Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I am a desk editor at the publishing house, meaning I manage a variety of titles across a wide array of non-fiction subjects. My responsibilities involve copy-editing, fact-checking and proofreading books through the manuscript and proof stages; liaising with freelance editors on projects, as well as designers and picture editors on illustration material; creating copy for the sales and marketing teams; checking digital versions (ebooks) of our published titles; and managing authors throughout the production process (from unedited manuscript to final proofs).

My day-to-day in this role includes shifting between a number of different projects – titles that are at different proof or manuscript stages – as at any one time I can be working on around 20 books each sales season. I will be communicating with authors with regards to edits or proofreading and answering any questions they may have. I will do my own checks of proofs to mark-up text corrections, or copy-edit new manuscripts handed over by the commissioning editors. Overall a typical day involves ensuring that each title remains on schedule for the publication deadline, while solving any problems that might arise during the production stages of each particular book.

The task I find the most enjoyable is proofreading – it requires a meticulous eye for detail, and an ability to spot errors that no one else does. In its own way, I consider it a kind of textual sleuthing, which is something most English Lit students do on a daily basis!

The main challenge faced on a regular basis is unexpected problems with the proofs that need to be rectified before we head to press. Most of the books I work on are illustrated – some heavily, others sparsely – but there is always a risk that the picture material is incorrect, or is in copyright so cannot be used, or has been placed in the wrong section of the book. My job requires a lot of communication with different departments and people, notably the designer, who can help solve any such problems if they arise. It can be a challenge ensuring each book reaches its press deadline when there are a lot of hiccups and obstacles to avoid or navigate along the way – but there's never a dull moment!

I have loved language and reading for as long as I can remember, and literature has been a passion of mine for years. I've also always been exacting with regards to proper grammar and punctuation (a task that is onerous to some, but which I find fascinating!). Heading into publishing from a degree in English Literature was a fantastic way to use my knowledge and skills, and a logical way to pursue my passion for books as a career.

I certainly put analytical and close-reading skills (skills I honed during my undergraduate English degree and then in my Master's) to use in this job, but this job also requires an unwavering attention to detail, superb time management and an ability to multi-task.

After graduating in 2011 from Sheffield, I worked for a year in a local council in an administration role in order to earn money for postgraduate study. I then did a one-year Master's degree, also in English Literature, at another university. Upon graduating I gained work experience at a small publishing house in London, before being offered an internship at the publishers I'm with now. I worked as a marketing intern for 6 months before being offered a part-time role as an editorial assistant, which soon after became a permanent full-time role as an assistant editor.

I plan to stay in the publishing industry for the foreseeable future, with the intention of progressing into different areas of editing, perhaps moving into commissioning when the time is right.

Don't give up if opportunities don't land in your lap immediately! Publishing is a tricky industry to get a start in, since demand tends to exceed supply when it comes to available jobs – and there's the rather gnawing reality of networking that comes with the territory. Get in contact with different publishers to request work experience or internships, and try to strike up lines of communication where possible. The Society of Young Publishers is a good way to meet other young people in the industry, and they also put on great pub quizzes!