Resources for Careers in Writing & Publishing
Are you someone with a passion for the written word and a desire to communicate with the masses? If so, a career in publishing or print journalism may be for you. The options are nearly limitless: children’s book publishing, university presses, fashion magazines, daily newspapers, scientific writing, freelance, or book publicity. Those in the field tell us that the best way to break into editorial work of any kind is to make sure you have some kind of experience as an undergraduate. If possible, work on a newspaper or magazine either here at Princeton or over summer breaks. Some of the titles for internships and entry-level jobs include junior writers, editorial assistants/interns, research assistants/interns, reporters, bloggers, and fact-checkers. Having a portfolio of press clips and writing samples to use when applying for jobs will be invaluable. It is also particularly important in this field to try to make connections with individuals in the industry because many opportunities are not advertised.
Alumni Careers Network
Alumni have VOLUNTEERED to have students contact them for advice and information about majors and careers. The Alumni Careers Network (ACN), with 4,500 volunteers worldwide, is a searchable on-line database of Princeton alumni who are willing and eager for you to contact them so they can provide you with advice and assistance about their industry or career field.
Selected Online Resources:
JournalismJobs.com - http://www.journalismjobs.com - Job listings in newspapers, magazines, publishing, online media, television, radio, PR, media relations, nonprofit/ academic/ government, technology news jobs, sales and marketing.
NewspaperCareerBank.com - http://www.newspapercareerbank.com/ - Career center with job postings and resume bank.
Writers Guild of America - http://www.wga.org - Tools and resources for all types of writers.
Bookjobs.com - http://www.bookjobs.com - Job and internship postings as well as general information about publishing.
Publishers Weekly - http://www.publishersweekly.com - Job postings and salary information.
Council for the Advancement of Science Writing - http://www.casw.org - CASW develops and funds programs to help reporters and writers produce accurate and informative stories about developments in science, technology, medicine and the environment. List of fellowships is available.
Freelance Writing Jobs Network - http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/ - Job hunting tips for freelance writers as well as job postings.
NYU Journalism Hyperlocal Summer Academy - http://journalism.nyu.edu/hyperlocalnewsroom/summer/ - Opportunities to intern, assist, edit, report, shoot, write or learn multimedia skills from top reporters and editors.
Selected Professional Associations:
A professional association is an organization of people who have similar career interests. These membership based organizations often offer a reduced rate for students that allow access to the many resources they provide. Professional association websites can also offer job/internship databases as well as opportunities to find mentors or other contacts.
American Copy Editors Society - http://www.copydesk.org/ - Scholarships for future copy-editors.
American Society of News Editors - http://www.asne.org/ - Internship/job board, job fairs, & career advice.
American Society of Journalists and Authors - http://www.asja.org/ - Organization for independent nonfiction writers. ASJA offers extensive benefits and services focusing on professional development, including regular confidential market information, meetings with editors and others in the field, an exclusive referral service, seminars and workshops, discount services and, above all, the opportunity for members to explore professional issues and concerns with their peers.
Association of American University Presses - http://www.aaupnet.org/ - Offers a job board.
Editorial Freelancers Association - http://www.the-efa.org/ - Offers professional development courses.
Magazine Publishers of America - http://www.magazine.org/ - Job board for the magazine publishing industry.
National Association of Black Journalists - http://www.nabj.org/ - Internship program, scholarships, mentoring.
National Association of Hispanic Journalists - http://www.nahj.org/ - The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. NAHJ has approximately 2,300 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals and journalism educators. Offers scholarships.
National Newspaper Publishers Association - http://www.nnpa.org/ - Also known as the Black Press of America, is a 69-year-old federation of more than 200 Black-owned newspapers across the United States.
National Association of Science Writers - http://www.nasw.org - The association was formally incorporated in 1955 with a charter to "foster the dissemination of accurate information regarding science through all media normally devoted to informing the public.”