Academic publishing hires for editorial judgement and industry knowledge, and entry usually comes through an assistant or intern role. Learn how the sector works - peer review, open access, the main publishers - and build proof of editorial skill. It is a smaller and more specialised world than trade publishing, so targeted applications work far better than volume.

The other route is growing: England recorded 308,770 apprenticeship starts between August 2025 and April 2026, up 8.7% year on year. — DfE, Apprenticeships, 2025/26

Academic publishing stands as a pivotal element in the realms of research and academia, offering a vital platform for scholars to share their insights and engage in the broader scholarly conversation. For those holding an English degree and aspiring to enter this vibrant and ever-evolving industry, this guide provides practical tips to help you embark on a successful career in academic publishing.

What Is Academic Publishing?

How do you gain industry knowledge?

To thrive in the field of academic publishing, acquiring a deep understanding of the industry is crucial. Here are some ways to immerse yourself in this sector:

- Attend industry events Attend industry events such as conferences and workshops to network and learn from established professionals.

- Read industry publications Read industry publications to keep abreast of new developments and innovative practices.

- Connect with professionals Connect with professionals in the field to gain insights and advice on navigating the publishing landscape.

How do you build essential skills?

Developing a set of core skills is essential for success in academic publishing. Focus on the following areas:

- Writing Skills: Enhance your ability to produce well-researched and articulate content. This includes:

- Researching thoroughly

- Analyzing data effectively

- Adapting writing styles for various audiences and formats

- Editing Skills: Strong editing capabilities are crucial, encompassing:

- Proofreading for grammatical accuracy

- Copyediting to ensure clarity and flow

- Substantive editing to refine and structure content comprehensively

How do you stay current with trends?

The landscape of academic publishing is continually changing. To keep pace, you should:

- Understand open access publishing Understand open access publishing which is transforming how research is accessed.

- Leverage digital publishing tools Leverage digital publishing tools to enhance the dissemination of scholarly work.

- Utilize social media Utilize social media to promote and share academic content effectively.

What should you do next?

Embarking on a career in academic publishing with an English degree is not only feasible but can also be highly rewarding. By gaining industry knowledge, building essential writing and editing skills, familiarizing yourself with necessary software, gaining practical experience, and staying updated with industry trends, you position yourself as a competent professional ready to contribute significantly to academic discourse. Dive into the world of academic publishing and make your mark in the academic community. Good luck!

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about your own pay?

Pay, entry routes and how much demand there is for a role vary by employer and by region, and they change from year to year. Nothing here is a forecast of what you personally will earn or be offered. The current official position for any UK role is on the National Careers Service.

The route that is not a degree, defined by the people who run it:

“Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.” — gov.uk, Become an apprentice

Where can you check this at source?

Pay, entry routes and day-to-day duties for any UK role change over time, and the official profiles are the version to trust: