Availability of Publishing Major in Colleges

Y'all, I've got a bit of a niche interest here... publishing. Not writing, but the actual process of getting a book from a document to a hardcover on someone's shelf. I've looked at a few colleges, and I don't see a lot of them offering a dedicated publishing major. Is this common? Or should I look into English or Business instead?

It's great that you have such a specific interest! You're right that not many colleges offer undergraduate programs specifically in publishing. However, there are other pathways you can take to work in the publishing industry. Let's break it down.

The most common major for people who want to work in publishing is English or Comparative Literature. These programs generally offer courses in editing, genre studies, and literature, which are clearly applicable to work in publishing.

You could also consider a major in Communication or Journalism, especially if you're interested in working in magazine publishing. These programs typically focus more on mass media, digital media, and journalistic writing, and can offer a broad understanding of the publishing process in the context of the media industry.

A business major could also be an interesting route, particularly if you're interested in the business side of publishing. Courses in marketing, finance, or management could give you a broader understanding of the publishing industry from a business perspective.

Furthermore, many colleges offer minors or concentrations that could be relevant to your interests, like writing, editing, or digital media.

An additional option could be to explore schools that offer specialized programs, such as the M.S. in Publishing at Pace University, which could be a potential option for graduate studies. Several universities also offer summer publishing institutes.

A key aspect will be internships and work experiences. Practical experience in the field is invaluable, and internships in publishing houses or literary agencies will give you insights into the industry.

In conclusion, while a dedicated publishing undergraduate major might not be widely available, there are other majors that can prepare you for a career in publishing. Don't forget to make the most of the other resources a university offers, like career services, work-study programs, networking events, and internships, to gain practical experience and make connections in the publishing industry.