Tips for Getting into Publishing When You Don’t Have Much Money

So you want to work in book publishing, but you don’t have any connections/money/don’t live in London? You’re in the right place.

When I was starting off in the industry I didn’t have any connections, money, or anyone just to ask for advice, so that’s what I want to do for you. I left publishing in 2021 after 5 years that were brilliant, but hard too. I spent those initial few years in living situations that were often, looking back, very unsafe, and I want you to have an easier path than I did.

Here are some financial resources that will be life changing for aspiring/new publishing professionals who are trying to get their foot in the door * without * money from mum and dad. (Genuinely not throwing shade at anyone here, just trying to be honest and promote inclusivity and diversity in the industry).

The Book Trade Charity

Offering grants and affordable accommodation

This organisation is a charity dedicated to helping people who work in the publishing industry. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve received grants from them in the past when I was greatly in need. They’re very generous for those who need it, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Grants are available for a wide range of people and purposes, spanning from welfare grants, a Covid hardship fund, training grants, and financial support for interns and those starting out in the industry.

The Book Trade Charity also have their own accommodation in London, aptly named the Bookbinders Cottages, which are ideal for new starters in the industry. Honestly, if I were starting out now this is where I’d want to live.

If getting into publishing is something that’s going to be difficult, or impossible, for you financially then please do have a read of their website.

You don’t need to make yourself broke to find a job that you love.

The London hostels association

Offering cheap and safe accommodation

The London Hostels Association were set up by the government 80 years ago, and now have 14 sites spread across the city. If I were moving to London all over again, this is my second choice of a place to stay.

Now a charity run by a board of trustees, the LHA provide affordable accommodation to students, apprentices, interns and young professionals alike. The contracts are super flexible and come with bills included, plus their properties have CCTV and staff on-site 24/7. Their sites are all different, so do check them out if you’re looking for a place to live. And yes, you can have your own private room!

Head over to their website here.

The Spare Room Project

Offering free accommodation and run by publishing professionals

Set up by publishing professionals for those who aspire to join the industry, the Spare Room Project is supported by Penguin Random House. The project involves matching publishing interns and interviewees with professionals who have rooms to spare.

In today’s weird day and age, they also offer something called the Spare Zoom Project, which matches you with someone in the industry who can spare a 30 minute chat over Zoom. Anyone who is looking for a job in publishing or is early on in their career can apply.

Check out their website here.

University Employability service

Offering work experience grants

Here’s an option for those of you who are still students. Some universities provide grants to those who are undertaking work experience - enquire with your employment and careers advisers and see what they can do. I couldn’t believe it when I got a grant that covered nearly all of my train costs for commuting into London during a 2 week work experience placement!

The vegetarian Charity

Offering £500 grants to those under 26

This might seem like a bit of a wildcard, but I know from experience that there are loads of vegetarians and vegan in the publishing world.

The Vegetarian Charity are set up to offer assistance to young vegetarians and vegans in need, as long as they’re under the age of 26. They provide grants for a number of reasons, but particularly for those who are experiencing financial hardship.

For more information, check out their website here.

Please do send me a message if you have any other resources that I should add to this list, and share this post far and wide. Let’s make book publishing jobs as accessible as possible!

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