Career in Publishing & Printing

Introduction: If you are a bookworm and always enjoyed reading books, then surely a career in publishing is most apt for you. Here you will not only enjoy reading a plethora of books but you will also get the chance to bring out books, the way you always thought them to be. Under this job profile; you will get a chance to make a book right from the inception of its contents to its final layout.

A publisher job is to choose and commission manuscripts besides preparing the manuscripts for printing, designing the final look of books, overseeing their printing, binding and finally marketing. The publishing process can be segregate into editorial, designing, production, advertising, publicity and marketing tasks.

Printing is both an art as well as a form of science. It is a tool to express creativity using technical skills. There are several categories of printing. The biggest category is about printing of newspapers and periodicals. Most of the professionals are hired in this sector. Unlike other categories of printing, here the emphasis is always on speed and accuracy. Nowadays most of the newspaper organizations have their own printing presses which involve professionals competent in printing technology. Moreover a book printer undertakes printing of high quality jobs, including the binding work. Other type of printing also includes reproducing artwork. Lastly, a third type of press is the private press or the job shop.

Eligibility: After clearing the plus two examination (or its equivalent), a person may begin as an apprentice. The only additional requirement for an apprentice is proficiency in English. They are generally hired directly by the presses. An apprentice is asked to sign a contract before beginning training and during the training, he is paid a stipend.

There are apprenticeship courses available in various government and commercial presses. The eligibility for the course is an eighth standard pass or the person should have completed fourteen years of age. The duration of the courses varies from two to three years.

A graduate degree in any discipline is usually the minimum requirement for entry into publishing houses. In addition good knowledge of English, besides editing skills is also a must .Moreover specialization in the respective subject /stream e.g. art, political science, mathematics, medical science etc

Career Prospects: Publishing professionals could find a job in many private publishing houses or in the publication department of organizations that undertake their own publishing requirements. Many central and state government agencies such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and of Education and Culture, also have their own publication divisions.

There are other government organizations involved in publishing educational and cultural publications - these include the Sahitya Academy, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Indian Council of Social Science Research. One could also work in publishing houses of organizations that are subsidized or run by public trust funds are the National Book Trust, NCERT and the Children's Book Trust. Some major universities have also set up publishing departments that bring out academic works as do private educational and charitable institutions, as well as cultural and religious trusts.

In the publication department of any organization that undertakes its own publishing, some central and state government agencies such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Ministry of Education and Culture, have their own publication divisions.

In case of printing, a professional, with the appropriate qualifications and training may find openings in a government press, commercial press, a newspaper office or a publishing house. One may also begin as a freelancer, but this calls for great deal of self-motivation and building of contacts, as freelancing generally begins at the co-ordination level. One may also open one´s own unit but one has to keep in mind the cost of investment.

Remuneration: Though, initially pay package in this field of work is not as lucrative as other professions, some with a natural talent and dedication for this profession can earn quite handsomely too. Usually, one can expect a starting salary somewhere around Rs 8,000-15,000 per month in this profession.

Institutes:

Institute of Printing Technology, Department of Technical Education
Shoranpur, Kerala

Govt. Institute of Printing Technology, Secunderabad
Contact information: Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Email: gipt052@ap.gov.in

College of Vocational Studies, University of Delhi
Contact information: Triveni (Sheikh Sarai), Phase- II,New Delhi-110017.
Phone: 29258544, 29258792
Fax: 29256117
E-mail:info@cvsdu.com
Website: www.cvsdu.com

Institute Of Book Publishing
Contact information: A-59, Okhla Industrial Area-II New Delhi-110020,
Phone: 91-11-26386165, 26387070, 26386209
Email: mail@ibpindia.org
Website: www.ibpindia.org

Shankar´s Academy of Art and Book Publishing
Contact information: 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar MargNew Delhi 110002
Phone: 91-11-23316970- 74
Fax: 91-11-23721090
E-mail: cbtnd@vsnl.com
Website: www.childrensbooktr ust.com

National Book Trust
Contact information: A-5, Green Park, New Delhi-110016
Phone: 91 11 26518607
Fax: 91 11 26851795
Email: nbtindia@ndb.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.nbtindia.org