If you've known me long enough, you'll know that in the spring of 2008 my life plan blew up in my face.
I had the man of my dreams, had just nabbed my first "real" job after undergrad, and was headed towards the life I envisioned for myself. Then the dream man decided to become a Capuchin friar, and the whole dream package just imploded on me.
So I ran away. Literally. On a whim I applied to a couple of graduate schools. Then I moved to Kansas to go to K-State about 8 months after I'd even first had an inkling that I wanted to go to graduate school. I was sure that there, like in all other places, I would be as shy and isolated as ever, but I wasn't.
My fellow graduate students at K-State were the most friendly and amazing people I've ever known in my life. I love them all. Special acknowledgement to Christy for all her efforts in creating our graduate school community that brought shy nerds like me comfortably into the same group as crazies like Nic. Then, of course, my friendship with Nic helped to develop my friendship with Mariya, who is quite honestly my movie and TV soulmate. I also have a unique bond with her wife Lacey who is one of the few people that I can have comfortably in my bubble. Having Lacey around was like having one of my sisters close.
I had Lindsey who is incredibly unlike me in personality, but who likes similar books and movies. She's the best roommate I've ever had, mostly because she's the only roommate I ever had that successfully captured all the best elements of living with my sister Molly without the sisterly fights. Lindsey was great for a bad night that needed to be spent watching cheesy movies, or a trip to find chicken fingers and fries (my favorite comfort food). She's also the only non-sister roommate to cook and eat with me regularly. I really loved having a roommate to be like family and share mealtimes with. She's my soul-sister for sure. We also share a mutual love and mother-ship of my cat.
I want to move back to KS to be close to the few friends who remain, but I'm beginning to worry that I shouldn't. What if I don't make new friends wherever I get a job? Most of the KS remnants only have short-term plans for KS. As these people move on to bigger and better things, am I going to end up isolated and miserable?
I'll be honest and mention that I had a lot wrapped up in moving a couple of hours away from Chris, hoping that maybe we could work things out. Nightly online Scrabble with Chris has been a major redeeming factor of my time living in my current city, which I hate. I never wanted to move to the same city as Chris because if things didn't work, I didn't want to regret my location. Chris, though, is now dating someone else.
Needless to say, as soon as I found out about Chris's new lady friend, I quit the Chris thing cold turkey. For me, I'll never kick the habit as long as we're friends. I'll keeping hoping, and that's just not okay. It's going to be rough for a while adjusting to not playing Scrabble during my evenings. Who will I talk to while watching Star Trek and crocheting? There are few friends you can bother quite that much.
Blergh. As if my impending joblessness weren't stresseful enough.
Regardless, at this point I still have the largest concentration of friends in KS, so I'll keep applying for jobs there, but I'm going to apply for some close to Christy and Ryane out east, and I'll apply for some close to home too. I've enjoyed being far from my family, but I do know that my mom and my sisters are some of the most reliable friends that I have.
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Productivity--Always Difficult to Define
So I've been pretty productive.
I haven't, however, applied for any jobs this week. I need to. Saturday, I better behave myself and commit to the time consuming process.
I will need to tailor my resume to each job. Research each company and write cover letters. Send it all off. I will probably be forced to fill out some of those tedious and redudant online applications, which are so hard to do well. I really do prefer a quality cover letter and a resume to those online systems. They strip away ones humanity, and really, it's a particular manifestation of humanity that makes a good documentation specialist.
I mean, to write something that communicates important information, you have to be able to get into the shoes of other people. Not everyone is good at that. Documentation specialists need to be attuned to the needs of others to increase communication. I'm not talking empathy here; I'm talking awareness, even logic. A strong sense of the social interworkings that make communication work is necessary.
I guess these systems could work if you're looking at experience, if you're relying on the resume to do all the work. I'm applying for entry-level jobs, the resume can't do all the work. The cover letter has to make the impression, and it's almost impossible to do so in those online structures--at least most that I've seen.
So please, cross your fingers that I don't have to fill out those things. They are not my forte.
- I cranked out a miniature crochet object that will remain mysteriously non-descript for now.
- I have finished the basic form of the bluebird hat for my mom, complete with wing-shaped flaps. I also completed the white portion of one eye.
I haven't, however, applied for any jobs this week. I need to. Saturday, I better behave myself and commit to the time consuming process.
I will need to tailor my resume to each job. Research each company and write cover letters. Send it all off. I will probably be forced to fill out some of those tedious and redudant online applications, which are so hard to do well. I really do prefer a quality cover letter and a resume to those online systems. They strip away ones humanity, and really, it's a particular manifestation of humanity that makes a good documentation specialist.
I mean, to write something that communicates important information, you have to be able to get into the shoes of other people. Not everyone is good at that. Documentation specialists need to be attuned to the needs of others to increase communication. I'm not talking empathy here; I'm talking awareness, even logic. A strong sense of the social interworkings that make communication work is necessary.
I guess these systems could work if you're looking at experience, if you're relying on the resume to do all the work. I'm applying for entry-level jobs, the resume can't do all the work. The cover letter has to make the impression, and it's almost impossible to do so in those online structures--at least most that I've seen.
So please, cross your fingers that I don't have to fill out those things. They are not my forte.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Looking for Jobs
I'm not nervous. I mean, I certainly come across a lot of things I am not qualified for, but I come across a lot that I am qualified for. The prospects look promising.
KC is a great city to want to be in if you're looking for a job as a Technical Writer/Documentation Specialist, too. A lot of other cities don't have half as many options. I'm even seeing some positions seeking people with English degrees. Woohoo!
So far, a lot of the jobs are temporary and contract. That's one of the downfalls of looking in the tech writing field. However, I am a smart, efficient, detail-oriented professional. I know from past experience that people will be impressed with my work ethic and quality of work, so even if I move 13 hours away for a contract job, I may end up with a permanent job by the end or at least some productive experience to add to my resume.
It will probably be very competative, but the job I'm the most excited about is with H&R Block. They need someone to produce training documentation and to run trainings. That is my favorite part of my current job, and I think it's something that could be a lot of fun. Being in training is like being central to making an organization a well-oiled machine, and I think proper training and support materials can make a big difference in helping other employees to be happy with what they're doing. Frustration can ruin a workplace, and as a training documenter-editor-provider, I could really help alleviate some workplace frustration.
I dunno--we'll see if I actually have a job in a month-and-a-half when I'm done here, but I really do have a positive outlook. Any other outlook is a waste of time. If anything, seeing Big Cartel hire someone else when I really wanted that job was sad, but when I looked at the website of the person they did hire, I knew why. Her talent was immediately apparent in the web presence she had, and while I know I could have done a very good job, she was clearly going to be absolutely amazing.
If I don't get a job, it's because someone of oustanding caliber did. The only way to respond to that kind of rejection is to seek to be more awesome. Every time I am rejected, I will not whine about the system. Instead, I will review what I have and improve. Then I will try again.
Time to go to work. This evening, the application process begins.
KC is a great city to want to be in if you're looking for a job as a Technical Writer/Documentation Specialist, too. A lot of other cities don't have half as many options. I'm even seeing some positions seeking people with English degrees. Woohoo!
So far, a lot of the jobs are temporary and contract. That's one of the downfalls of looking in the tech writing field. However, I am a smart, efficient, detail-oriented professional. I know from past experience that people will be impressed with my work ethic and quality of work, so even if I move 13 hours away for a contract job, I may end up with a permanent job by the end or at least some productive experience to add to my resume.
It will probably be very competative, but the job I'm the most excited about is with H&R Block. They need someone to produce training documentation and to run trainings. That is my favorite part of my current job, and I think it's something that could be a lot of fun. Being in training is like being central to making an organization a well-oiled machine, and I think proper training and support materials can make a big difference in helping other employees to be happy with what they're doing. Frustration can ruin a workplace, and as a training documenter-editor-provider, I could really help alleviate some workplace frustration.
I dunno--we'll see if I actually have a job in a month-and-a-half when I'm done here, but I really do have a positive outlook. Any other outlook is a waste of time. If anything, seeing Big Cartel hire someone else when I really wanted that job was sad, but when I looked at the website of the person they did hire, I knew why. Her talent was immediately apparent in the web presence she had, and while I know I could have done a very good job, she was clearly going to be absolutely amazing.
If I don't get a job, it's because someone of oustanding caliber did. The only way to respond to that kind of rejection is to seek to be more awesome. Every time I am rejected, I will not whine about the system. Instead, I will review what I have and improve. Then I will try again.
Time to go to work. This evening, the application process begins.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Good Day, Yesterday? Yes, I Think So
So what if I didn't get a full draft of my tech comm proposal put together or actually do the reading for tech comm?
I did have a good class with my students in which one of my most hostile-seeming students said after class that it was a good and productive class. Woohoo! Yay for productive teaching.
I also was called about a tech writing job, but of course, when she asked if I was still interested, I told her I had already accepted another position. The tech writing job would have paid a lot better, and I could have at least taken an interview, but I don't have the money to be flying out to interview for jobs I don't plan to take. I don't want to ruin my relationship with CDOW, so I will work this job because I said I would.
I also discovered how AMAZING twitter is for job searching. It's not really great for all fields, but tech writing has gotten on the twitter-job-posting bandwagon, and it makes the job search amazingly easy. A lot of what is available seems to be in VA. I have family in VA. That could work.
I beat my anonymous IGoogle opponent at Scrabble. She is really good. I can't wait until that game goes into the stats. So proud.
...now if I can just beat Chris.
I also got Cheryl Klein's book Second Sight in the mail. I think it will be good for me as a maybe-future-copy-editor and also as a writer.
Things are good. Today's goal? Put everything on hold and finally finish my writing project. I am soooooooo close, and Naomi said to me on Monday, "Just get the ****ing thing done."
I did have a good class with my students in which one of my most hostile-seeming students said after class that it was a good and productive class. Woohoo! Yay for productive teaching.
I also was called about a tech writing job, but of course, when she asked if I was still interested, I told her I had already accepted another position. The tech writing job would have paid a lot better, and I could have at least taken an interview, but I don't have the money to be flying out to interview for jobs I don't plan to take. I don't want to ruin my relationship with CDOW, so I will work this job because I said I would.
I also discovered how AMAZING twitter is for job searching. It's not really great for all fields, but tech writing has gotten on the twitter-job-posting bandwagon, and it makes the job search amazingly easy. A lot of what is available seems to be in VA. I have family in VA. That could work.
I beat my anonymous IGoogle opponent at Scrabble. She is really good. I can't wait until that game goes into the stats. So proud.
...now if I can just beat Chris.
I also got Cheryl Klein's book Second Sight in the mail. I think it will be good for me as a maybe-future-copy-editor and also as a writer.
Things are good. Today's goal? Put everything on hold and finally finish my writing project. I am soooooooo close, and Naomi said to me on Monday, "Just get the ****ing thing done."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
So What Do I Do When I'm Done in GJ?
Lately, I've been thinking that finding a real job after GJ, just to leave it after 6 months to go to a publishing institute will be a big hassle. It will probably mean moving again and having to pay rent while I'm at the institute.
Then again, with the job I'll be taking, I won't be able to pay off as much of my student loans as I would have liked, so maybe a publishing institute in a year will be an unreasonable expectation without a real job.
I was just kind of thinking I could get a temporary job as an administrative assistant or shelving books in a library or something. I could live with my parents, pay them minimal rent (which seems lame); I think Mom would appreciate the company. It will be tough, but then I could save up more and pay off more--maybe.
No, wait. I did the math. If I make minimum wage; pay my parents $200/month in rent; and just make the basic payments on my car, loans, car insurance, and Netflix (don't judge); I will have about $164/month leftover to save up for a publishing institute. That sucks. Take off the $30/month I spend on my cat, plus occassionally eating out, having coffee, and getting books, I will just scrape by and not save a penny, living with my parents.
Okay, real job it is. Also, minimum wage is not reasonable for anyone but a high schooler.
It's really too bad that universities don't charge based upon the money making potential of a degree. I paid just as much for my degree as an engineer, but they'll be able to pay off their loans. In essence, I also help pay for that engineer's degree. He/she pays the same for tuition, but engineering professors make more. That means that what I pay is probably helping to balance out and alleviate his education expenses. Not fair. Oh well. I guess I will hope that many of the engineers going into the field are low-income first generation college students, so that I can feel better about my tuition contribution.
I'm rambling. Time to annotate.
Then again, with the job I'll be taking, I won't be able to pay off as much of my student loans as I would have liked, so maybe a publishing institute in a year will be an unreasonable expectation without a real job.
I was just kind of thinking I could get a temporary job as an administrative assistant or shelving books in a library or something. I could live with my parents, pay them minimal rent (which seems lame); I think Mom would appreciate the company. It will be tough, but then I could save up more and pay off more--maybe.
No, wait. I did the math. If I make minimum wage; pay my parents $200/month in rent; and just make the basic payments on my car, loans, car insurance, and Netflix (don't judge); I will have about $164/month leftover to save up for a publishing institute. That sucks. Take off the $30/month I spend on my cat, plus occassionally eating out, having coffee, and getting books, I will just scrape by and not save a penny, living with my parents.
Okay, real job it is. Also, minimum wage is not reasonable for anyone but a high schooler.
It's really too bad that universities don't charge based upon the money making potential of a degree. I paid just as much for my degree as an engineer, but they'll be able to pay off their loans. In essence, I also help pay for that engineer's degree. He/she pays the same for tuition, but engineering professors make more. That means that what I pay is probably helping to balance out and alleviate his education expenses. Not fair. Oh well. I guess I will hope that many of the engineers going into the field are low-income first generation college students, so that I can feel better about my tuition contribution.
I'm rambling. Time to annotate.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Also...Update about Progress on Life
I applied for two jobs yesterday. I didn't like them as much as the one I applied for a week ago, but I think I did much better with the standard application process. I didn't second guess myself so much--I know what to do with a cover letter and a resume. So I applied for a position as a technical writer and another for web hosting customer support. *Fingers crossed*
My project is so close to done, but I am still just not getting it done. I think I am really beginning to scare Naomi. I'm certainly scaring myself. I'm running on the potentially not graduating edge I think. People have been more behind before, but those people's major professors weren't quite so busy. I have to give Naomi adequate time to get me feedback, and I'm putting her up against a wall--not fair. Hopefully my first draft rocks, and we can move quickly after that point.
Gaelic Storm tonight!!! It's gonna be fun, though I really don't have time. I'm also a little bummed that we're going for Chinese food beforehand instead of something more appropriatedly themed. We should be going to The Pub or something. Oh well. I've planned an Irish themed dinner potluck for Thursday. I did really want sweet potato fries from The Pub though. Sad. The Chinese food in Manhattan, KS leaves something to be desired.
Today's song of the day: The Cave by Mumford & Sons. I've been in a Mumford & Sons mood lately.
My project is so close to done, but I am still just not getting it done. I think I am really beginning to scare Naomi. I'm certainly scaring myself. I'm running on the potentially not graduating edge I think. People have been more behind before, but those people's major professors weren't quite so busy. I have to give Naomi adequate time to get me feedback, and I'm putting her up against a wall--not fair. Hopefully my first draft rocks, and we can move quickly after that point.
Gaelic Storm tonight!!! It's gonna be fun, though I really don't have time. I'm also a little bummed that we're going for Chinese food beforehand instead of something more appropriatedly themed. We should be going to The Pub or something. Oh well. I've planned an Irish themed dinner potluck for Thursday. I did really want sweet potato fries from The Pub though. Sad. The Chinese food in Manhattan, KS leaves something to be desired.
Today's song of the day: The Cave by Mumford & Sons. I've been in a Mumford & Sons mood lately.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Confession of an Aimless Wanderer
I'm 25, and I still have no idea what I want to do or to be. Let's track my goals and how long they lasted.
Tech Writer -- February 2011 to present
Copy Editor -- November 2010 thru February 2011
PhD in Narratology or Sci-fi / Fantasy--August 2009 thru November 2010
No Idea -- December 2008 thru August 2009
Database Developer -- July 2008 thru December 2008
Novelist -- First few months after finishing undergrad
Copy Editor -- Last year of undergrad
Middle School English Teacher -- Almost the full first 3 years of undergrad
No Idea -- Junior into senior year, while trying to decide where to apply for college
Medical Examiner (autopsies) -- Sophomore into Junior year (high school)
Surgeon -- Freshman into Sophomore year (high school)
Novelist -- 7th Grade
Chef -- 8th Grade
Marine Biologist -- 5th & 6th Grades
No Idea -- I'm sure as a small person I probably thought I'd be a ballerina or a vet the most often.
The career plans that recur often and fill the gaps between "big scheme" aspirations are probably chef, novelist, and copy editor, so maybe I should focus my energy there. Except I don't want the lifestyle of a chef, and I don't want the pressure to write of a novelist. I guess I'll look back into copy editing.
I need a goal right now. I need something to drive me, but I don't have anything. I have zero motivation right now. Being an adult doesn't suit me...not that I can be a child again. That won't work. I need to find something that I can be passionate about that will pay the bills. My passions do not pay the bills, but I just can't focus or stay with something reasonable.
I also need to indulge my passion for biology. Damn you chemistry for steering me away from biology!
Tech Writer -- February 2011 to present
Copy Editor -- November 2010 thru February 2011
PhD in Narratology or Sci-fi / Fantasy--August 2009 thru November 2010
No Idea -- December 2008 thru August 2009
Database Developer -- July 2008 thru December 2008
Novelist -- First few months after finishing undergrad
Copy Editor -- Last year of undergrad
Middle School English Teacher -- Almost the full first 3 years of undergrad
No Idea -- Junior into senior year, while trying to decide where to apply for college
Medical Examiner (autopsies) -- Sophomore into Junior year (high school)
Surgeon -- Freshman into Sophomore year (high school)
Novelist -- 7th Grade
Chef -- 8th Grade
Marine Biologist -- 5th & 6th Grades
No Idea -- I'm sure as a small person I probably thought I'd be a ballerina or a vet the most often.
The career plans that recur often and fill the gaps between "big scheme" aspirations are probably chef, novelist, and copy editor, so maybe I should focus my energy there. Except I don't want the lifestyle of a chef, and I don't want the pressure to write of a novelist. I guess I'll look back into copy editing.
I need a goal right now. I need something to drive me, but I don't have anything. I have zero motivation right now. Being an adult doesn't suit me...not that I can be a child again. That won't work. I need to find something that I can be passionate about that will pay the bills. My passions do not pay the bills, but I just can't focus or stay with something reasonable.
I also need to indulge my passion for biology. Damn you chemistry for steering me away from biology!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Playing it Upbeat
My last post displays a certain degree of whininess, so let's throw that out the window, and reflect on what's been accomplished.
1. I found a line of research inquiry for Indian Children's Literature that is not only resulting in a source list, but I'm excited about my paper. What poor English graduate student wouldn't love to be perusing articles on ecology and paleogeography, escaping the world of literary criticism? Well most, but I'm excited because I tend to be more sciencey than a lot of my peers. Last spring I looked at linguistic research, last semester I worked with articles from sociology, this time I get to talk about the environment. Win, win, win.
2. My major professor cornered me in the copy room to ask about my project (which I have been working on). While I am embarrassed that she needed to do so, it's the scary motivation I needed. Today is officially project day. She will have a draft tomorrow. I like having a motivating deadline. This was a great kick in the rear.
3. I organized all my teaching materials and class materials the other day and am operating at full efficiency.
4. The first major assignment for technical communications is done.
5. I am a third of the way through my book review book, and the book review isn't due for weeks. Take that usual habits of procrastination. Take note, while I am kicking my own procrastination in the rear right now, I still produce very good work at the last minute. This is more a question of sanity and flexibility.
6. My sister called to share with me a posting she thought "sounded like me." Boy was she right. It's the job of my dreams--tech writing nerdism at its best, and the company has totally charmed me with the About section on their website. I'm preparing materials to submit.
7. My other sister emailed me a post this morning that is also quite good. It's not as perfect, but I think it sounds like fun too. Her miraculous find post-undergrad is what got me my first real job where I had no connection to the company. I have awesome siblings.
Well, I would love to keep chatting, but I've been wordy enough. Also, I'm supposed to follow Chris to a mechanic so that he can drop off his car for some brake work. He'll be here in 35 minutes, and I haven't showered. Never fear, if I can get home and prep for our anniversary dinner in 10 minutes. This is cake.
1. I found a line of research inquiry for Indian Children's Literature that is not only resulting in a source list, but I'm excited about my paper. What poor English graduate student wouldn't love to be perusing articles on ecology and paleogeography, escaping the world of literary criticism? Well most, but I'm excited because I tend to be more sciencey than a lot of my peers. Last spring I looked at linguistic research, last semester I worked with articles from sociology, this time I get to talk about the environment. Win, win, win.
2. My major professor cornered me in the copy room to ask about my project (which I have been working on). While I am embarrassed that she needed to do so, it's the scary motivation I needed. Today is officially project day. She will have a draft tomorrow. I like having a motivating deadline. This was a great kick in the rear.
3. I organized all my teaching materials and class materials the other day and am operating at full efficiency.
4. The first major assignment for technical communications is done.
5. I am a third of the way through my book review book, and the book review isn't due for weeks. Take that usual habits of procrastination. Take note, while I am kicking my own procrastination in the rear right now, I still produce very good work at the last minute. This is more a question of sanity and flexibility.
6. My sister called to share with me a posting she thought "sounded like me." Boy was she right. It's the job of my dreams--tech writing nerdism at its best, and the company has totally charmed me with the About section on their website. I'm preparing materials to submit.
7. My other sister emailed me a post this morning that is also quite good. It's not as perfect, but I think it sounds like fun too. Her miraculous find post-undergrad is what got me my first real job where I had no connection to the company. I have awesome siblings.
Well, I would love to keep chatting, but I've been wordy enough. Also, I'm supposed to follow Chris to a mechanic so that he can drop off his car for some brake work. He'll be here in 35 minutes, and I haven't showered. Never fear, if I can get home and prep for our anniversary dinner in 10 minutes. This is cake.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
So You Want to Be an Editor? (Maybe)
I always knew it would be hard. When I looked into it during my undergraduate career, I was sure there was no way I could get in. All the internships seemed to require previous internships, and some of them were just not affordable. I wasn't sure publishing institutes worked. Everywhere I looked everyone said being overeducated was a hindrance to getting in, so I didn't go to a publishing institute. Big mistake--though I'm still not sure I want to go into publishing, so a potential big mistake. We'll see. Anywho...
When I met Cheryl Klein this past November, she finally gave me all the information I had wanted:
Step 1. Develop an internet presence. Blog, tweet, comment on other blogs, comment on publishers' web sites. Learning this while in grad school is bad timing. I don't have time for all of this right now, but I'm gonna try. Once this semester starts, I'm committing myself to one blog a week. I'll probably talk about cooking almost as much as I talk about books.
Step 2. Read, read, read. Read the books you like, read reviews, read publisher's weekly. I already read nearly non-stop, and it's often not the stuff I'd be interested in editing. I'm in grad school. There are requirements, but I'll make it work. I'd heard some of this before, but Cheryl made the process seem so much less random, and much more productive.
Step 3. Learn the ropes. If you're still an undergrad, try to get an internship. A lot of large publishing companies offer unpaid internships, which can be invaluable, but you often need to receive college credit to qualify. If you're not an undergrad, take some courses in publishing. Cheryl Klein recommended the summer publishing institutes at Columbia and the University of Denver. I had looked at DU before, but I'm looking again with the assurance that it is worth it, but I'd really like to get a little closer to the action and go to Columbia.
Step 4. Get connected. Attending a publishing institute is a good way to network, but if it doesn't pan out, get a job in NYC doing whatever so that you can do informational interviews. Cheryl suggested that a lot of people do informational interviews to leave an impression with hiring editors, to gain knowledge about publishers, and to get their resumes put on file.
This is the general plan that Cheryl gave out (with some edits by me), so this is my plan (if I decide I don't like tech writing, but I might love tech writing). It's weird writing this blog to no one, but I'm gonna do it, and perhaps it will stop being to no one. My roommate and I are going to split a subscription to publisher's weekly. I've started reading Cheryl Klein's blog, and I'm hoping to expand my awareness of editors' blogs over time. Does Harriet McDougal keep one?
When I met Cheryl Klein this past November, she finally gave me all the information I had wanted:
Step 1. Develop an internet presence. Blog, tweet, comment on other blogs, comment on publishers' web sites. Learning this while in grad school is bad timing. I don't have time for all of this right now, but I'm gonna try. Once this semester starts, I'm committing myself to one blog a week. I'll probably talk about cooking almost as much as I talk about books.
Step 2. Read, read, read. Read the books you like, read reviews, read publisher's weekly. I already read nearly non-stop, and it's often not the stuff I'd be interested in editing. I'm in grad school. There are requirements, but I'll make it work. I'd heard some of this before, but Cheryl made the process seem so much less random, and much more productive.
Step 3. Learn the ropes. If you're still an undergrad, try to get an internship. A lot of large publishing companies offer unpaid internships, which can be invaluable, but you often need to receive college credit to qualify. If you're not an undergrad, take some courses in publishing. Cheryl Klein recommended the summer publishing institutes at Columbia and the University of Denver. I had looked at DU before, but I'm looking again with the assurance that it is worth it, but I'd really like to get a little closer to the action and go to Columbia.
Step 4. Get connected. Attending a publishing institute is a good way to network, but if it doesn't pan out, get a job in NYC doing whatever so that you can do informational interviews. Cheryl suggested that a lot of people do informational interviews to leave an impression with hiring editors, to gain knowledge about publishers, and to get their resumes put on file.
This is the general plan that Cheryl gave out (with some edits by me), so this is my plan (if I decide I don't like tech writing, but I might love tech writing). It's weird writing this blog to no one, but I'm gonna do it, and perhaps it will stop being to no one. My roommate and I are going to split a subscription to publisher's weekly. I've started reading Cheryl Klein's blog, and I'm hoping to expand my awareness of editors' blogs over time. Does Harriet McDougal keep one?
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