PUBLISHING AND WRITING

What can you do with an MA in Publishing & Writing?

With a master’s degree in Publishing & Writing, individuals can pursue a variety of career paths within the publishing industry and related fields. Graduates may work as editors, literary agents, or content developers for publishing houses, magazines, or online platforms. They can also explore content marketing, communications, or public relations roles, leveraging their writing and editing skills in diverse professional settings.

Tech Knowledge

Professionals with a master’s degree in publishing and writing benefit from a range of technological skills to navigate the industry’s evolving landscape. Although this is an extensive list, the specific technologies you need to know can depend on your chosen career path, but some common ones include:

  • Desktop Publishing Software: Proficiency in software such as Adobe InDesign for layout design and formatting, crucial for creating print and digital publications.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms like WordPress for efficiently managing and publishing content on websites.
  • Digital Publishing Tools: Understanding of tools and platforms for digital publishing, including e-book creation software and interactive content development tools.
  • Editing and Proofreading Software: Knowledge of editing tools such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid for efficient proofreading and editing processes.
  • SEO Basics: Understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles to optimize written content for online discoverability.
  • Data Analytics: Basic knowledge of analytics tools to track and analyze reader engagement, helping inform content strategy.
  • Social Media Management: Proficiency in social media platforms and management tools for effective promotion and distribution of published content.
  • Graphic Design Basics: Familiarity with basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) for creating visually appealing promotional materials and social media graphics.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competence in word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word) for document creation and collaboration.
  • Collaboration Tools: Knowledge of collaborative platforms such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams for effective team communication and project collaboration.
  • Digital Marketing: Understanding the fundamentals of digital marketing tools and strategies to promote and distribute published content.
  • E-book Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or other e-book distribution channels for independent publishing.
  • Copyright and Intellectual Property Awareness: Knowledge of digital rights management and copyright issues relevant to online publishing.
  • HTML/CSS Basics: Basic understanding of HTML and CSS for content formatting and customization in digital publishing environments.
  • Cybersecurity Awareness: Awareness of cybersecurity principles to protect digital assets and sensitive information.

Staying abreast of technological advancements and incorporating these tools into their skill set empowers professionals in publishing and writing to adapt to industry changes, enhance efficiency, and effectively engage with digital audiences.

Competencies + Other Skills

Professionals with a master’s degree in publishing and writing benefit greatly from several essential skills. Exceptional communication skills are crucial for effective collaboration with authors, team members, and stakeholders. Creativity is vital for generating innovative content and adapting to changing industry demands, while adaptability ensures resilience in navigating evolving trends and technologies. Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and relationship-building, contribute to successful negotiations and partnerships within the publishing community. Overall, combining these skills, a passion for storytelling and an acute attention to detail, fosters success in the dynamic and competitive field of publishing and writing. Key skills include:

  • Editorial Expertise: Strong editing, proofreading, and grammar skills to ensure high-quality written content.
  • Writing Proficiency: Exceptional writing skills across various genres and formats, demonstrating creativity and adaptability.
  • Project Management: Competence in managing multiple projects simultaneously, including scheduling, coordination, and meeting deadlines.
  • Publishing Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the publishing industry, including trends, market dynamics, and evolving technologies.
  • Market Research: Ability to conduct market research to identify audience preferences, market demands, and potential trends.
  • Content Strategy: Skill in developing and implementing effective content strategies to meet organizational goals and audience needs.
  • Digital Literacy: Familiarity with digital platforms, online publishing tools, and e-book formats to adapt to the digital publishing landscape.
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey ideas, collaborate with team members, and engage with stakeholders.
  • Networking: Ability to build and maintain professional relationships within the publishing industry, including authors, agents, and fellow professionals.
  • Intellectual Property Awareness: Knowledge of copyright laws and intellectual property issues relevant to the publishing industry.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changes in the industry, whether technological advancements or shifts in audience preferences.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Understanding of marketing principles to effectively promote and market published content.
  • Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including authors, designers, marketers, and distributors, to produce and promote content.
  • Data Analysis: Basic skills in data analysis to assess the performance of published content and inform future strategies.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of the publishing process, from content creation to proofreading and formatting.
  • Leadership: Leadership skills to guide editorial teams, manage projects, and make strategic decisions.
  • Ethical Considerations: A commitment to ethical practices, including fair treatment of authors, transparency, and integrity in all aspects of publishing.

By combining these competencies with a passion for storytelling, creativity, and a keen awareness of industry trends, professionals with a master’s degree in publishing and writing can position themselves for success in the dynamic and competitive publishing landscape.

Roles at Emerson Campus Orgs

  • Concrete Literary Magazine
  • The Emerson Review
  • Gauge Magazine
  • Stork Magazine
  • The Berkeley Beacon
  • Emertainment Monthly
  • em Magazine
  • Your Magazine
  • Five Cent Sound
  • Atlas Magazine

You can also consider other non-industry-oriented organizations and assist them with your areas of interest (example: having your scripts workshopped in SPEC or writing a newsletter for Women in Motion).

Industry Job Boards

Professional Associations and Conferences

  • Bookbuilders of Boston
  • Grub Street, Inc.
  • American Booksellers Association
  • American Copy Editors Society
  • American Institute of Graphic Arts
  • American Library Association
  • Association of American Publishers
  • Association of American University Presses
  • Society of American Business Editors and Writers, Inc.
  • Author’s Guild
  • International Digital Publishing Forum
  • International Publishers Association
  • The Association of Magazine Media
  • National Association of Science WritersNational Book Foundation
  • National Writers Union
  • Printing Industries of America
  • American Society of Magazine Editors
  • City and Regional Magazine Association
  • United States Copyright Office through the Library of Congress
  • Writers Guild of America – www.wga.org (West) & www.wgaeast.com (East)

Sample Job Titles Requiring a Masters Degree

Professionals with a master’s degree in publishing and writing can pursue a range of rewarding roles within the publishing industry and related fields. Sample job titles include:

  • Editor-in-Chief: Responsible for overseeing the editorial direction of a publication, managing the editorial team, and ensuring the overall quality of content.
  • Literary Agent: Represents authors, negotiates book deals, and provides guidance to writers on manuscript development and market trends.
  • Content Development Manager: Leads the planning and execution of content strategies, overseeing the creation of engaging and marketable written materials.
  • Acquisitions Editor: Identifies and acquires manuscripts for publication, collaborating with authors and ensuring the alignment of content with the publishing house’s goals.
  • Copywriting Manager: Manages a team of copywriters, overseeing the creation of promotional and marketing materials to enhance brand visibility and drive sales.
  • Digital Publishing Specialist: Focuses on the digital aspects of publishing, including e-books, online platforms, and multimedia content, ensuring a strong digital presence.
  • Publications Director: Leads the strategic planning and execution of publications, overseeing editorial teams, budgets, and overall publishing objectives.
  • Literary Magazine Editor: Manages the editorial process for literary magazines, curating and publishing short stories, poems, and essays.
  • Creative Writing Instructor/Professor: Teaches creative writing courses at the university level, guiding aspiring writers in developing their craft.
  • Content Marketing Manager: Develops and executes content marketing strategies, creating written content to promote products, services, or brands.
  • Communication and Publications Coordinator: Coordinates the production of various publications, including newsletters, brochures, and reports, for organizations or institutions.
  • Grant Writer: Crafts compelling grant proposals to secure funding for publishing projects, literary initiatives, or nonprofit organizations.
  • Freelance Writer/Author: Works independently to create content for various clients, publishers, or platforms, ranging from articles and blog posts to books.
  • Managing Editor: Oversees the day-to-day operations of an editorial department, managing workflows, schedules, and team collaboration.
  • Book Review Editor: Specializes in reviewing and critiquing books for publication, providing insights and recommendations to potential readers.

These job titles represent a diverse array of opportunities for professionals with a master’s degree in publishing and writing, allowing them to contribute to creating, promoting, and managing written content across various mediums and platforms.

Other Supporting Resources