How I Got My Job: Publishing Editorial Assistant, Maggie Rothfus FCRH ‘20
Maggie Rothfus FCRH ‘20 is a managing editorial assistant at ABRAMS. Currently, she’s working toward her certificate in copy editing, proofreading, and fact-checking from the NYU School of Professional Studies.
What was the first year after graduation like for you professionally?
Most, if not all, of my classmates would agree that this past year has been unexpectedly difficult. Right upon graduation, I started applying to full-time publishing and journalism jobs. I interviewed with several big-name places, and even got to the final rounds for a few, but nothing was sticking. Each rejection felt personal, even though it shouldn't have. I had also incorrectly assumed that the pandemic would make it a great time for me to start freelance copy editing and proofreading. That was far from the truth. Freelancing is hard! I had joined the Editorial Freelancers Association last May, and no matter how many job postings I responded to, no one wanted me. I only had internships and student-journalism experience, and no one wanted that. The waste of money that I put into joining EFA was discouraging, and I stopped trying to freelance for a while and only focused on finding full-time work. In September I started working at Riverstone Books, a local bookshop in Pittsburgh, which has not only helped me save some money, but also has kept me up-to-date in the publishing industry.
It was definitely a time of growth, and I'm grateful that it's over and done with. Now that I've been through it, I feel like I can face any other professional hardship (though I would not like to!).
Could you tell us a little bit more about the certification, why you chose to apply, what the experience has been like, what you've learn from it, who would you recommend it for?
In April, I will be finishing my certificate in copy editing, proofreading, and fact-checking from the NYU School of Professional Studies. I started it last year when I was in my last semester at Fordham because I wanted to enhance my skills and grow my network. A supervisor from my internship at W. W. Norton had recommended these courses, and I was excited about it since Fordham doesn't offer any coursework in copy editing. It was at W. W. Norton that I realized a lot of the things I had assumed about style guides, or even grammar, were incorrect, but I had never had anyone to teach me this stuff, so getting my certificate seemed like a great option. The best part of the program is that you don't have to apply! Anyone can sign up. The program gives you three years to finish five courses: There are three required classes and two electives. You learn the basics of grammar, fact-checking, freelancing, and taking edit tests, which is a tough skill to gain! The electives are more specific to what students are there for — magazines, digital journalism, or book editing. Since I've already had an internship focusing on book proofreading, I skipped that course and took ones on digital and magazine copy editing.
These courses are for anyone who is serious about copy editing and proofreading and needs to boost their skillset, résumé, and/or network. You'll meet a lot of interesting people with cool careers in these classes. I've stayed in touch with previous professors and follow them on Twitter. However, these classes are not necessary for you to get a job. In most of my classes, I am the youngest person there (one of my classes this semester has someone my age). A lot of people taking these courses are usually switching careers or have been in their field for a bit and want to learn a bit more. Keep in mind that a lot of companies in book publishing and journalism will actually help pay for some of these courses if you take them while you're employed with said company.
What was the process of getting hired like?
Exciting and nerve-racking! Managing editorial and production editorial tend to be the smaller departments in publishing houses, so jobs in those areas don't pop up as much. When I saw Abrams was hiring a managing editorial assistant in late January, I immediately applied (after proofreading my cover letter and résumé of course; the worst feeling in the world is having a typo in your application). I remembered that I once spoke with a recruiter there in December 2019 when I was interviewed for an internship, so I decided to reach out and send my materials directly to her. I also searched for managing editors from Abrams on LinkedIn, found one, and cold emailed her. I do this with almost every application and it actually gets positive feedback! Both people I emailed responded and forwarded my info to the hiring manager. Within about two weeks or so, I had my first interview, a phone screening with HR, scheduled. It was a funny process; I had all my interviews with them in one week! Monday was my phone screening, Wednesday was my interview with the hiring manager, and Friday was the final interview with two other managing editors I'll be working with. Normally, edit tests are given to applicants for roles like this, but the hiring manager determined it wasn't required for an entry-level role at Abrams (every other publisher I have applied to has required this though!). However, since I had asked the hiring manager about edit tests, she decided to send me one anyway. She never actually gave me feedback on it, but I'm assuming I didn't bomb it since I got the job! Two weeks after my interview with the hiring manager, I got an email from HR asking for my references. I sent them to her as soon as I could, and the next day, she called me with the offer. Overall, that process took just over a month (I sent my application 23 January, and received the offer 25 February).
Do you have any tips/recommendations for current undergraduates, concerning professional development and applying during a pandemic?
Do all that you can to build your skills, whether that be through coursework, internships, passion projects, or networking. I'll admit, I think I only had one informational interview during this pandemic, but pre-pandemic I was a networking fiend, seeking people out through LinkedIn usually. During the pandemic, I mostly put my energy into my passion project: a bookstagram that also has grammar tips. I've had a couple interviewers tell me they've looked at it and thought it was cute! It definitely helps me stand out, which is what you want.
When it comes to applying, you'll improve with each application and rejection. If you get interviewed but don't get the gig, don't feel weird reaching out to them again if the company is posting a new job. Always remember to respond to rejection emails if you can! It shows that you didn't take it personally (even if you did) and you'd still like to work with them one day. Before your interviews, prepare well, figure out what questions you'll ask your interviewer(s), and dress nicely.
Overall, you should approach job applications as if it is a game, and you need to understand the rules in order to play. I started improving by watching TikToks of all things. Last spring, Madeline Mann, a.k.a. Self Made Millennial, showed up on my feed. She's worked in recruiting for years and has amazing job-search tips. I follow her on YouTube and LinkedIn now, and she's the reason I know how to interview and why I feel confident cold emailing people. I recommend her content to everyone; she even has stuff about getting hired during the pandemic.