Get Ahead: Networking & Career Development in Publishing
Welcome to part two of our January job refresh guide. If you've already worked through part one and updated your CV, LinkedIn profile, and application materials, you're well on your way to landing your next publishing role. Now it's time to focus on the strategies that will truly set you apart: networking effectively, understanding the market, and investing in your professional development.
Our team at Redwood Publishing Recruitment has seen countless publishing careers flourish when candidates take a proactive approach to these often-overlooked elements of job searching. Here's how to get ahead in 2026.
Network Strategically
Publishing thrives on relationships, and many of the best opportunities are filled through connections.
Attend industry events. The London Book Fair, BookMachine meetups, the Bookseller's events, and Publishers Association gatherings are excellent for meeting potential employers and staying current with industry trends. Many events now offer hybrid options, making them more accessible.
Join professional organisations. The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) isn't just for young professionals—it's excellent for networking at any level. For more senior roles, consider the Publishing Training Centre courses or specialist groups like the Independent Publishers Guild.
Reconnect with your network. January is a perfect time to send a brief, genuine message to former colleagues or contacts. Don't make it about asking for a job—focus on catching up and maintaining relationships.
Conduct informational interviews. If there's a publisher or imprint you're particularly interested in, reach out to someone there for an informal chat over coffee (virtual or in-person). Most publishing people are generous with their time and advice.
Research the Market
Understanding the publishing landscape helps you target your applications effectively and speak knowledgeably in interviews.
Follow publishing news. Read The Bookseller, Publishing Perspectives, and Publisher's Lunch regularly. Know which houses are expanding, which imprints are launching, and where redundancies or restructures are happening.
Understand different publishing sectors. Trade, academic, educational, and specialist publishing all have distinct rhythms and requirements. Make sure you're targeting the right sector for your skills and interests.
Research specific publishers. Before applying or interviewing, understand the publisher's list, their recent successes, their strategic direction, and their values. This knowledge is invaluable in applications and interviews.
Be realistic about salary expectations. Publishing isn't the highest-paying industry, and January job searches often reveal this reality. Research typical salaries for your level on sites like Glassdoor or speak to a recruiter about current market rates.
Consider Your Career Development
January is also an excellent time to think about professional development that will make you more employable.
Identify skill gaps. What's holding you back from your ideal role? Perhaps you need to strengthen your digital skills, learn about rights management, or gain experience with P&L responsibility. Once you've identified gaps, look for courses, mentoring, or project opportunities to address them.
Pursue relevant training. The Publishing Training Centre offers excellent courses across all publishing disciplines. Many are short and affordable. The SYP also runs regular training sessions. Some courses, like those in copyediting or proofreading, offer recognised qualifications that strengthen your CV.
Consider freelancing or volunteering. If you're between roles or looking to move into a new area of publishing, freelance projects or volunteering with organisations like CILIP or Speaking Volumes can build experience and expand your network.
Why Specialist Recruitment Matters
Throughout both parts of this guide, we've mentioned the value of working with specialist recruiters. Here's why it genuinely makes a difference in publishing:
Access to hidden opportunities. Many publishers approach us before advertising roles publicly. By registering with Redwood Publishing Recruitment, you gain early access to positions that might otherwise be filled before you even see them.
Industry expertise. Our team understands the nuances of different publishing roles and sectors. We can advise on realistic salary expectations, suggest roles you might not have considered, and help you position yourself effectively for opportunities that match your aspirations.
Honest feedback. We'll review your CV with a recruiter's eye and provide constructive feedback that helps you stand out. We know what publishers are looking for at every level, from editorial assistants to publishing directors.
Interview preparation. We prepare candidates thoroughly for interviews, sharing insights about the publisher, the team, and what they're really looking for in the role. This inside knowledge can be the difference between a good interview and a great one.
No cost to you. It's worth repeating: there's no fee for candidates. Publishers pay us when we successfully place someone, which means our success is directly tied to finding you the right role.
Your January Action Plan
You've now worked through both parts of our job refresh guide. Here's your consolidated action plan for the remainder of January:
Week 1-2:
Update your CV with quantified achievements
Optimise your LinkedIn profile and turn on "Open to Work"
Prepare your covering letter template and portfolio
Register with Redwood Publishing Recruitment
Week 3-4:
Set up job alerts on key sites
Reach out to 3-5 contacts in your network
Research target publishers and sectors
Book tickets for upcoming industry events
Identify one area for professional development
Ongoing:
Check job alerts daily
Engage with publishing content on LinkedIn
Read industry news regularly
Follow up on applications and network connections
Final Thoughts: Make It Happen
The publishing industry in January is buzzing with possibility. New budgets are approved, new strategies are launched, and new headcount is released. It's genuinely one of the best times to find your next opportunity.
But possibility requires action. You've invested time in reading this guide—now invest time in implementing it. Set aside a few focused hours each week to work through your action plan. The effort you put in now will pay dividends throughout the year.
At Redwood Publishing Recruitment, we're passionate about connecting talented publishing professionals with their perfect roles. Our team works across editorial, marketing, sales, rights, production, and operations at all levels, and we bring years of combined experience in the publishing sector. We're always keen to hear from people who love publishing as much as we do.
Register with us today, and let's make 2026 the year you find a role you genuinely love.
The publishing world is waiting. What are you waiting for?
Ready to refresh your publishing career? Get in touch with Redwood Publishing Recruitment today. Visit the vacancies page on our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to discover your next opportunity in publishing.