Careers

You'll need to be fluent in at least one second language, as well as English. You'll need a good understanding of the culture of the country or communities that use that language, usually gained by living or working abroad. You'll also need excellent writing skills.

Languages in demand by translation services include:

• French

• German

• Russian

• Chinese

• Arabic

• Spanish

You could study for a degree or postgraduate qualification, such as: 

• translation studies 

• translation and interpreting 

• modern languages

Core skills and craft:

• Scriptwriting fundamentals: know story structure, pacing, and character arcs

• Visual storytelling: think in images. Translate beats into page turns, splash pages, and panel composition. Learn how to show action, emotion, and exposition visually rather than through dense dialogue

• Dialogue and voice: craft distinct voices for characters and use dialogue to reveal character and advance plot, not to explain art

• Formatting: use a standard comic script format. Be precise about panel counts and transitions

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification to improve your job prospects, though this is not essential. Useful subjects include:

• creative writing

• English

• media and communications

• film studies

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language

• excellent written communication skills

• knowledge of media production and communication

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail

• the ability to work well with others

• excellent verbal communication skills

• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure

• the ability to organise your time and workload

• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You might improve your chances of finding work if you have a degree in a related subject, like:

• publishing

• communication and media

• English

• creative writing

• journalism

To thrive as a Book Reviewer, you need exceptional reading comprehension, strong analytical skills, and the ability to write clear, engaging critiques, often supported by a background in literature, journalism, or communications. 

Ways to share your book reviews and recommendations: 

• Join BookTok/ Youtube

• Write book reviews as a freelancer

• Start a book blog

• Run a book club

• Become a book podcaster

You might improve your chances of finding work if you have a degree in a related subject, like:

• publishing

• communication and media

• English

• creative writing

• journalism

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail

• an interest and knowledge of history

• analytical thinking skills

• administration skills

• the ability to use your initiative

• customer service skills

• the ability to work well with others

• concentration skills

• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll usually need a degree and postgraduate training to do this job. Most degree subjects are accepted for postgraduate study, but you may find it useful to take a degree like:

• history

• museum studies

• information science

• languages

• law

To become a Literary Agent, you need to:

• earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. It's important to have a well-developed background in literary works and writings, and it's also useful to complete some courses related to business and sales

• read a variety of materials often, such as novels, plays, magazine columns, poetry and short stories. This is beneficial for understanding what's available in the market and what audiences want to read

• research the publishing process. Learn about the different publishing houses and some of the authors they currently work with and publish

• look for opportunities to gain relevant experience in the publishing industry. Consider completing an internship with an agent or working as an agent's assistant. Another option may be to pursue entry-level positions with an independent or small publishing house to learn more about the publishing process

• create a network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially as you begin working entry-level roles. This may help you find a mentor to help you as you develop your career or assist you in finding jobs