May 19, 2010
In this episode, we answer listener emails about how to get a job in publishing; we tell you about some books that have nontraditional reading structures. In segment 3, Ann talks about Woodsburner by John Pipkin, and Michael tells us about Operation Mincemeat by Ben MacIntyre.
How do you get a job in publishing?
We start off with two listener emails asking about careers in publishing. Carrie wants to know how one becomes a buyer at a large bookstore chain like Barnes & Noble. And Weatherly asks how one becomes an editor. Michael and I attempt to provide some information, mostly through sharing our own career paths. There really is no single "right" way, but the most common ways to get into publishing seem to be working in a bookstore, or starting out in an entry level position in a publishing company. There are also some degree and certificate programs that can give job seekers a leg up, including:
- New York University M.S. in Publishing
- Pace University Masters of Science in Publishing
- Yale Publishing Course
- Bookjobs.com has an extensive list of publishing programs
Don't go page by page (6:33)
Joanne in Canada suggested that we talk about books with unusual structures. Michael and I both immediately thought of books that would fit.
Michael tells you about 253 by Geoff Ryman, which was
originally published online in 1998. Set on a London subway
train, the novel give you a peek into the thoughts of every
passenger on that particular train. Described as a hypertext novel,
it is one of those books where you can jump in anywhere and read
the pages in any order. Sadly, it appears that 253 may be out of
print in the United States, but you should be able to find it
online or at your favorite used bookstore. We found a few copies at
Powells.com and a
few copies at Amazon.com.
Ann talks about A Field Guide to the North American Family by Garth Risk Hallberg. This non-linear illustrated novella is structured like a field guide, with entries arranged alphabetically. By following the cross-references at the bottom of each entry, you begin to understand that this is the story of two families and the emotional pain that comes with being part of a family.
Two books we can't wait for you to read (15:20)
In Segment 3, Ann talks about Woodsburner by John Pipkin, a novel that starts with Henry David Thoreau setting a fire that consumes 300 acres in Concord, Massachusetts. Michael tells us about the nonfiction book Operation Mincemeat by Ben MacIntyre, about a little-known part of World War II where two British intelligence officers came up with a plan to subvert the Nazis.
Don't forget to vote in the poll that will determine which books
Michael and I will read this summer! Voting closes May 31st,
2010.
