Types of Textbook Publisher Jobs

There are different types of book publishing companies that specialize in particular types of books and journals.  Textbook publishing falls into the academic and educational publisher’s network.  As a textbook publisher employee, you will help produce educational titles for institutions, libraries, and more. 

Publishing Company Departments

Like any other company, publishing companies have different departments working within the business structure.  For instance, administrative, finance, and human resources are departments specializing in running the office side of the company.  While the departments work together to publish textbooks, each department has its own set of responsibilities.  The people hired in different departments have varying levels and degrees necessary to perform their specific function.

Editing, Publishing, and Legal

Legal contracts, copyrights and permissions, and editorial departments are responsible for content release.  The publisher’s office is generally the highest-level department in the company.  Publishers oversee the whole cycle of book production, and make executive decisions.  An editor gains an entry-level job as an assistant editor responsible for preparing submissions to send to the publishers department.  Personnel in legal offices work closely with editors to maintain relationships with authors and agents.  Editors work closely with production, technology, and the art and design departments. 

Technology

Textbook publishers keep up with technological advancements by producing materials in several formats.  Information technologists play a crucial role to set-up and run applications and databases of information.  Internet developers work closely with editors to produce applications that come with many textbooks.  Developers produce DVD-ROM discs, Internet study applications, and websites that provide supplementary learning aids for use in conjunction with the textbook.