[miss_p]

I have a 2.1 in a media based degree and I am interested in a career in editing. Starting at the bottom, I think the role I would be applying for would be something like Editorial Assistant. How do I go about finding and acquiring such a job?

[RightSaidJames]

Start with some work experience, get involved with a volunteer writing project of some descrition, start a blog, make a Twitter account, network with other journalists and media people, then build up a portfolio from there..

Then apply for things as they come up.

[Misty_]

Work experience is vital if you want a job in publishing, which is a very competitive industry to break into - you need to have something that sets you apart. I would advise against doing a publishing MA or similar, as nothing will compare to the experience you can get on the job.

If you aren't having any luck with applications for Editorial Assistant positions, send out some speculative CVs to as many publishing houses as you can find to ask about possible work experience opportunities. The smaller publishers are less likely to have established schemes, but if you do manage to get work experience with one of them, you are more likely to be doing something interesting, like proofreading, than making cups of tea or doing the photocopying! All the same, many of the big publishers do have established schemes, like this one at Penguin. It's just a case of doing your research.

Once you have that work experience, the best places to look are the Guardian Jobs site and The Bookseller's jobs site, which is here.

Hope that helps!