by Benjamin Konuch, Student Public Relations Writer
The editing and publishing industry is highly competitive, especially for recent college graduates. To secure a position in this industry often requires experience and connections with other professionals in the industry.
For two Cedarville University alumni, securing editing and publishing positions shortly after their graduation in 2024 was a testament to their hard work, dedication and the impact of Cedarville’s revised editing and publishing minor.
Emily Vest and Brianna De Man were among the first graduating class to have completed the revised editing and publishing minor. These revisions provided the students with a broader education for entry into the editing and publishing industry.
Students are given a window into the publishing world and practical experience in how editing works in a variety of publishing spaces and genres, from receiving a first manuscript to marketing new releases.
While Vest graduated with a bachelor of arts in English and De Man graduated with a bachelor of arts in professional writing and information design, both students were drawn to the editing and publishing minor to broaden their experiences and expertise.
As longtime friends, the Cedarville alumni both moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, after college to support one another as they entered the professional world. Vest began as an associate publicist with Baker Publishing, while De Man found a role as a content editor for Our Daily Bread Ministries.
“We’ve seen the first graduates with this revised minor curriculum have much more success landing roles in the fields they dream about most,” said Dr. Nick Carrington, professor of professional writing. “This minor prepares students with the skills needed to do their job well and understand the industry, but finding success often requires hard work and sacrifice, things Emily and Brianna were willing to do.”
When Vest and De Man started applying for jobs, the process was difficult and repetitive. While many employers expressed interest in the grads, the competitive nature of the industry took its toll.
“The job search feels like being in the trenches at times,” said De Man. “It can be discouraging filling out all the applications and sitting through interviews without results. You really have to keep trusting your ability and worth and that God will show you His path.”
When that search came to fruition, it ended in an unexpected turn. Vest, who originally applied for an entry-level position with Bethany House, was rejected because she was more qualified for a higher-ranking role they offered instead.
“The editing and publishing minor helped give me a good look into the industry as a whole,” said Vest. “You learn a lot about how the publishing world operates as a whole, even down to the differences between publishing houses and even self-publishing. Bethany House really valued that along with my practical experiences at Cedarville.”
Only a few short weeks after Vest accepted the Bethany House offer, De Man experienced almost the exact same response at Our Daily Bread. The breadth of her accomplishments and education was recognized by Our Daily Bread’s leaders.
“The job that I was offered usually requires years of experience within the editing industry as well as a master’s in theology,” said De Man. “Because the demands of this position required accuracy and writing devotional content, the Bible minor and editing and publishing minors I received at Cedarville actually elevated my application to a level I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to reach.”
The revised editing and publishing minor provides students like Vest and De Man a gateway into the world of publishing. While this gateway doesn’t ensure automatic success, it provides students with the skills, knowledge and adaptability to comfortably approach the editing and publishing industry.
Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.