Commissioning editor : Entry requirements

This area of work is open to all graduates, although academic, professional and scientific publishers may prefer graduates with subject-specific expertise. A degree in publishing may increase your chances but is not essential.

Entry with an HND only is not normally sufficient and a degree is usually a prerequisite for commissioning editors.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not a requirement, although a Masters degree in publishing may improve your chances. Masters and diploma courses are available in areas such as electronic communication and publishing, and publishing/publishing studies. Research courses thoroughly, considering carefully which ones would be most relevant to your requirements.

Commissioning editors are usually graduates with a number of years' experience in publishing. Traditionally, a new entrant begins as an editorial assistant - working on copy-editing, proofreading and writing book cover texts as well as list administration, managing correspondence, working with authors and administration support on contracts. They then may progress to assistant editor or associate editor and eventually to commissioning editor. However, there are exceptions:

• some enter from a publishing, sales and marketing, or contracts and rights background; 
• in academic publishing, academics with specialist subject knowledge may be recruited directly into a commissioning editorship; 
• in magazine publishing, a magazine journalist can progress to commissioning editor.

Getting a first job in the industry requires real determination. Experience of writing or editing a university magazine is useful. Learn as much as possible about publishing from people in the industry, and read trade magazines such as The Bookseller  and information sites such as Book Brunch  for current news and views.

Relevant pre-entry work experience is strongly recommended. General office administration experience may also be considered valuable. Try approaching smaller publishing companies and networking at events put on by organisations such as The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) . This is also a good way to make contacts within the industry. General publishing work placements, internships and voluntary opportunities are advertised through a number of sources, including BookCareers  and the SYP. Applications for work experience should be taken as seriously as a job application.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• interpersonal and communication skills;
• planning and organisational skills; 
• negotiating skills;
• research skills;
• tact and diplomacy;
• the ability to think creatively and commercially;
• the ability to work to tight deadlines;
• a proactive approach to work;
• tenacity and self-motivation; 
• financial management skills; 
• the ability to work well in a team;
• an aptitude for project management;
• competence in IT.

A high level of specialist knowledge is often required for commissioning editors involved with academic and professional publishing, as well as the ability to research new and developing markets.

It is also essential to have a network of contacts in order to source potential authors and reviewers.

Many publishing jobs are not formally advertised. People are recruited to trainee positions through contacts (which you can develop by visiting book fairs, work shadowing and talking to people in publishing), from specialist training courses or because they have made direct contact at the right time. Speculative applications have a greater chance of success if you have already made contact with someone in the company.

You may need to consider part-time or temporary work. This will demonstrate your commitment and show that you are serious about your career. You may also need to apply for a range of jobs in the first instance, rather than concentrating solely on commissioning.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.