Category: Alumni Profile

Jay Soglo: GW Publishing Alumni Profile

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Jay Soglo is Production Controller at Johns Hopkins University Press (JHUP) and an outstanding graduate of the Master of Professional Studies in Publishing program, College of Professional Studies, George Washington University. Starting as publishing operations assistant at JHUP after his second semester in the GW publishing program, he has already demonstrated leadership in the field, moderating a successful and dynamic session on accessibility at the Association of University Presses Annual Meeting, speaking at the GW Ethics in Publishing Conference, authoring a paper published in the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, and as a mentor to others in the field.

What was the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program? What was the most rewarding?

The most challenging aspect of the publishing program was the time-management element. Juggling a family with young children and a full-time job required an adjustment and some sacrifices – mainly my social life (temporarily).

Part way through your studies in the MPS in Publishing program, you were hired in the books production department at Johns Hopkins University Press, and within a year received a promotion. What was it like to be working in a press while completing your degree? Were you able to use assignments to inform your work or vice versa?

Working in a press while completing my degree was great. Not only was I learning publishing skills in the program, but many times they would come in handy immediately. For example, I started the production management course as I was promoted. Every lesson that semester was directly relevant to my job. The biggest advantage of working in publishing while in the MPS program was having the ability to ask a professional for advice for nearly every aspect of publishing.

Jay Soglo, MPS in Publishing graduate

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

During the pandemic lockdown, I decided to pursue my dream of joining the publishing industry. I had known that I wanted to pursue graduate studies for a while and wanted to commit to this career path by getting the education first. The GWU Publishing program is well-known and is the best program in my area (and probably the country)! Though I ultimately chose the online program, being in the Baltimore-DMV area also made it possible for me to attend events in person.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

My advice to new students is to save any online resources that they might find interesting or useful. It’s easy to assume that they’ll remain available indefinitely, but they don’t. Get them while you can! Stay in touch with your professors and colleagues that you connect with. And take advantage of mentorship. If a professor suggests you do something specific, do it! They push us because they see our potential!

“All my professors were fantastic…. This program is one of the few where every professor is not just a good teacher, but a supportive and wonderful person.”

What course or what professor made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

All my professors were fantastic, but a special thanks to Dean Smith, whom I credit with helping me get my current job. Professor Randy Townsend‘s Ethics in Publishing capstone course really made me think about ways that I can impact the industry. Randy and Professor Tony Julian are both fabulous and excellent role models. Program Director John W. Warren has been an excellent mentor from the very beginning of my time in the program. This program is one of the few where every professor is not just a good teacher, but a supportive and wonderful person. There aren’t enough words to thank everyone!

Jay Soglo at GW Commencement '24, with wife Elana (l) and sister Denisia (r).
Jay Soglo at GW Commencement ’24, with wife Elana (l) and sister Denisia (r).

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

For me, the value in the MPS in Publishing degree was the confidence that it gave me as a professional. Many of the skills I refined in the program were new to me, or I did not feel that they were my strongest skills. For example, public speaking wasn’t something I had much experience in, but now I regularly present in work meetings, and even spoke in front of hundreds in a few conferences!

During your Ethics in Publishing Capstone course, you researched the topic of book bans, a meaningful topic for you. You presented on the topic at our 13th Ethics in Publishing Conference in October 2023; and your article on book bans was published in Vol 3, Issue 1 of the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing. Can you talk a bit about how this project developed from a course project to a conference presentation, and to a journal article? How has this project and the process of publication had an impact on you?

When I began the project in the summer of 2022, I wasn’t sure of the topic or angle that I wanted to take. Unfortunately, around this time there were several devastating mass shootings and other really bad things in the news. Knowing that people out there were espousing hateful views in their manifestos while books focused on antiracism and inclusivity were being banned really rubbed me the wrong way. I used that anxiety and righteous indignation to write the paper, which then evolved into a presentation because I still felt very strongly that people other than my professor and classmates should be exposed to that message. Despite that, more and more news articles about censorship and book bans were coming in regularly, and so I kept writing and researching until I had a journal article. Being on the other side of the publication process allowed me to see what it was like for the authors that we serve in this industry and gave me a more well-rounded view of scholarly publishing as a whole. I consider the publication of the article my way of pushing back on censorship and putting my voice out there – something I encourage anyone who is concerned about censorship to do as well. 

“The MPS in Publishing degree [gave me] confidence as a professional. Many of the skills I refined in the program were new to me, or I did not feel that they were my strongest skills. For example, public speaking wasn’t something I had much experience in, but now I regularly present in work meetings, and even spoke in front of hundreds in a few conferences!”

We are proud that at the Association of University Presses Annual Meeting 2023, you organized and moderated a panel on accessibility with an accessibility super-star lineup. Tell us a bit about your interest in accessibility, as well as presenting at a high-profile conference such as AUPresses Annual Meeting—where your panel attracted an audience of ~500, the largest attendance of the (virtual) annual meeting!

My interest in accessibility really came about because I have autistic family members, which includes my daughter. It’s important to me that everyone have access to literacy and technology without being restricted due to ability. Accessibility is really for everyone, not just people with disabilities, but that isn’t a fact that’s well-known. I came up with the idea when I was encouraged by my JHUP colleague and GW professor Greg Britton to submit a panel suggestion to AUPresses. I wasn’t expected to be chosen, but the conference committee showed a lot of interest in the topic as well. After initially scrambling to find speakers for the panel, I was really lucky to get some of the foremost experts in the field to speak on the panel – Bill Kasdorf, Will Awad, Michael Johnson, Madeline Rothberg, and Jonathan McGlone. They are all great people and really eloquent speakers. I wasn’t expecting so many people to show up, much less being the most highly anticipated panel of the conference that year! Now whenever I must speak on a panel or in front of a group, I’m not nervous anymore because I already spoke in front of hundreds, and it went great.

GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, Vol 3 (cover)

Jay Soglo’s article, Banned But Not Beaten: Confronting Book Bans from a Utilitarian Perspective, was published in the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, Vol 3.

Alumni Profile: Tia Gracey

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Tia Gracey is Associate Editor for Political Science Today at the American Political Science Association (APSA). An outstanding graduate of GW’s Master of Professional Studies in Publishing program (December 2023), she served valiantly as Managing Editor of our GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, shepherding the second and third issue of the journal to publication. We are blessed with an abundance of talented students in the Graduate Program in Publishing at George Washington University, and we are especially pleased to share the insights of one of our stellar graduates in this alumni profile.

What was the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program? What was the most rewarding?

This might seem contradictory, but I think the most challenging aspect of the program was the most rewarding to me. There is so much to be involved with in the Publishing program, and it is something I definitely tried to take advantage of, so trying to find a balance between doing all that I could in the program—classes, the book club, the journal—and my own capabilities was challenging.

Tia Gracey- MPS in Publishing Graduate

During your time in the program, you have been instrumental in advancing the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, first as the E-Publishing Committee lead, and then as the journal’s Managing Editor. What led you to become involved in the journal, and especially, what led you to pursue the opportunity as Managing Editor? How has this experience had an impact on you?

I was first able to get involved with the journal simply by paying attention to the emails that [Program Director] John Warren sends out. Though they may be lengthy sometimes, there is so much information hidden within them that is vital for students. John had sent one out at the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester, and after being two semesters deep in the program, I felt that I finally had my feet under me. It was a new opportunity for me that would also help me gain the practical experience that I was missing. People who know me know that I put my all into everything once I set my mind on something, so I went into being the E-Publishing Committee Lead with a lot of ambition. I was constantly reaching out to Lois Jones, the Editor-in-Chief for the journal, about what more I could do or if there was anything else I could help with. This ambition was what helped me become a candidate for Managing Editor. I knew that quite a few of the leads were leaving the journal because their time in the program was up, and I had fully expected to just continue as E-Publishing Committee Lead. Imagine my surprise when Lois had reached out asking if I wanted to be Managing Editor. It didn’t take me much deliberation to decide that it was an opportunity I would be ecstatic to take. I’m still so honored to this day that Lois thought of me, because I was finally able to discover the path I wish to take in my publishing career.

Your dedication to the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing has been inspiring. You led or helped lead efforts to publish two issues within a year, a much faster pace of what we had accomplished previously. I loved how you even thought to create charms for GWJEP for graduation! What advice do you have for new students who might consider getting involved in the journal?

GWJEP - commencement charm

For any new students that are considering joining a GWJEP committee, I would simply say do it if you can. The journal runs on the students’ ambitions and efforts. Without it, no issues would ever be published. If you wish to learn practical publishing skills and can manage your time well enough to gift some to the journal, then I would say put your best foot forward and go for it!

I would also say to keep an open mind. Many students go into the journal wishing to be on the Editorial Committee, and I can completely understand why they do. The Editorial Committee, however, is not the only committee that makes the journal run. If you have your heart set on one committee, though, make sure to let the Editor-in-Chief and the Managing Editor know so they can do their best to fit you in there.

In your second year of the program, you were hired at the American Political Science Association (APSA) as Associate Editor. What are some of the skills and experience you learned in the MPS in Publishing program that you have been able to apply to your job at APSA

Quite a lot of my skills I’ve learned from the classes in the program, particularly E-Publishing Tools, which taught me Adobe InDesign, and Book Design, which taught me about printing needs and requirements. My past jobs have helped me learn website management, and the rest of my job is very administrative. Another big reason that I was able to get hired was because of my role as E-Publishing Committee Lead for the GW journal. If I not been committee lead or included that role in my resume, I’m not sure that I would have gotten as far as I have. I owe my current role to both the program and the journal.

“For any new students that are considering joining a GWJEP committee, I would simply say do it if you can. The journal runs on the students’ ambitions and efforts.”

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, Vol 3, Issue 1

I would recommend that students pay attention to the opportunities they are given. Sometimes they might be hard to see, but pay attention to the emails and your classes. Attend the Publishing CareerBuilders, go to information sessions, meet as many people as you can. You have the opportunity to submit the papers from your capstone to the journal, which would get you published. You can be a part of the journal, a part of the book club and make quite a lot of connections there, you can also find some opportunities from the Society of Scholarly Publishing. Once you start looking for these kinds of opportunities, so many will start popping up around you. Just make sure you have the bandwidth to be able to handle them.

Prior to your Publishing degree, you completed a Master in Liberal Arts at McDaniel College. What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW’s program specifically?

Even during the MLA program at McDaniel, I knew that I wanted to get another degree, I just wasn’t sure in what. I have always loved books and writing, all the way back to elementary school. Originally, I thought that I wanted to be an author because I loved writing and the art that I was able to create. I quickly figured out this wasn’t the case while I was writing my thesis for the completion of my degree. While I love writing, and I think I always will, I discovered that I would rather help other people create beautiful works of art rather than forcing myself to do it. It was exhausting. I would rather enjoy writing when I want to instead of forcing myself to do it as a career.

“I would recommend that students pay attention to the opportunities they are given… Attend the Publishing CareerBuilders, go to information sessions, meet as many people as you can. You have the opportunity to submit the papers from your capstone to the journal, which would get you published. You can be a part of the journal, a part of the book club and make quite a lot of connections there, you can also find some opportunities from the Society of Scholarly Publishing.”

What course or what professor made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

Tony Julien is to whom I accredit quite a lot of my successes. Through his classes, E-Publishing Tools and E-Publishing Technologies, I have not only learned how to use 2 different Adobe Programs, but I also have more confidence in exploring Adobe programs in general. He influenced me to apply to be a part of the E-Publishing committee, even though I didn’t have any background or knowledge. His willingness to help students learn put me at ease and helped tremendously when I was doubting myself during his classes. My journey through the journal and into the publishing field was directly impacted by his teachings and the energy he puts into teaching. Though difficult, his classes were worth it, and I learned invaluable skills from him during my time in the program.

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

I remember towards the beginning of my time in the program, I had attended a few Publishing CareerBuilders and one thing that I constantly heard from publishing professionals was that “It wasn’t what you did, it was who you know.” At that time, I didn’t fully understand. Did that mean that my accomplishments and efforts didn’t mean as much? Would I only be able to break through by getting my name out there? How do I get my name out there if I can’t break through? Since getting my foot through the publishing industry door, I can honestly say that one of the biggest pieces of value of the MPS program is who you know. The publishing industry is a lot smaller than you think it is. By taking advantage of the opportunities that the program offers, I was able to start making more connections one by one, and not just connections with my fellow students. All the professors are publishing professionals, the publishing book club members are not just limited to GW students, and authors outside of GW submit to the journal as well. There are plenty of opportunities that GW provides to meet and learn from people outside of GW that, once I started taking advantage of these opportunities, I was finally able to make some headway in forging my path through the publishing industry.

“Although it may be tiring at times, and life can get in the way, try and be as active in the community as you can. It will help so much in the long-run and can even be helpful in the short-run.”

For your Ethics in Publishing Capstone project, you researched ethical issues surrounding Chat GPT and publishing, and you presented your research at the 13th GW Ethics in Publishing Conference. What was it like to present at this conference, and do you plan to continue your research in this area, perhaps as a journal article?

This was my first time ever presenting at a conference. I won’t lie, I was nervous, and it was a little nerve-wracking. Publishing professionals from all over the world were going to attend this conference. What right did I have to present my purely theoretical capstone in front of 500+ people when I hadn’t even broken into the publishing world yet? [Ethics in Publishing professor] Randy Townsend always encourages his students to submit to the journal and to present at the Ethics in Publishing Conference, and since I had chosen to do a presentation and not a paper, it would have made sense for me to present at the conference, but I was doubtful of myself and my own capstone. It wasn’t until Randy had reached out to me to invite me to present with the other students that I realized, if Randy, who is a publishing professional and educator in the ethics of publishing, enjoyed my presentation and wanted me to present my theories, then why should I continue to doubt myself?

Tia Gracey, MPS

When it came time to present my capstone, I was still nervous, but less so with my new-found confidence. For the people who know me, it is obvious that I can talk for hours about something I am passionate about, and that transfers well even over a screen. I just had to remind myself that once I got into my presentation, I would be fine. I simply needed to make it past my introduction, and then I could get into the meat of it. Funnily enough, my family and friends who watched me told me that I forgot to introduce myself. I guess I was just too excited and nervous to wait.

I’m not sure if I want to turn my presentation into a paper, since most of it was theory. It’s also due to the subject, as the ethics of AI and ChatGPT are constantly evolving day to day. I have discussed with Lois Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of the GW journal, the possibility of writing an article on the ethics of mental health illnesses, specifically ones that include vivid hallucinations, and their representation in video game publishing. Now that I am finished with the journal, I might have time to do this!

Can you share some of the articles or publications that you have written or published?

The two issues published by the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing are ones I am particularly proud of, as I was able to prove to myself that I can lead a team composed of different committees and that striving to be a Managing Editor is the right direction for me. Those two issues can be found here:

GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, Volume 2 – Issue 1

GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, Volume 3 – Issue 1

I would also like to include the magazines that I’ve been able to successfully publish at my job as Associate Editor of APSA, where I have successfully printed and electronically published 3 issues of the quarterly membership magazine:

Political Science Today, Volume 3 – Issue 4

Political Science Today, Volume 4 – Issue 1

Political Science Today, Volume 4 – Issue 2

Finally, I would like to include the video and slides for my capstone.

Thank you, Tia!

Alumni Profile – Casey Aimer & Amber Avila-Aimer

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Employers, GW Publishing faculty, CPS staff, and others invariably remark about the impressive and evident talents of GW Graduate Program in Publishing students.

Casey Aimer and Amber Avila-Aimer are exemplars of the creative talents, analytical acumen, and entrepreneurial expertise of our publishing students. In early 2021, Publishing director, John W. Warren, was in conversations with Amber, who was considering her application to the publishing program. A few weeks later, he spoke with Casey about applying to GW Publishing. As their applications indicated they both possessed MFA’s from Texas State University, in literature and creative writing, respectively,  it seemed logical they were acquainted; a few weeks later, they revealed that they were in fact partners. Amber and Casey moved to the Washington, DC, area to take publishing graduate courses in person; secured jobs with local publishers; and were subsequently engaged and married during their two years of study—GW Publishing’s first married couple. Along the way, they launched Radon, a literary magazine, while working full-time and studying.

Let’s start from the beginning: You were the first couple to apply here simultaneously, and you got married while in the program! Congratulations! What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically? 

Amber: Like most college graduates, we had a hard time securing jobs during the pandemic. We graduated from our first master’s programs and moved into Casey’s childhood home in Central Texas thinking that we would be there for a couple of months until we secured a job. Well, two months turned into ten and we were still looking for our next opportunity. Frustrated with the job searching process, I began to investigate editing certificates to help me sharpen my editorial skills while we kept chugging out applications. It was during this search that I came across the MPS in Publishing Program here at GW. I was honestly a bit hesitant to begin another two-year program, but after a virtual meeting with John Warren, I knew that we both had to apply. John did an incredible job at making me feel supported as a prospective student and the descriptions for the courses made me feel like this program would be the perfect fit for us. We had also been gunning to leave Texas after graduation so the program being in DC was just icing on the cake.

Casey Aimer and Amber Avila-Aimer

You moved to Alexandria, VA, to study for your MPS in Publishing in person, and were able to secure jobs in the publishing industry before you even landed in DC. Why did you decide to move to DC? How were you able to find jobs before even starting the program? Was it difficult to manage work schedules while studying for your MPS degree?

Casey: That we were able to find quality jobs in scientific and university publishing before arriving in DC is a testament to this program’s prestigious influence. Both companies we ended up with have higher-ups from this program or teach in it as professors. Rather than being a program famous in name alone, the program is known for producing top publishing professionals, and anyone getting into or completing the program are known to be competent assets for any publishing firm.

The MPS degree was wonderfully considerate of our time as working adults, especially when compared to our previous full-time master’s degrees. Yes, we had to budget our time, especially when planning a wedding at the same time, but we never felt that the demands from our classes were more than we could handle on any given week. The professors here are focused on giving you the knowledge and experience one needs to function at a high level in the industry, and it is free of busy work.

Amber: Adding onto a bit of what Casey has already mentioned, we really must tip our hats off to John Warren and Nicole Mintz for helping us navigate the DC job hunt. Without Nicole’s coaching and program-specific knowledge and John’s infinite connections, I am sure we would have had a much harder time finding such great opportunities. For those of you who are planning on getting their first jobs in publishing, I highly encourage you to set appointments with them both!

“…the program is known for producing top publishing professionals, and anyone getting into or completing the program are known to be competent assets for any publishing firm.”

Casey Aimer

After only your first or second course in the program, you took an idea you developed in a course and launched your own literary journal, Radon, which recently published its sixth issue. It’s been impressive to watch your trajectory developing this journal and sustaining it into several issues. You pay authors! How did you develop this idea? Were you able to work through some course assignments in the publishing program related to your journal?

Cover image of Radon (literary magazine) issue 5.

C: I’ll admit that the idea for a literary journal that combines science fiction, transhumanism, and anarchism was one I’d held in my head for years. It is everything I wished existed when I was a young writer looking for a home and finding nowhere that accepted my unique passions. Especially for sci-fi and radically political poetry that I was instructed to shy away from in all my formal BA and MFA writing education. Life is hard as a writer, and the world needed more semi-pro lit mag publishers advocating for their authors and helping them reach the next stage of their career. Though the kernel was in my mind since the 2010s, my courses here did allow me to flesh out the concept, run through the viability, and create everything from a mission statement to early webpage drafts. The encouragement to follow one’s niche passion in the publishing industry dug deep in my neurons and gave me the confidence to pursue the idea to reality.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

C: Try to come live in Alexandria if possible and attend in-person classes. The additional camaraderie you receive from your fellow students and professors is exceptional. There are plenty of scholarly and scientific publishing jobs in DC, too!

What course or professor made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

A & C: The most impactful courses are often the ones that are the most unassuming. The professors here have a knack for making any topic relevant, exciting, and integral to your work life. Whether it’s copyright law or management, you won’t know what to do without the skills once you’re done.

“I’m incredibly lucky I was able to harness learned skills from the program and apply them to my job at the same time.”

Amber Avila-Aimer

How are you using what you learned in your publishing courses in your day-to-day work as Editorial Coordinator, AAAS (Casey); and previously at the American Psychological Association, and now as Managing Editor at Wiley (Amber)?

C: Every publishing course gave us a little more of the puzzle that is the publishing industry. The production classes set you up to help in the production arm of wherever you work, the marketing courses provide insight into the labor that is getting society to notice your authors, and editorial courses will sew-up any areas you lack in your developmental/copy/line editing skills. So, the cop-out answer is that everything we learn is relevant to our day-to-day work at publishers and will serve us well into whichever role we choose next.

A: By the time I had moved into APA full-time, I had a foundational knowledge of the scholarly book publishing industry through the accumulation of my courses in the program. This made it a lot easier to “jump right in” at APA, so to speak.

All the courses in the editorial block of the program’s offerings (Mastering Book Acquisitions, The Professional Editor, and Editing Special Projects to name a few) gave me the guiding principles and technical know-how for my role at APA. I have spearheaded projects that include peer-review outreach, comparative and competitive research, inputting data into title management systems, eBook management, and book scheduling. Most recently, I provided a developmental review of an APA title set to be published next year and received exceptionally positive feedback from both developmental editors on the project.

I’m incredibly lucky I was able to harness learned skills from the program and apply them to my job at the same time. It’s an amazing feeling to come into a job and confidently say “I’m actually quite familiar with that [insert publishing thing here].”

Radon Journal (cover) Issue 6

You have both worked with Nicole Mintz, CPS Career Services Director, and participated in events such as our Publishing CareerBuilder webinars. How did you benefit from some of the career services at GW’s College of Professional Studies and the Publishing program specifically?

C: This program’s focus on industry placement is refreshing, and helpful each step of the way. It highlights how this program truly is for professional studies and those wanting to be at the top of their game in their chosen industry. The CareerBuilders spanned a wide gambit of topics, with something for everyone no matter which niche in the industry you want to pursue.

I’d also like to highlight the yearly GWU Publishing Ethics Conference. Each October it grows and all walks of professionals across the US attend. I highly recommend everyone who can attend in person to meet fascinating and important industry professionals.

Alumni Profile: Tina Donnelly, MPS 2022

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Tina Donnelly, MPS, is an Assistant Managing Editor at Penguin Random House, where she assists department heads with all aspects of audiobook production and record keeping, as well as supports the Managing Editorial team on audio and large print projects and metadata maintenance. She is a talented 2022 graduate of the MPS in Publishing program at George Washington University, and the program’s newest instructional assistant. In the latest in our series of alumni profiles, Tina shares her experiences in the GW Publishing program, her work on DEIA issues, and her work at PRH.

Photo of Tina Donnelly, MPS
Tina Donnelly, MPS (2022)

Your current role is Assistant Managing Editor at Penguin Random House, where you work with audiobook and other products. Can you tell us about your work at PRH? What are some aspects you learned in the MPS in Publishing program have been helpful in your work?

As Assistant Managing Editor, I handle a variety of tasks within the audio department. While my main responsibility is maintaining the metadata of our thousands of audiobooks published each year, I also manage things such as web copy edits/updates, Canadian pricing conversions, and ONIX feeds, as well as proofing and reporting on titles in our Random House Large Print imprint, which is also handled by Audio. I enjoy my job immensely not only because I love books and audiobooks, but also because I get to work in so many different parts of the production and post-production process: all of which helps get our books into the hands of readers around the world.

Most everything I learned in the MPS in Publishing Program has been helpful in some way at improving my performance at Penguin Random House. One thing is simply a more thorough understanding of the publishing industry, and how a book goes from an author’s head to the hands of readers. A more solid knowledge of this process, not to mention the business behind it, went a long way in helping me understand just why we do the things we do at PRH. Additionally, the lessons on understanding brand image and audience interaction were essential at improving some of the more marketing-focused responsibilities at my job, such as celebrity narrator announcements and cover reveals.

…Getting to interact with the professors, all of whom are experts in their field and talented beyond measure… made understanding the real-world application of the material so much easier. Additionally, the professors’ stories and examples of working in publishing helped me to prepare for navigating the field.

What was the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program? What was the most rewarding?

The most challenging aspect of the publishing program was learning about areas of the industry that were not initially as interesting to me. As a reader and a lover of books, I was much more interested in the courses that focused on acquisition, copyright law, editing, and audience interaction. The more technical courses, ones that focused on coding, software, and technologies, were a bit more difficult for me. Thankfully, I had some truly gifted teachers that helped me along in areas that I struggled with, so it was more challenging than undoable, and I got exposure to a side of publishing that I otherwise would not have experienced.

The most rewarding part of the program was getting to interact with the professors, all of whom are experts in their field and talented beyond measure. The ability to learn lessons through the professors’ experiences in the field made understanding the real-world application of the material so much easier. Additionally, the professors’ stories and examples of working in publishing helped me to prepare for navigating the field.

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

I wanted to pursue a degree in publishing not only as an advantageous career move, but also because I have a genuine passion and interest in the field. As an avid reader, I have always wanted to work in publishing, and so I pursued a degree in the field. I firmly believe a degree in publishing will go a long way in securing one a position for an already highly sought-after job, not to mention that it will help tremendously with upward movement within the industry.

I chose George Washington University’s publishing program for several reasons, namely that their program simply looked the best. The curriculum was stacked with relevant and interesting-sounding courses, the instructors were all industry professionals, and best of all, the program was designed for “working adults,” which is what I was when applying. Plus, the program is at the George Washington University, a prestigious institution, and an affordable one at that.

Lastly, the staff and faculty while I was inquiring about the program were beyond helpful and informative; they were so patient and thoughtful in answering my many questions, phone calls, and emails. It was a level of care I had not received at other graduate programs, and it was something that really drew me to GW.

A highlight for us last year was having you present at our 12th GW Ethics in Publishing Conference—where you moderated the plenary with Kimberly Ayers Shariff, Executive Vice President, Strategy for Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Penguin Random House, and also presented your own capstone Ethics in Publishing project in a separate session! Can you tell us about the genesis and trajectory of your project, why you presented at the conference, and about your conference experience?

I took Randy Townsend’s Ethics in Publishing course in the Fall of my second year in the program. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did; I thought it was an important and relevant class to take, but I didn’t realize how much I would gain or learn from it. I was really intrigued and impressed. One thing that stuck out to me was just how little diversity there was in publishing. I had a basic understanding that it was not as diverse as it could be, but I was a little surprised to find out just how overwhelmingly uniform the industry was. This homogeneity is reflected in both the publishing workforce and product output. This bothered me because as a big reader, I have always been able to see myself reflected in various stories, circumstances, and characters, and it saddened me that this was not the case for all readers. Or rather, that their portrayals in literature seemed limited, while mine seemed endless.

GW Ethics in Publishing Conference, with Tina Donnelly (l) and Kim Ayers Shariff (r, on video screen)
Tina Donnelly (l) and Kim Ayers Shariff (r, on screen) at the 12th GW Ethics in Publishing Conference

I was so drawn to this issue that I wanted to make it my capstone project for the course. Thus, I set out to make a case for why and how the industry can be more diverse, as well as a snapshot at its current demographics. The latter was the easy part; my own company, PRH, had just released their yearly diversity and inclusion report, and statistics for other companies were not difficult to find since this is an oft-discussed topic. The hard part came when I had to formulate my own ideas and suggestions for how to rectify the problem and move forward to a more diverse and representative publishing landscape. This is where Kim Shariff came in. Kim is the Executive Vice President, Strategy for Diversity Equity & Inclusion at PRH, and I had several conversations with her over what should be done, what is being done, and what further we can do to address this problem. Kim Shariff is an outstanding and insightful intellectual, as well as an experienced Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and she was able to give me some helpful ideas, tools, and attitudes towards tackling this issue. It is because of her guidance and advice that the presentation turned out so well, and I was proud to have her consult on it.

I wanted to present my findings at the Ethics in Publishing Conference namely because I am very passionate about this subject; it is close to my heart as a lifelong booklover who wants everyone to be able to indulge in the joys of reading. Additionally, Randy Townsend and John Warren both gave me some solid feedback on my initial capstone project, and I wanted to incorporate their suggestions to make it even stronger and more informative—more of a call-to-action, instead of mainly a passion project. I am happy to report that not only did I have the privilege of presenting my findings at the conference, but I also had the pleasure to moderate the plenary session with Kim Shariff, as well as get to see some other incredibly interesting and thought-provoking presentations from other GW alumni.

Equity in Action: From Corporate Initiatives to Team Practices (Plenary session of 12th GW Ethics in Publishing Conference)

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

The most important advice, in my opinion, is to study as broadly as you can and take classes outside of your normal interests. People move around in publishing a lot, and you never know what areas of study will come in handy later in one’s career. Also, another big piece of advice that seems basic but cannot be over-emphasized is to attend the online sessions. These are not technically required, but students will learn and gain so much more from the course if they attend the weekly online sessions. This is an opportunity to engage with other students, ask questions, clarify details of the week’s lesson and assignment, and bounce ideas of your classmates; one really goes so much farther if they can attend.

I chose GW’s publishing for several reasons, namely that their program simply looked the best. The curriculum was stacked with relevant and interesting-sounding courses, the instructors were all industry professionals, and best of all, the program was designed for “working adults,” which is what I was when applying. Plus, the program is at the George Washington University, a prestigious institution, and an affordable one at that.

What courses or professors had an impact on you during your time at GW?

Publishing Entrepreneurship with John Warren is exceedingly helpful for young publishing professionals. Even if you don’t plan to be an entrepreneur yourself, this course is great for understanding the basics of the business.

Copyright Law/Print & Cyberspace is an essential class for anyone who wants to work in publishing, no matter what area. Understanding the basic rules of copyright, trademark, and fair use is critical in any media field, and this course excellently teaches these concepts.

The Professional Editor is another course that anyone entering the publishing world should take. Even if one is not necessarily going into this department, this is an important course that covers not just editing, but also managing, proofing, team relations, and author interaction. If anyone wants to work with books or journals at all, this class is a must.

Production Management is a challenging course, but it goes without saying that this is a necessary course for anyone entering publishing. Having a basic understanding of the production process, even if one has nothing to do with the production side of things, is critical for understanding a book’s life cycle. Knowing this is vital because no matter what area of publishing one is in, production will affect them in one way or another, and it is best that one has a working knowledge of the process.

John Warren had a huge positive impact on my time at GW, not just as a professor but also as the program director. He was exceedingly helpful whenever I struggled and assisted me in navigating the program whenever I was uncertain how to proceed.

Dean Smith was also a major ally in my time at GW. As one of the first professors I had in the program, he helped prepare me for the rest of my education and gave me the confidence I needed to tackle my course load.

Both Josephine Sciortino and Rebecca Brenner were each such massive supports through their class, The Professional Editor. They each had so much wisdom and experience they shared in the course, not just about editing but also about how to successfully operate in all areas of publishing, as well as how to act as a true professional in the workplace. Their guidance and encouragement had such a positive impact on me in my last year of the program.

Greg Britton is another professor who is almost too good to be true. He is not only one of the kindest people I have ever met, but he is also an extraordinary talented professor and masterfully teaches his class on book acquisitions. His eagerness to connect with students and teach the material in a more interactive and collaborative fashion made such a difference in helping me to understand acquisitions more thoroughly, not to mention it made me much more interested in the topic.

The value of GW’s MPS in Publishing degree can truly not be overstated. The degree will not only bolster you as a candidate for publishing jobs, but it will also instill you with a sense of ease and confidence in navigating the field; one has, after all, mastered it. Personally, I have newfound respect (and responsibilities) at my own workplace because my team feels I can handle more, and they are correct.

Gatekeeping and Trade Publishing, Devyn Yan Radke, Tina Donnelly (12th GW Ethics in Publishing Conference)

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

It is unarguable that the value of GW’s MPS in Publishing degree can truly not be overstated. The degree will not only bolster you as a candidate for publishing jobs, but it will also instill you with a sense of ease and confidence in navigating the field; one has, after all, mastered it. Personally, I have newfound respect (and responsibilities) at my own workplace because my team feels I can handle more, and they are correct. I feel surer in myself as an employee and my own capabilities. The degree itself does a lot to impress one’s superiors too; just having it shows not only that you have a strong sense of how the business operates, but also that you cared enough to pursue higher education for your career, both of which go a long way in highlighting you as a dedicated professional.

Can you provide any other tips that might be helpful for prospective students?

Take as many electives as you can manage, and try to study things that are outside your comfort zone; you’ll be surprised at how much you may enjoy them. Business and entrepreneurial classes will teach you a lot about publishing on the ground level. Furthermore, take advantage of things like online sessions, office hours, Publishing Career Builders, and any conferences that you can attend. These are all great opportunities at GW to not only network but also sharpen your skills to prepare for the publishing landscape.

Alumni Profile: Wes Bryant, MPS 2022

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In the latest in our series of alumni profiles, Wes Bryant, talented graduate of the Master of Professional Studies in Publishing program, 2022, shares his perspectives on publishing and his varied and impressive background. Wes J. Bryant is a retired master sergeant and former special operations joint terminal attack controller in the elite special warfare branch of the U.S. Air Force. He is coauthor of the book Hunting the Caliphate: America’s War on ISIS and the Dawn of the Strike Cell, a first-person account co-written alongside the former ground force commander of Iraq, retired Major General Dana J.H. Pittard. An author, editor, and defense analyst with focus on foreign policy, counterterrorism, and extremism, Wes works as a defense and aerospace professional specializing in advanced communications technologies. He holds a BA in Asian Studies from the University of Maryland, a MPS in Publishing through George Washington University, and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration and STEM studies at George Washington University.

What was the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program? What was the most rewarding?

Wes Bryant

The most challenging aspect for me, initially, was that I was not working at a publishing house but in the technology industry, and had no real-world foundation within which to apply some of the material aside from my work as an independent author/editor. It was easier once I realized that things like acquisitions, marketing and sales, P&L forecasting, etc. share commonalities across industries. I started finding these similarities, and as I simultaneously gained more and more understanding of the publishing industry, things began coming together.

The most rewarding aspect of the program was gaining a high-level understanding of the business of publishing as well as constantly exploring business ventures across the publishing landscape—be they entrepreneurial or with established companies—throughout various coursework. 

The most rewarding aspect of the program was gaining a high-level understanding of the business of publishing as well as constantly exploring business ventures across the publishing landscape—be they entrepreneurial or with established companies

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree, and why did you choose GW specifically?

As an independent author and editor, I wanted to advance my understanding within the publishing arena. I have also had budding aspirations of potential entrepreneurship in the publishing realm. I chose GW because it is a very reputable institution, and I was impressed by the program content.

What are your plans after graduating from the MPS in Publishing program?

As the program has catapulted my understanding of the business of publishing as well as my capability for industry navigation as an author and editor, I hope to continue to build on the skills and knowledge gained to excel in my career pursuits.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

Establish what you would like to do with the MPS degree—how it will advance your knowledge and abilities and/or growth potential in your current profession. Or, as the case may be, how it could help to land you in the profession or role you want to be. Approach the program with that in mind, and then shape your class choices accordingly.

Who (or what course) has made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

John Warren, the program director, without doubt had the biggest impact during my time at GW. He was always there for questions, consult, concerns, or issues—and helps students guide where they would like to go, or figure that out to begin with.

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising professional? 

The MPS in Publishing has given me unique business perspective. Specific to the business of publishing, I would feel empowered stepping into a role in a publishing house or even starting my own publishing operation with the understanding, knowledge, and skill gained from the program. And as an independent author and freelance editor, it has given me a skillset and knowledge base that I will continue to draw on and build upon for years to come. 

Hunting the Caliphate

The program’s business curriculum crosses boundaries and is applicable to a wide array of industries. Profit and loss analysis, for example, is critical to the core of any business. And the program focuses on business fundamentals such as operations, organizational management, and understanding product life cycle from market research to acquisition to design, development, production, distribution, sales, and marketing.

How are you using what you learned in your publishing courses in your day-to-day work at L3Harris Technologies, and as an author and editor?

My MPS in Publishing has complimented my career in the technology industry, as the program’s business curriculum crosses boundaries and is applicable to a wide array of industries. Profit and loss analysis, for example, is critical to the core of any business. And the program focuses on business fundamentals such as operations, organizational management, and understanding product life cycle from market research to acquisition to design, development, production, distribution, sales, and marketing. Additionally, in my work as an author and editor, the program has given me an incredibly broad array of tools to utilize.  

Find Wes Bryant on his website, and LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Lois Jones Appointed as new Editor-in-Chief, GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing

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Lois Jones (pronouns: she/her) is Peer Review Director for the Journals Department at the American Psychological Association (APA), where she oversees the peer review strategy and operations for 90 journals. Lois is focused on ensuring a transparent and ethical peer review process for authors, while providing reviewers and editors with the exceptional support they need in the constantly changing landscape of scholarly publishing. She is a 2014 graduate of the MPS in Publishing from GWU, a 2017 Early Career Fellow for SSP, and a member of the inaugural editorial board for GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing. Lois will serve as Editor-in-Chief of the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, effective October 2022.

Lois Jones, MPS, New Editor-in-Chief, GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing

Congratulations on becoming Editor-in-Chief of the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing—and thank you! You’ve served for the past two years on the inaugural Editorial Board. How has serving on the board informed your plans and strategies as the new Editor-in-Chief for the journal?

Thank you! I’m very excited to continue with the journal in this new capacity. At this point, the plan is to build on what we have set up by iterating our process and increasing content. Starting a journal during the pandemic was challenging, but we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve gotten a lot of feedback from the student members about what they’d like to see next, which is another major priority. A huge part of this journal’s goal is to provide students with practical experience in editorial, peer review, publishing, and marketing.

I have three major areas of focus as I start my term: student experience, fine-tuning our existing process, and publishing more content.

While we were starting up, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief formed a series of student-led committees that formed the basis for different aspects of the journal: strategy and sustainability, marketing, editorial, and e-publishing. Those teams worked hard to get us where we are. They’ve recommended that all committees stay updated on what the other groups are working on. Early on, I think we didn’t want to burden everyone with too much information, so now we’ll work on finding a middle ground. We also want to figure out what worked best for students and increase opportunities for even more involvement.  

The second goal is to work on our process. I want to streamline our existing process and make sure that individually we’re all clear on what we’re doing in between meetings. This is a natural second step that comes after creating a new process but could be easily skipped. This is another great learning experience for students, so they get into the practice of reassessing workflows and documenting what they’ve created.

From the content standpoint, I want to start publishing more often, which is a typical goal of a newer journal, and ensure that we’re giving a platform for different ideas and career levels. I’m especially interested in ideas that push against the standard viewpoint or provide a deeper assessment of an existing issue. Fresh perspectives are incredibly important, which is another benefit of this being a student-led journal.

What have you appreciated of the impact of the journal for GW publishing students, in your interactions with them on the board, such as Aimar Galarza? What are some of your goals and expectations for students moving forward, as EIC?

I really appreciate their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives. During initial meetings, I would find that they’d question the basic assumptions of peer review and publishing, which made me reassess and either confirm or question my own approach. I’ve worked with a lot of newer graduates and early career professionals, and I find that their perspectives are a great way to never become complacent. Their ideas often push us forward in innovation and equity efforts. It’s hard to just accept things because “that’s how it’s always been” when you have smart people questioning you regularly.   

Aimar, Ashley Warren, and Gabrielle Bethancourt-Hughes were integral for keeping the core journal functions moving. Their persistent work was valuable in pushing the journal forward and communicating the ideas and decisions between teams.

There are, as you know, thousands upon thousands of journals—your organization, APA, has nearly one hundred journals—and there are also several well-respected scholarly journals covering the field of publishing. What do you see as the special role or niche of the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing?

I see this as a great fit for several types of articles. We’re focused on getting good ideas out there, even if they’re not the typical type of article you’d see in a journal. I want people to write articles even if it hadn’t occurred to them to write about publishing before. There are numerous topics that might not seem original or interesting, but that would be fascinating to read about. This is also a great destination for articles by newer career professionals, because we have students and experienced professionals focused on helping authors and reviewers learn the process.

What are some of the challenges—and opportunities—for a student-managed journal, to produce a professional quality scholarly publication? For example, in publishing graduate students’ capstone projects along with research written on ethics in publishing by other members of the publishing community.

One of the primary opportunities is that most of the people working on this journal are newer to the field. Their primary interest might not even be in scholarly publishing, so they aren’t necessarily focused on journals long-term. That can be a challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity to view a journal from an entirely fresh perspective. Similarly, with newer career people managing the journal, each new group of students are in the process of learning how to run and manage a journal. That could be a challenge, but like I said before, it’s also a fantastic pressure to continue reassessing the process as you go.

An original goal of the journal identified by the outgoing editor, Randy Townsend, was to ensure long-term quality. One of the committees he established was Strategy and Sustainability. That student-led committee is responsible for figuring out how to ensure that the quality of the journal remains high while also having groups of students come and go. As the journal progresses, we will continue to add to the resources to support continued student engagement.

In terms of producing high-quality content, we have a mix of both student and experienced reviewers assessing each article. The reviews are then assessed by a member of the editorial board for suitability within the journal. As with all peer reviewed content, this mixture of assessment allows for several unbiased approaches to the submissions. Once accepted, the article is then edited and prepared for publication by dedicated students.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned in your role at APA that will be helpful to you in leading the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing?

Things are always evolving. Within science, research keeps building on itself and correcting misconceptions. I find it useful to see some parts of publishing as a snapshot in time or a reality for some publishers but not all. The industry is ever-changing, so there will always be new facets to examine and discuss. Previous assumptions might not hold true within five years or even two.  

I’ve helped build different projects and launch many new services and processes, while also managing a range of personalities and skillsets. My goal is to continue forming a good process for students and authors, while encouraging both groups to think broadly.

You were a student in the MPS in Publishing program. What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

I’ve always been interested in publishing and a colleague at APA had graduated from the program. I began pursuing my degree prior to working publishing, so it was exciting to talk to others also interested in publishing. GW’s classes cover a wide range, including areas where I didn’t have as much interest or where I had no real skill, specifically design. Even those classes were useful in that they provided me with a foundational understanding of how complex the topic was and the basics.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program? And why should students consider volunteering to work on managing the journal?

Take broad classes that you wouldn’t normally gravitate toward. I’m weak when it comes to design, but I enjoyed the class. It was educational to spend time in a subject that I’m not as comfortable with. The program also gives you an idea of what part of the industry you’re most interested in pursuing and educates you on the challenges in the different aspects of publishing. Digital publishing has been a massive topic in publishing for over twenty years and the death of print has been a worry for years and years. Getting the long-term perspective from the class readings, discussions, and professors’ experience is invaluable when trying to understand the past and future of publishing.

Working with this journal is a great crash course in journal work, from peer review principles to editing and then actually releasing the content in the world. This is a wonderful hands-on method of seeing the ethical principles and general process in action.

What have you found to be the long-term value of the MPS in Publishing degree; how has it impacted your career at APA? 

I appreciated that it gave me a glimpse into all the areas of publishing. I took classes in marketing, copyright, editing, and journal management. I don’t use all of the skills daily, but the basis of understanding the different areas has helped me understand the different roles I interact with. Almost universally, graduates I’ve worked with have referred to the copyright class the most. It’s a sticky topic and I still refer to the texts we used.

Alumni Profile: Anna Miller, MPS 2022

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In our latest alumni profile, talented MPS in Publishing graduate Anna Miller shares her perspectives and insights on the GW Publishing program, its impact on her career, and her plans to launch her own publishing company. Anna is a project manager at Pubvendo.

What was the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program? What was the most rewarding?

The most challenging part of the program was also the most freeing part. In each class, we were able to choose our project topics. This enabled us to really dig into what topics were important to us. This both enabled us to grow as young professionals and challenged us to really figure out what our interests were and how we wanted to use our degree to pursue those interests.

What do you hope to do after graduating from the MPS in Publishing program?

My dream is to use my degree to create my own publishing company, and I am already in the process of doing so. The freedom that we were given in our assignments to pursue our passions has led to a great foundation for starting my own publishing house. I am very excited for where this journey will take me.

Anna Miller, MPS in Publishing,2022

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

I decided to pursue the MPS in publishing program because I have a love for books and a love for writing. This program seemed like the perfect opportunity to blend the two into a career that I would love and enjoy. Growing up, one of my biggest goals was to pick my career based on my passions and choosing the MPS in Publishing program was a step in that direction. I chose GW because I liked that it catered to working individuals. I really wanted to get professional experience after my undergraduate degree, but I also wanted to get my Masters. This program enabled me to do with, and to do both well. Additionally, this program is affordable, which not many programs can say!

My dream is to use my degree to create my own publishing company, and I am already in the process of doing so. The freedom that we were given in our assignments to pursue our passions has led to a great foundation for starting my own publishing house. I am very excited for where this journey will take me.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

This program is incredible and really allows you to grow into publishing in the way you imagine it for yourself. The classes provide the foundation and the knowledge, but the instructors allow you to incorporate your passions into your work. It is a lot of work, but it is extremely manageable even if you’re working full-time.

Who (or what course) has made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

This is a tough question. I gained so much from all of the courses. However, I have to say the Publishing Entrepreneurship course because it made me realize that I don’t have to wait twenty years to start my publishing house. I can start it now, even if it starts out small. It was so empowering hearing from all the various publishing entrepreneurs.

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

One of the biggest values the program afforded me was connections. I actually landed my job after I emailed a guest speaker at my Marketing class inquiring about a job. Additionally, I have a wide knowledge of the publishing industry now that I use in my job daily. It has granted me the confidence to speak up at work and share my ideas, because this is a field that I am both passionate about and knowledgeable in.

One of the biggest values the program afforded me was connections. I actually landed my job after I emailed a guest speaker at my Marketing class inquiring about a job. Additionally, I have a wide knowledge of the publishing industry now that I use in my job daily.

How are you using what you learned in your publishing courses in your day-to-day work at Pubvendo and in your career?

I work for a book marketing agency, so I use the strategies I learned in Book Marketing and Book Publicity and Promotion pretty much daily! It is so fun being able to share my knowledge to help my clients’ books be successful.

The publishing program is paramount in my decision to go ahead and start my publishing company, Personal Digest Publishing. It is still in the building stages, but it is in the works due to the inspiration and knowledge provided by the publishing program and my instructors.

Anna Miller is on Twitter at @annamiller369.

Alumni Profile: Dustin Sullivan

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Dustin Sullivan (MPS Publishing 2020) is the publisher at Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, where he oversees the book and journal publishing programs. Prior to Sigma he was a senior acquisitions editor with Pearson Education’s Professional Technical Group where he acquired books and developed online editorial plans. Here, he shares his insights as a MPS in Publishing student who came to the program, as others do, with more than a decade of professional publishing experience; why he chose GW’s MPS in Publishing program; and tips for a successful career in publishing.

What have you found to be the value of a master’s in publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

This program is very practical and provided almost immediate benefits for my current job. It has been helpful in three ways that come to mind: confirming my existing knowledge, teaching new skills, and expanding my horizons. Confirmation probably is the least important, but it’s been comforting learning that others have been doing some tasks the same way as me. And while it’s good to feel validated, thankfully I didn’t just spend two years rehashing what I already knew. I picked up lots of new skills that helped me immediately and will likely be beneficial as I look at new positions. I’ve learned a lot more about the industry itself—particularly areas I didn’t already have experience with like university presses—and I’ve met a lot of students and instructors who have become new friends and colleagues. Hopefully these new relationships will last far into the future as all our careers progress.

Many of our students have an average of five years or so in publishing industry, or work in related fields and hope to enter the publishing business, but each year we have a few students such as yourself with ten or twenty years of publishing experience. Your contributions help other students, and professors remark learning from you. How do you think your level of publishing experience leads to a different experience as a student? What would you say to students considering the program with a decade or more in the publishing business?

Unlike some inexperienced students who don’t know what they don’t know, I came into this program with a better sense of what I wanted to get out of it. I’ve worked on enough projects that I could breeze through some of the basics and skip to the juicy parts to help unlock something new. And I could ask my instructor pointed questions so together we could improve ideas even more.

At the same time, I tried to be open to learning from my classmates. Every class had someone who provided new insight and perspective, and I learned quite a bit from less-experienced classmates who could offer fresh takes or come at problems from new angles. I was lucky to have been surrounded by smart people, both classmates and instructors. They all challenged me, helped me learn, and made me a better publisher. It was worth the effort, and I’d encourage others in similar positions to take the plunge.

Dustin Sullivan, MPS 2020, Publisher, Sigma

This program is very practical and provided almost immediate benefits for my current job. It has been helpful in three ways that come to mind: confirming my existing knowledge, teaching new skills, and expanding my horizons.

Describe your career path so far. You have been at Sigma Theta Tau now for more than 8 years, as Publisher, and previously worked in Acquisitions for Pearson and Macmillan Computer Publishing.

My first gig in publishing was a freelance technical editor for a video game strategy guide publisher. Right out of college it was a pretty good way to make some extra money and see new games before they were released. I was also given the opportunity to write a book for AP Press about an upcoming version of Internet Explorer. I started writing with an alpha release and had to revise it many times as the software moved into beta and finally gold status. Learning how to write and revise rapidly would end up helping me with my next job.

I was then hired as an acquisitions editor at New Riders Publishing, an imprint of Macmillan Computer Publishing. New Riders was one of several MCP imprints, and they were fond of restructuring. Over the next few years I published books with the New Riders, Cisco Press, ExamCram, Que, and Sams imprints covering computer design and drafting, programing languages, operating systems, hardware, networking, and professional certification. The time I spent revising my own book when a new beta was released turned out to be great practice for managing authors and editors through the same process.

Pearson was making inroads into professional publishing in the late 90s, and they snapped up MCP as well as Addison Wesley and Prentice Hall. I moved from books to a new online division, InformIT.com, that became the online portal for all imprints in Pearson’s Professional Technical Group. As a senior AE I developed online editorial plans, acquired digital and online products, worked on digital product development, and helped promote and merchandise our print and digital titles.

Although I enjoyed what I was doing, eventually I decided I had stayed put for too long. A former co-worker told me about the open publisher position at Sigma in 2014, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been a great experience learning about the scholarly journal world, which was entirely new to me when I came here; getting to work on books again felt like coming home.

Thanks to this program, I’ve been able to apply some of my existing skills in new ways as well as add some new wrinkles to my publishing program at Sigma. Each class provided tips and techniques I used at Sigma right away…

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

I spent a long time at MCP and Pearson, and after I had a taste of what else was out there with my new job at Sigma, I decided I wanted more. I really enjoy what I’m doing with non-profit book and journal publishing, but I don’t necessarily want to spend the next 15 years doing the same things. I would like to go on some new adventures, learn some new skills, and take on some new challenges.

There aren’t a ton of graduate-level publishing programs out there, but I researched as many as I could find. Many seemed to focus on editing, but GW’s business track stood out since it covered exactly the type of skills I wanted to develop. Once I read the course descriptions, I knew I had found the right program.

Even with my growing excitement about the program, it was a daunting decision to commit to two years of time, effort, and expense. I went back and forth a lot, and I think I submitted my application on one of the last days before the deadline for cohort 14!

How does the MPS in Publishing degree inform your goals and perspectives as you continue to develop your career progression? 

The degree has given me the ability to look at the big picture more effectively. I feel more confident in my ability to see trends around me, determine how they will affect (or not affect) my publishing program, and make changes to adapt, adjust, and improve. I’ve also learned quite a bit about other parts of the publishing industry, and that new knowledge will help directly as I look to make future career moves.

How are you using what you learned in your publishing courses in your day-to-day work as a publisher of books and journals for nursing students and professionals?

Thanks to this program, I’ve been able to apply some of my existing skills in new ways as well as add some new wrinkles to my publishing program at Sigma. Each class provided tips and techniques I used at Sigma right away: a new tool to help prioritize upcoming books and more effectively allocate resources; new clauses for subrights contracts that will help ensure I get the best terms in foreign rights deals; strategies for expanding our publishing program outside the US; practical experience building complete book marketing plans; and even the ability to create some promotional materials in InDesign when our designers were swamped. Each course has also taught me how to look at my publishing program from new angles and more effectively assess our performance, and they’ve introduced me to new people, inside and outside of GW, to whom I’ve been able to reach out with questions or to create new partnerships.

What are the top 3-5 skills that have been helpful in your career? How transferable are they for different career paths?

  1. Be open to learning new things. Over the years I’ve had a hand in almost every aspect of publishing, from some “invisible” tasks to other more prominent roles within the publishing process. I’ve tried to be open to learning as much about publishing as possible, and ultimately this broad experience has served me well.
  2. Be flexible. Sometimes you’ll be asked to do things that don’t sound like much fun. Sometimes your company will restructure. Sometimes a book you really counted on will fall through. The more you’re able to roll with these punches, the longer you’ll be able to stick around.
  3. Be kind. Some tasks are zero sum, like competing with other publishers to sign a big author, but not all publishing is like that. Even in those win/lose situations, kindness is still a good strategy. People remember how you treat them, so lead with kindness and respect. You’ll find many people in this business will go out of their way to help you, even when you aren’t on the same team.
  4. Be connected. Publishing people will often be happy to give advice, help you out of a bind, or maybe even send a good lead your way. Networking and relationship-building aren’t new concepts, of course, but publishing folks are just good people to know and have on your side.

We can’t go back in time, but what would you tell your younger self, if you were able to, in terms of career advice or skills and strengths to develop?

I’d tell myself to not get too cozy in one job. There’s a lot to learn out there with new positions, new companies, and new challenges. Comfortable and familiar can be good, but they don’t often encourage personal or professional growth. Push yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time.

How do you think publishing professionals can plan a career path that is intentional, with well-defined goals and aspirations, yet still allowing for flexibility and serendipity?

Spend some time thinking about what inspires you as well as what you’re good at. Your chances of finding a position where your interests and abilities align increase when you’ve put some effort into determining both what’s important to you and what you have to offer others.

Make an effort to seek out as much industry knowledge as possible. Think micro: what you’re currently doing, how you can become better at it, and what your options are for advancement in your current role. Also think macro: what is out there in the larger publishing world, what is within your reach, and what will require some planning and effort to obtain.

Be pragmatic. 3- or 5-year plans are great, but don’t be afraid to move a little faster if the circumstances are right. And don’t get discouraged if things take a little longer than expected. Just keep actively trying to move forward.

And finally, don’t be afraid to fail. This holds true for individual projects (sometimes a book doesn’t pan out the way you want) and also career choices (you may end up in a role that’s not what you’d hoped for). Learn from these mistakes and understand they don’t define you. They can help you make better decisions going forward.

Have you had a mentor, either at work or elsewhere? What has been the role of mentorship in your career?

This business tends to be very collegial, and I’ve been helped by many people along the way. The publisher and associate publisher who hired me at New Riders for my first publishing job took a chance on me given my lack of acquisitions experience. They were very patient and gave me a tremendous publishing education over my first few years in the industry. Although their personal styles were different, their publishing sensibilities were very similar. I still look to their example as the type of publisher I’d like to be when I grow up.

Anything else that would be helpful for students, prospective students, or publishing alumni?

I’ll close by simply repeating my suggestions to be open to new experiences, be flexible, be kind, and keep in touch. There’s a lot we can accomplish by working together and lending a hand when needed.

Alumni Profile: Aimar Galarza, MPS 2022

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Aimar Galarza, originally from Villalba, Puerto Rico, is an outstanding graduate of the MPS in Publishing program, a talented writer and voice actress in both English and Spanish, and a book publicist at Pubvendo.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

My advice to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program would be to try attending most, if not all, the events that the program offers throughout the semesters, such as the Publishing CareerBuilder webinars. Also, try connecting through LinkedIn with all the guest speakers that you meet; this helps you open doors to many opportunities ahead.

One piece of advice: If you can come to GW in person, do so! It’s so rewarding to be able to engage in other GW communities and events in Foggy Bottom that you wouldn’t experience being online. I have made so many friends from different parts of the world, and I have also met fellow Latinos that I can relate with too! I’ve learned a lot from their different paths in life, and I was able to be part of lovely communities such as the GW Catholics community.

All in all, don’t be afraid of the unknown. You will never know which doors you might open.

What is the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program? What is the most rewarding?

I would say that the most challenging aspect of the MPS Publishing Program is knowing how to balance your time between full-time work and evening studies to be able to do your best in turning in projects of varying difficulties (depending on each course) every week.

The most rewarding aspect of the program is the fact that you have opportunities to network with guest speakers, classmates, and GW staff who are professionals in varying fields of the publishing industry or other types of industries. This gives you the opportunity to have a unique learning experience and opens doors to getting a job in the publishing industry.

Aimar Galarza, MPS in Publishing 2022

If you can come to GW in person, do so! It’s so rewarding to be able to engage in other GW communities and events in Foggy Bottom that you wouldn’t experience being online. I have made so many friends from different parts of the world, and I have also met fellow Latinos that I can relate with too!

What do you hope to do after graduating from the MPS in Publishing program?

Now that I have graduated from the program, I will be focusing on my job as a Book Publicist and continue learning as much as I can from the publishing industry through books, articles, and the experiences that my job provides me with. I’m excited to keep in contact with all the wonderful people that I have met throughout my GW journey, and I’m also excited to read lots of books and comics on my free time. Furthermore, I will have a wedding to plan; therefore, I’m looking forward to that next stage in my life!

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

There were various reasons that I decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree specifically in GW. One of the first reasons was the diversity of courses on the business side of publishing when comparing the curriculum to other publishing programs. I knew I liked the creative aspects of the design or the development of a story but learning about how the production side of things works, how to acquire books, and even learning about how copyright works really caught my attention. Due to the constant guidance from Director and Associate Professor John Warren in explaining how the program works, this became my second reason to attend the GW MPS in Publishing. He helped me through the transition of moving to DC with helpful information on both the program and the Virginia/DC areas, which I will forever be grateful for. The third reason was knowing that Washington, DC is a great hub for networking with professionals working in different career paths that you can learn from.

Who has made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

Everyone that I have met during the program were big inspirations to me, such as Nicole Mintz, classmates, and professors of each course. I have learned a lot from each and every one of them, and I will forever be grateful for the knowledge and support that they have offered.

[Program Director and Professor] John Warren has made a great impact on me during my time at GW. His dedication to what he does, his guidance, and his help throughout my GW journey as a student and professional has helped me get to where I am today.

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

The value of the MPS in Publishing degree—apart from the networking side of things—is that courses provide projects and tools that anyone can use in the present for careers in publishing, marketing, or just business in general. For example, I was able to use the Strategic Prioritization tool from the Marketing Strategies course in one of my job interviews.

Aimar Galarza, College of Professional Studies Commencement, 2022

How are you using what you learned in your publishing courses in your day-to-day work at Pubvendo?

As a Book Publicist at Pubvendo, I am using the general knowledge of how book publishers work in their field that I learned during the first courses in MPS, such as Book and Journal Publishing, E-Pub, and Business of Publishing. I have also applied knowledge learned from my Book Publicity and Promotion course for writing pitch letters and knowing how to reach out to a specific audience.

Also, as the Editorial Committee Lead and Board Representative in the GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, I have applied the knowledge of how to reach out to peer reviewers into my day-to-day job of reaching out to influencers or bloggers when marketing books. Every tool and piece of knowledge that the program offers are essential to succeeding as a professional.

Aimar Galarza on LinkedIn. Aimar’s Personal/Professional Website

Alumni Profile: Giuliana Macaluso, MPS 2022

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Giuliana Macaluso is an outstanding graduate of the MPS in Publishing program, College of Professional Studies, George Washington University, and recipient of the 2022 CPS Graduate Distinguished Scholar Award. In this Alumni Profile, we hear from Giuliana about the impact of the MPS in Publishing program on her career.

For me, the MPS in Publishing program was an exercise in understanding the phrase “There’s no time like the present.” As I considered applying for this program, I was concerned it “wasn’t the right time”—we were in the middle of the strictest period of lockdown, I was working full time, I had several personal responsibilities, etc. However, once I took the first step and applied for the program, I immediately felt more confident that there was never going to be an ideal time to pursue a graduate degree; I simply needed to take the plunge. Now, with the program completed, I am so glad and proud that I set aside my hesitations and my hope for “the perfect time”; this program has been a fantastic experience, and I recommend it highly regardless of career stage or level of experience.

Giuliana Macaluso, MPS in Publishing 2022 Graduate
Giuliana Macaluso, MPS

What is the most rewarding aspect of the MPS in Publishing program?

The most rewarding aspect of the MPS in Publishing program is the chance to network with both experienced and early-career publishing professionals. Many courses in the program include interviews and guest lectures by respected publishing professionals whose advice is instrumental in planning for and executing next steps in one’s career. In addition, the program offers opportunities to make valuable professional connections with classmates with a range of experiences and perspectives that enrich classroom interactions. As a graduating student, I look back fondly on the friendships I have made with my classmates during the two years of the program, and I look forward to seeing how my fellow cohort members make an impact on the publishing industry in the future.

What is the most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program?

The most challenging aspect of the MPS in Publishing program is choosing between the array of electives. This program offers a range of electives in editorial, business, technology, and more, and deciding which electives would be the most beneficial for one’s future career is difficult! George Washington University’s MPS in Publishing program offers advising services to help each student choose courses that best meet their professional goals, and I highly recommend taking advantage of these opportunities. I am pleased with my choices and feel that both the core classes and the electives I selected will be major assets as I progress in my career.

What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing degree? Why did you choose GW specifically?

I decided to pursue the MPS in Publishing program because I have always been interested in practical applications of language and communication, and I am especially interested in scholarly publishing. This program covers each of these aspects—and more. The very high caliber of the teaching faculty in this program is a major asset to the learning process, and each professor is an expert in their field.

The MPS in Publishing program at GW is also one of the only publishing graduate programs in the country, offering a unique, practical experience for aspiring and veteran publishing professionals alike. GW also offers the MPS online, which afforded me the flexibility I needed to complete the program while working full time.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students to the MPS in Publishing program?

This is a program that recognizes effort, and although it is designed to be flexible, students who gain the most from this program are those who put the most effort into their assignments and projects. I highly recommend engaging fully with the course material, including supplemental resources, lectures, and readings. You get out of the program what you put into it.

I’d also advise incoming students to meet with a GW student success coach early in the program to determine how to organize their schedule for the duration of the program. It’s important to decide early on when you hope to graduate so that you can plan your course schedule accordingly, and the GW advisory staff are a major resource for ensuring you are maximizing your time and keeping your target graduation date in mind from the get-go.

Who has made the biggest impact on you during your time at GW?

John Warren, the director of the MPS in Publishing program, has made the biggest impact on me during my time at GW. John consistently offers his individualized career advice and guidance to each student in the program and is consistently available for one-on-one meetings. John has a wealth of experience in a variety of publishing outlets and uses his experience to tailor his advice for each student’s aspirations. John has made it clear to graduating students that he will continue to be a mentor as we progress in our professional careers, and I value this continued willingness to support alumni.

To incoming students, I highly recommend meeting with John regularly as well as making opportunities to meet with your other professors, especially those whose career paths align with your interests and goals. The publishing industry is highly network driven, and your professors want to get to know you—don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and schedule a time to chat!

How are you using what you learned in your publishing courses in your day-to-day work?

The MPS in Publishing program has taught me invaluable skills in time management, which I apply daily in my professional career. Balancing a full-time career with part-time pursuit of a graduate degree is challenging, but my capacity for prioritizing and perseverance has been strengthened as a result.

What have you found to be the value of the MPS in Publishing degree, and how are you using what you learned, as a rising publishing professional? 

The MPS in Publishing degree taught me the value of a professional network. As I advanced through the program, I made every effort to meet individually with professors to learn more about their career paths. Because there are dozens of students in each cohort, it’s extremely beneficial to take (or make!) opportunities to meet with professors to gain advice to apply to your future. In addition, your fellow classmates also present a networking opportunity—get to know them!

Photo of Giuliana Macaluso, MPS, as she receives the CPS Graduate Distinguished Scholar Award from John W. Warren at CPS Commence
Giuliana Macaluso, MPS, Receives the CPS Graduate Distinguished Scholar Award, CPS Commencement 2022

Giuliana Macaluso on LinkedIn.

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