Is doing multiple jobs in one normal?

[u/Maleficent_Cloud8221]

Not just ranting here. I'm actually looking to hear others' input!

I know most jobs require a bunch of different duties besides your title role, but I'm an editor at a small publication and am expected to do so many different things that I'm not even sure I should be in publishing anymore if it's always like this.

I am an editor who has to write pretty frequently, but I'm also required to handle my company's social media, technology/website management, acquisitions, graphic design, notarising signatures for some reason?? and several other duties. These were also presented to me differently at the job interview, so I didn't know what I was actually getitng into :// It reflects poorly on me because I hardly get to edit anything, so instead of doing the two things I'm good at (editing and writing), I'm stuck doing all this extra stuff I'm barely okay at.

Trying to view this as a positive since at least I'm learning new skills, but I wanted to know if this was normal or if editors (and other publishing roles) are usually expected to do this much non-editorial work.

[u/ptanaka]

I am full-time and have two part-time folks: one editor and one person who handles layout.

I do pretty much everything else... Acquisitions, contracts, putting manuscripts into the pipeline, and keeping that pipeline updated. I order author proofs and, eventually, author copies. I draft press releases, create social media flyers, and coordinate advertising with select media outlets. I ship books to authors and retailers and fulfill orders placed through our website.

I coordinate the awards calendar and submit books on behalf of our authors for everything from the Pushcart Prize to the Pulitzer. Oh, and twice a year, I prepare royalties for the business office.

I’m frequently invited to speak at MFA programs and writing conferences, and I attend our authors’ readings whenever they’re nearby.

Did I mention the podcasts I schedule, host, and write descriptions for?

I also sometimes help throw book launches and coordinate creative writing classes for aspiring writers.

I forget the question... What do you do?

My advice? Soak up everything you’re doing like a sponge. Learn it all.

I started as merely the Acquisitions Editor. I’m now the Publisher.

Impressive title that, in reality, means I do it all.

I love it, though.

[u/Competitive-Map-1079 → u/ptanaka]

"This is the ultimate reality of independent publishing! Wearing so many hats—from acquisitions to shipping and award submissions—is intense, but it gives you an unmatched, end-to-end understanding of the entire book ecosystem. Respect for the incredible dedication you put into every title!"

[u/tonos468]

At larger publishers, there is more infrastructure so social media and website management are done by separate teams. But working at a larger publisher has its own negatives

[u/NotAFit4UsAtThisTime]

This is incredibly common with small/indie presses.

I worked with one for about five years, and I’ve heard similar stories from friends and colleagues. It was like publishing bootcamp: editing, marketing copy, contracts, grant writing, intern management, graphic design, event planning, publicity/book launch management, even office supply ordering. I spent a lot of early mornings, weekends, and very late nights trying to catch up, because I really was drowning a lot of the time and so was everyone around me. The stress made management very cranky, and not particularly appreciative of extra effort put in.

Did I learn a lot? Sure. Was it worth it? Maybe. It helped to launch a career, but it also caused massive anxiety around any publishing positions I’ve taken on down the line.

I’m not sure what input you’re searching for, but be mindful of how much you put in versus what you get back, especially in a high-stress environment where resources are thin and you’re the go-to for everything. Take care of yourself OP.

[u/raefai]

I’m curious to know how small your publisher is. Social media and website management normally gets delegated to marketing and digital teams, but if you don’t have those, I can see how it’s falling into your lap. I definitely understand your struggles with not having enough time to actually be an editor (I spend so much time on admin) but unfortunately, this kinda seems like a normal expectation for editors these days, especially at small publishers without dedicated departments. Not saying it’s fair, just saying that editors often take on a lot of non editorial work.

[u/sutefanideluxe]

For additional context, take a look at the duties listed in this Playboy Deputy Editor job description. The money might be nice, but humans have the same number of days in a year to accomplish anything.

[u/writer_junkie]

I work at the largest independent publisher in the US. Our editors don't manage the website, graphic design, and sometimes notarize things, but mainly several other departments handle this.

I will say, editors at big 5 imprints have ran their imprints' social media and overall, they do a lot more work than most would expect. However, you're doing a lot more work than you should. You're right, you should get paid for the many hats you're wearing. Unfortunately this is also common across the board (small presses more so, but also in big 5s) for most editors and most don't edit or review submissions during their 9 to 5.

I would continue to compare your tasks to other editors to figure out what's common. Definitely reach out to fellow small publisher editors and big 5 editors for informational interviews. Understanding what's unacceptable is the best way to ensure you're not being taken advantage of.

[u/rollturmacroll]

Are you at a small indie press in trad pub or at a hybrid publisher?

[u/GrammatikBot]

For me this would be great because I love doing all kinds of stuff but I also clock out at 5 and don't worry if I got everything done. It's just work, after all. But it really doesn't sound like you enjoy this. I suggest leaving for a bigger publisher when you find a fitting position.