View the recording of Ask5: Turning Pages into Careers: Exploring Opportunities in Publishing and Children’s Literature. This 1:1 career conversation exploring the dynamic world of publishing. Our guest, Jacob Sammon will share insights into career pathways, industry trends, and the skills needed to succeed in children’s literature publishing. We’ll discuss roles in editing, marketing, writing, and more, offering valuable advice for those looking to break into the field. Whether you’re an aspiring author, editor, or publishing professional, this conversation will provide inspiration and practical guidance. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to turn your passion for books into a rewarding career!
Bio: Jacob Sammon is a managing editor for Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group—it’s his Dream Job. But he didn’t start out thinking his path would lead him here. Originally, his passion and fondness for creative writing brought him to the University of Iowa, where he dreamed of making it as a full-time writer. During his studies, though, he unearthed much more about the book publishing industry and its opportunities. He allowed his dreams to shift slightly, deciding he could nurture his personal writing while working as a full-time book editor. So, he applied for and landed an editorial internship at Penguin Random House. He thought he would love it. Upon graduating from the University of Iowa, he decided to further explore the industry by enrolling in the Columbia Publishing Course in New York City—little fish, meet big pond. There, they told him that 90% of students come in saying that they will be editors, but by the end of the six-week intensive course, half of them change their minds. Jacob was resolute; he wouldn’t change his mind like all the others—after all, he’s already had an internship in editorial. Well. Along came a mentor in the administration side of the industry, someone who worked in a people-and-project manager capacity. And after everything he learned from this mentor, Jacob decided that working within managing editorial was his true Dream Job all along, it just took a few attempts at digging to uncover it. Now he has the best time working on children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to YA titles. And he still has plenty of time to work toward achieving that other little dream of being a professional writer one day.
