When devices like the Kindle and iPad were created, many started saying the publishing industry would die as more people would choose to read their books digitally. They believed publishing only meant printing physical copies of the books and selling them in stores. But the art of publishing is much more than that and it is not dying.

There are those who are passionate about books, magazines, encyclopedias, and any forms of reading, and also find themselves loving the publishing world. They care about the process that goes on behind the pages. How did this piece of writing come to be? Who worked on it? What was the thought process? How was it created? It is those who ask themselves these questions that end up pursuing a career in publishing. And if you are one of those, getting your MA in Publishing can be the perfect choice!

What does an MA in Publishing Mean?

Before deciding to enroll in a Master’s program, students research to find out what exactly they will be studying. If you take a look at different publishing programs, you will realize by the end you will have gained in-depth knowledge about the publishing industry, made connections, and developed your skills in editorial work, marketing and promotion, and production. One of their main goals is also to help every student improve their writing and research skills and ability to think creatively.

These kinds of programs help you achieve four extremely important goals when it comes to becoming a publishing professional:

• Develop editorial, marketing, and design skills for print/digital mediums.
• Understand and implement publishing principles and policies.
• Research, analyze, and respond to current trends in the industry.
• Learn and apply communication methods relevant to the industry.

What Kind of Jobs can you get with an MA in Publishing?

When choosing to follow a career path, many students worry about the kind of jobs they will be able to find after graduation. They want to be able to follow their passions down a road that will lead to a steady income and a proficient career. Even though a lot of people consider the publishing industry a dead one, there are plenty of career options for graduates.

These are a few of the paths you can follow, according to The George Washington University:

• Trade Publishing: National Geographic, The Atlantic, Penguin Random House, Melville House Books.
• Associations & Societies: American Geophysical Union, American Chemical Society, American Council on Education, American Psychological Association, ASCD, AAAS.
• Government and NGOs: Economic Research Service, Library of Congress, Federal Reserve Board, U.S. Department of State, World Bank.
• Research Institutions: Brookings Institution, Gartner, General Dynamics Information Technology, Cato Institute, Booz Allen Hamilton.
• Scholarly Publishers: Cornell University Press, Elsevier, Sage Publications, CQ Press.

Depending on the kind of work you want to do, your passions, and your goals, there are plenty of opportunities for you to become a successful publisher.

Go After What you Want

When it comes to following your career path, no one else can tell you what to do. You are the one who knows exactly what you want to do and what will make you happy. Publishing can lead to amazing opportunities and to a very successful career. As we all know, most individuals believe this is an art that is dying, but they are wrong. There is still so much work to do! There are several areas, industries, and companies that need publishers, their knowledge, and the work they do. If it is something you really want and you are really passionate about, you will always find a way to make it work. You will end up on your feet as long as you follow your heart and do what makes you happy.