Founded in July 2020, this month The Publishing Post will celebrate its 100th issue. Initially devised as a way to share news and events in the industry, the magazine has since grown into a bi-weekly source of publishing content for those looking to learn about the industry and has published over 2500 articles on everything from children’s publishing to trends, translated fiction to ways to upskill.
The magazine’s founder, Chelsea Graham, who started the magazine as someone looking to get into publishing, and who is now a Senior Editor in audio publishing, shared some of her motivations for starting the magazine four years ago. “When I first learned that publishing was a career I could pursue, I found that a lot of great resources were available, but many were held on paid-for platforms. As a first generation student from a low-socio economic background working part-time alongside studying, I didn’t have any spare income to spend on learning. So, when I started the magazine I was adamant that it would be a free resource for everyone who wanted to learn.”
The magazine very quickly became both a free resource, and also a platform through which publishing hopefuls could gain valuable experience within a publishing environment, meeting other like-minded individuals and having a tangible way to prove their passion for books to employers. Alex A who works within the editorial team shared that “hiring managers always ask about [her] work at The Publishing Post and it has helped to boost the transferable skills across [her] CV.”
During the last four years, the magazine has been recognised by industry leaders and organisations such as The Printing Charity and the London Book Fair, as well as being named recommended reading material on many Masters programmes across the UK. It has provided an opportunity for over 400 publishing hopefuls to gain experience, and has shared knowledge and information with just under 500k website viewers since its inception.
The magazine shares bi-weekly content which aims to shout about various parts of the industry that are often overlooked in mainstream discourse. Each issue shares recommendations and shines a light on everything from indie bookshops and presses to industry insights with professionals working across the industry. The magazine also works to give a platform to those from underrepresented groups with dedicated features for authors and writers from the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, or who don’t often see themselves within the industry.
The magazine has also partnered with many publishers, authors and organisations to shine a light on departments within the industry which are often overlooked, for example contracts or technology and IT teams, as well as collaborated with other organisations who support publishing hopefuls, like The Society of Young Publishers.
The magazine has always aimed to support learning and the formation of connections between those who are seeking to enter the publishing industry. Sarah F shared how working on the magazine has “given [her] confidence in [her] writing and a publication record [she] can put on [her] writing CV and which editors/publishers can see online.” Whilst Jenna T noted that “volunteering is great way to get an insight into the community by networking with people in the team.” Radhika G commented that “The Publishing Post has helped [her] to stay abreast of the latest happenings in the world of books and has also encouraged [her] to keep an eye on different industry events like, literary festivals and job opportunities.”
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