The value of publishing

Whenever I tell someone new that I am studying a Masters in publishing the first question they generally ask me is, “Do you write as well?”  

My answer to this question is always, “No, I’m more of a food critic than a chef, haha.”  

To be honest, I have never even wanted to pursue a career in writing. After a painful semester in a Creative Writing module during my undergraduate degree I swore off ever trying to be creative and imaginative again.  

However, I don’t particularly want to explain this to people because I am worried it will look like I don’t like literature at all, even though my love of reading is infinitely larger than any inclination I have had to write. 

So... the natural progression for someone loves literature and wants to contribute to the literary industry without being a writer, is becoming a publisher.  

At least that was the case for me. 

I think the reason people always ask me if I write when I say I am studying publishing is because most people cannot imagine why I would aim for a background role if a front stage role is available.  

I won’t lie and say that I have not questioned the value of publishing, especially in a time where more writers are publishing independently anyway.  

One of the biggest questions I’m faced with now, having put actual time and money into pursuing this career, is the quality of the contribution I will be able to make.  

Edinburgh Napier University’s Publishing MSc offers a well-rounded and comprehensive view of what it takes to be a publisher. Being currently waist deep in my second semester I have found that the most valuable thing I have learnt, at least on a personal note, is that publishers are to authors what a cake stand is to a cake, or a frame is to a painting. (This why I am not a writer). A picture does not need a frame to be beautiful, but if the artist wants the painting hung on a wall where the most people will be able to see and admire it, the painting needs the frame. 

The contribution of a publisher to the literary industry may not be the flashiest job or hold the most esteem with those outside of the industry, but to me publishing is just as important a role in bringing good literature to a table where it can be enjoyed by all, even those who hate writing.