For too long, the publishing industry has relied on a touch of ‘mystique.’ We celebrate the lone author and the ‘lightning bolt’ moment of inspiration. While these stories are romantic, they often obscure the reality of how books are actually brought into the world.
Demystifying the Craft As noted in a recent piece by David Salariya in The Bookseller, publishing has a responsibility to explain itself to students. Many young people think the only route to a career in books is to be a writer. They don’t see the architects—the editors, the illustrators, the designers, and the production experts—who collaborate to shape a concept into a tangible, physical product.
Why Transparency Matters If we want to build a more diverse and vibrant industry, we must stop acting like a closed circle. When we show students how books are designed and manufactured, we change the questions they ask. Suddenly, it’s not just about “how do I get published?” but “what skills do I need to help build a book?”
The Role of Design and Process Book design is not just a final touch; it’s an integral part of the narrative and commercial journey. When we share the process of how visual and structural decisions are made, we validate the work of the entire team.
Call to Action It’s time to invite students behind the curtain. Whether you are an author, a designer, or a publisher, let’s commit to explaining our craft. By doing so, we don’t just sell more books—we inspire the next generation of book makers.
Read the full discussion here: https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/publishing-must-show-up-in-schools