To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this year, some of the staff at Technica Editorial would like to share why they are thankful to work in the publishing industry.
As a member of the publishing industry, I will always be thankful for the opportunities to meet and establish ongoing relationships with a variety of different editors and authors from all over the globe. These connections are sometimes formed in person and sometimes via phone or email, but they are always rewarding on both a professional and personal level. In the case of authors and editors who work outside the United States, I’m especially thankful for the lessons they have taught me through our work together about different cultural values around the world. But, whether from this country or from elsewhere, these colleagues and clients have all taught me that in many ways, the publishing industry speaks a universal language, because we are all out to achieve the same goal: expressing our strengths and our thoughts through our writing. – Anne Brenner
I am thankful for the opportunity to work in the scholarly publishing industry. It’s a privilege to work with scientists from around the globe whose research can reshape our understanding of science, inform future generations, and even help save lives. – Jasmine Suarez
I’m thankful for the chance to help others. I’m able to help ease the workload of busy editors and help authors see their work published. I am also thankful for the ability to help further scientific advances. Finally, I am thankful for the ability to meet, work with, and develop relationships with people from all over the world. – Rachel Deary
As an aspiring fiction writer, I know that detail can be crucial to a good article, essay, or book — and any original work of literature requires dedication and proper editing. Working in the publishing industry allows me to learn about attention to detail, proper editing skills, and dedication to making sure everything in the work I handle is cleanly written, properly worded, and in line with the style guides for each publication. I have learned skills that I hope to transfer to my work as a great writer, have acquired a work environment that suits me excellently, and am able to earn a living wage from the work I do. For all these reasons, I’m thankful I work in the publishing industry. – James Gheen
I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn something new every day in this business. Publishing provides me an opportunity to explore new ideas, meet new people, and play at least some small part in the production of new written material. I am able to flex some creative muscle in this business and do it while learning from some of the best minds in the world. It also provides me a chance to continually adapt and learn new technologies as the industry evolves. And, if nothing else, I’ve finally learned what an em dash is. – Chris Moffitt
Working in publishing reminds me that scholars are actively working to make our world a better place. Cures are being sought out, strategies are being realized, and knowledge is being spread. I am thankful to be reminded of that daily, and to have a very minor role in the process. – Lindsey Watson
I am very thankful to gain valuable experience in the publishing industry by having a hands-on approach to learning how the publishing world operates. I am very grateful for the opportunity to expand my skill sets in editing, copyediting, and proofing alongside a team of experts in the field. – Kelsey Barham
Working in publishing was a dream of mine for years before I finally broke into the industry. I know I’m lucky and I’m very thankful to be living my dream. But it wouldn’t be as great without the wonderful people I’ve met and worked with who understand the value of the written word, and I thank each of you for working to preserve it. I also want to share my gratitude for the innovators in this industry who continuously improve our ways of working even as critics predict the death of publishing. To the publishers, editors, and authors who embrace these changes and evolve in a digital world — you are our future and I’m most grateful for you. – Danielle Pattee
