at publishing houses.

Resources:

  • Academic Guidance

    Students interested in publishing should have excellent writing and editing skills and a passion for books. We suggest you check out the Williams College English Department for relevant courses. Winter Study courses on publishing and creative writing are also a great idea to learn more about the industry.

    Co-curricular Guidance

    Williams offers many opportunities to hone your writing and editing skills. Here are some examples:

    • Become an editor for The Williams Record.
    • Contribute to an on-campus magazine (Journal of Foreign Affairs, Parlor Tricks).
    • Join the on-campus bookclub NovelTeas.
    • Learn InDesign and Photoshop skills on Adobe Creative Cloud.