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Specialization: launching literary giants The oldest independent publishing company in America, New York-based John Wiley & Sons, published the works of writers who would go on to become literary giants. Since then it has moved on to become a giant publisher in its own right, specializing in science and technology. It targets three three areas: professional and consumer books; textbooks and educational materials, and scientific, technical, and medical publications. The latter accounts for roughly half of the publisher's sales. History Charles Wiley started off with a small printing shop in Manhattan's West Village in 1806. In 1814, he became a publisher, and by 1819, was publishing the works of the city's literary jet set, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Washington Irving. The company gained much notoriety because many of the writers it published were known to congregate in the store's back room, known as "The Den." Riley's son John took over the business in 1826, and George Palmer Putnam became a junior partner of the company ten years later. Putnam left the company in 1851, and Wiley began publishing books in architecture, agriculture, and rural affairs. By 1875, both of Wiley's sons had joined up, and the company name was included to reflect their contributions. Five years later, the publisher shifted its focus from general interest books to science and technology. The company went public in 1962, and within four years, the company had expanded into Europe, Mexico, South America, Australia, and Japan. Hey, big spender In 1989, to strengthen its position in science publishing, the company purchased Alan R. Liss, Inc., which specializes in life science books and journals. In 1991, Wiley strengthened its standing in law publishing with a number of acquisitions, including the law publications division of Professional Education Systems Inc., and London-based Chancery Law Publishing Ltd. In the past eight years, the publisher has branched out into software, multimedia, and Internet businesses, largely through acquisition. It has also formed strategic alliances with a wide variety of companies, including The Gallup Organization, Internet publisher Mecklermedia, and the publishers of Upside magazine, Forbes, and Adweek Magazines Group. New avenues In 1996, the company acquired a 90% stake in VCH Publishing Group, a German company specializing in scientific and technical journals. The following year, the company launched Wiley InterScience, an online service that provides access to nearly 400 of the company's scientific, technical, medical, and professional journals. President/CEO William J. Pesce took his post in January 1998. That was the year of co-development deals: Wiley signed deals for the development of various types of interactive educational software with companies including Zoologic Inc., Question Mark Corporation, AccountingNet.com, and SAS Institute Inc. Wiley also began publishing the Ernst & Young Tax Guide on America Online and the Journal of Image Guided Surgery on the World Wide Web. In 1999, the company introduced a commercial, subscription-based version of Wiley InterScience, and agreed to a joint agreement with Intel for the publication of a series of books for high tech industry professionals including computer system designers, system managers, and integrators. The books will be marketed under the name Intel University Press. In October 1999, Wiley added to its accounting titles with the purchase of the J.K. Lasser tax and financial guide series from IDG Books Worldwide. Rumors also abound that Wiley is looking to move its headquarters from New York, with Baltimore reportedly a front runner.
Wiley looks for responsible, energetic individuals with an interest in publishing. Most of its entry-level hires are recent grads, but if you're looking to change industries, don't rule it out. The company does look to hire candidates with office experience, either through a previous job or an internship. Look for job information under the "About Wiley" section of Wiley's Web site for job descriptions and qualifications. Post, fax, or e-mail resumes to the addresses listed on the Web site.
If you're hoping to dive into the competitive publishing industry, employees say Wiley is a great starting block. Says one source, "Wiley not only allows employees to move around within the organization, it encourages them. This is great if you're just starting out and you don't know exactly what you want to do in publishing." Furthermore, in terms of career advancement, "the company's review process allows you to really assess where you are and where you're going." Insiders describe their workmates as "friendly," "hardworking," "creative," and "bright." One contact points to Wiley's "great mix of ages, talents, education, and ethnic origins." "Employees often socialize after work, and many participate in the "Wiley Coyotes," the company softball team," reveals a source. Insiders praise their employer for "competitive" salaries, reasonable 8:30 to 4:30 working hours, and a "choice" midtown Manhattan location. Dress is casual on Fridays, though suits are the rule when dealing with clients. Benefits include a choice of five medical options, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement "for courses related to your job."
Human Resources
Educational textbooks and instructional materials;Professional books; Scientific, technical, and medical products;Trade books
Houghton Mifflin More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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