So I'm leaving publishing - any suggestions what I should go into?

[Book Lover]

Let's just say I had an epiphany today, and as a result, I am leaving publishing. Any suggestions as to what field a project manager/designer/development editor might translate her skills to?

[Bullwinkle925]

1. What happened - epiphany-wise???

[Book Lover]

2. I realized that I'm not happy

making books in the industry as it is and as it will be in the next 10 years. Yeah, some exciting things are happening digitally, but because the industry is so old-boy-networked, I'm just not going to be allowed to move ahead in this or any other company. Overweight, almost-middle-aged female production editors just don't get invited to the correct lunches. So fuck them. If I feel the need to make a book, I can rebind one of the ones on my to-do pile.

[Redstone]

11. Please send me a PM. I have a contact for you, no guarantees,

but still. He's a guy who has many contacts in the book biz, specifically art books.

If high-end art books are your thing (in other words, if "Stinehour Press" rings any bells for you), he's a guy to know.

Redstone

[Bullwinkle925]

3. I'm sorry -

I understand. My best wishes to you in your search for fulfillment.

[SeattleGirl]

4. Have you thought about seeing a career counselor?

I believe the Employment Security offices have them, and they're free. That might help get you pointed in the right direction.

[Book Lover]

6. Honestly, I hadn't thought of that at all

Thank you. I am sure we have at least one in the county.

[SeattleGirl]

7. Good luck to you, BL

:hi:

[Book Lover]

15. I found the county website

There are a few online assessments that I'll take, and I can make an appointment on Monday. Again, thanks for the idea!

[bridgit]

5. consulting...

:thumbsup:

[Book Lover]

8. Hmmm...

A few professional references, a promo website... you may have something there.

[bridgit]

13. i hear you on the 'old boy network' mention above, hubby ran into that...

working some singular novel pieces through the gates attended (read here: choked off) by cranky, tenured lit prof's and such, he calls them "the pickwick people", and/or "the silicon tower/adobe capture people"; so he started publishing his own stuff & copyrighting through the Lib O'Congress...said "fuck them" as you've done some time back

in either event...good luck to ya's :hi:

[Redstone]

9. Just do NOT go "downstream" into printing. Please don't.

Of all the people who have a rough time of it these days, printers have it the worst.

Redstone

[Book Lover]

10. Oh gosh, though I love being in the pressroom, I'm not cut out for it

Printing my own stuff or small jobs on the letterpress is one thing, but real printing is an awful, pressure-filled business. Plus, so many of the big publishers are printing in China when time allows, I don't see US-based printing plants expanding much, if at all.

[Redstone]

12. See my other reply upthread.

Redstone

[Oeditpus Rex]

14. Go after a newspaper job

I'M KIDDING! I KEED! :rofl:

[Book Lover]

16. LOL!

Yeah, I'll go do that. I'm only incredibly unqualified! :rofl:

[Oeditpus Rex]

18. Like they care?

Trust me on this one. ;-)

[Whoa_Nelly]

17. Teaching at a private college level school?

There are many private schools that prefer to use people who have real life experience rather than an Education degree. When I was attending Interior design school, it also was a school for web, as well as fashion, design. There were several teachers who taught college level accredited classes in areas such as art history, web publishing, and more. And these were people teaching who have lived the business world. The school gave them a curriculum guide, notes, resources and books. The teachers created their own syllabi, and had a good amount of latitude in how they followed the curriculum guide.

[Book Lover]

19. Funny - I make college textbooks right now

Work on the other side of the desk, eh? Well, I have enjoyed the small amount of teaching I have done in the past. That's a good suggestion. Thanks!