It’s not easy being a literature lover and not a literary critic. All day long you’re faced with the unappreciative looks of people who have no idea what you’re talking about when it comes to their favorite author’s work. The injustice stings and it’s not because they’re jealous – although that might feel good at the time – it’s just that they’re never going to understand your adoration. Yours is a love that will never be truly returned. But until the end of time, you will remain a loyal fan.
If you’re looking for a career where you can discuss your favorite authors and their books in depth, then you might want to consider a job in publishing. You’ll not only be able to discuss the latest trends in literature, but you’ll also get to delve into the history of books and writing, all while being paid handsomely for your expertise. Sounds like a dream job, right?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. You’ll need to have a decent amount of schooling in order to even be considered for a job in publishing, and even then you’ll have to prove your worth. But if that’s what you want to do, here are a few positions where you can begin your publishing career.
An Enthusiastic Young Reader
If you’re an enthusiastic young reader who has just started collecting books and loves to discuss them with other readers, then consider a job at a children’s bookstore. You’ll be in the perfect place to spark that love for reading in young readers. After all, isn’t that what books are all about – encouraging kids to read? You’ll get to browse the aisles and shelves, while being paid to discuss the importance of books and reading. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.
A Critic For The Modern Language Association
If you’re passionate about modern languages and are eager to find a job where you can discuss the intricacies of linguistics and have the opportunity to travel, then consider a career in language criticism for the Modern Language Association. You’ll get to read the latest novels from prominent authors, while also getting to criticize their use of language. The job requires a bit of research, but mostly just involves reading and analyzing text. The income is usually decent, but not great, and the hours can be rather unpredictable, so you’ll have to be flexible.
An Expert Editor
If you’re an expert editor who has a taste for the finer things in life, then consider a job at a literary magazine. You’ll get to work with well-known authors and be compensated handsomely for your expertise. But the job comes with a lot of responsibility, as you’ll be directly working with authors to shape their work into something special. You’ll need to have a good eye for detail, as well as be able to work under pressure, which, as we all know, can be a rarity among editors.
An Art Historian
If you’re an art historian who enjoys exploring the connections between literature and visual art, then consider a job at a museum. You’ll get to discuss art and visual culture with other professionals, while being paid to do so. It’s a great way to showcase your knowledge and prove your worth. Even if you don’t have a specific interest in one field, the connections between the various art forms will be interesting to study.
An Archivist
If you’re an archivist who is also a literate person with a taste for the written word, then consider a career in archives. You’ll get to look for and rediscover historical documents while also being paid to do so. It’s a great job for someone who loves to delve into history and prove their worth. The only downside is that you’ll have to do a lot of traveling, which isn’t ideal for someone who wants to make a home.
Now, if none of the above sounds like a dream job to you, then consider another route. If you’re looking for a job where you can discuss literature and prove your worth, then you might want to consider a career in publishing management. You’ll be working with authors and subject matter experts to publish new books and keep the library stocked. It can be a bit of an administrative task, but the rewards can be worth it.
So, there you have it. Four different jobs where you can discuss art and literature. It’s not that simple, being a literature lover and not a literary critic, but at least you have options. And if none of these seem like a good fit, then you should probably consider teaching, as you’ll get to discuss literature, and even help students with their essays, all while being paid. Happy reading!