If you’ve got a job in publishing in 2014, you’re working longer hours than last year, and your paycheck isn’t growing very fast. But according to a recent industry survey, you’re probably smiling, all the same.
“The average number of hours worked per week rose last year to 47, up from 45 in 2012. Some of that extra work may be due to industry cutbacks: 23% said that their companies retrenched in 2013,” reports Andrew Albanese, Publishers Weekly senior writer. “But here’s a nice stat: low pay, long hours, little job security—it equals happiness. 85% of respondents reported being at least ‘somewhat satisfied’ with their current positions.”
Other results of the annual Publishers Weekly salary survey reveal more detail than ever about the men and women of the book business.
“For the first time this year, in addition to asking about jobs and salary, we asked about race,” Albanese tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally. “Of the 630 employees who identified their race, 89% are white; 3% Asian; and 3% Hispanic. Roughly 4% identified as ‘mixed’ or ‘other.’ Only one percent said they are African-American.”
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Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.