6 Books You Must Read If You Want To Work In Fashion Or Publishing
Hey everyone, I hope you're having a great week so far! I'm excited to be bringing you another career post: This one is about some of the books that I consider must-reads if you want to work in fashion, publishing, or some combination of the two. The topics of these non-fiction books range from e-commerce to print editorial to blogging and each book has its own unique way to telling a story. So, in no particular order, here are some of the books that will give you great insights into these industries.
1. #GIRLBOSS
by Sophia Amoruso
Founder of Nasty Gal
On the outside, #GIRLBOSS may seem like your classic rags-to-riches story, but once you dive into the soul of the book you uncover Amoruso’s true shining characteristics. She’s smart, intuitive, and even though she never pictured herself running a company, she rocked it anyway. Get ready to follow along her journey from dumpster-diving and eBaying to creating the Nasty Gal brand.
Get it here.
2. The Big Life
by Ann Shoket
Former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen
This book is half Ann Shoket memoir and half life advice from cool working women. In The Big Life, Shoket hosts dinners with “Badass Babes” as she calls them and asks them about work, life, family, and how the balance everything. Using real-world stories and weaving in some of her experiences being the Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen, Shoket demonstrates how to dream up that big life and how to go out and get it.
Get it here.
3. Man Repeller: Seeking Love Finding Overalls
by Leandra Medine
Founder of Man Repeller
Let me just start this by saying I just love Leandra Medine. Her voice is truly unique and she has given a sense of humor to the world of fashion and for that I am forever grateful. Here, we get a glimpse at her personal life and how Man Repeller came to exist amidst some bumpy romantic encounters and the inevitably awkward nature of getting older. Let the story of the Hermès bag live on forever.
Get it here.
4. If You Have To Cry Go Outside
by Kelly Cutrone
Founder of People's Revolution PR
Kelly Cutrone will not sugarcoat anything for you, nor should you want her to. In this aptly titled book, Cutrone dives into the not-so-nice parts of the fashion and public relations industries and gives survival tactics along the way. My favorite parts of this book is when she poetically describes finding her tribe, the group of people she relies on on a deep emotional level to keep her sane and take her one step closer to running the show.
Get it here.
5. Tales From The Back Row
by Amy Odell
Editor of Cosmopolitan.com
I read this the summer after interning for Cosmopolitan.com so it should go without saying that Amy Odell’s book was a highly anticipated one for me. From reading about her days as the OG blogger at New York Magazine’s The Cut to running the most-read website in the world, Odell gives an outsider’s perspective on one of the most exclusive industries in the world. #LameFlamingosUnite
Get it here.
6. Leave Your Mark
by Aliza Licht
Former SVP at Donna Karen New York
The best part about this book was learning that DKNY PR Girl was built on the concept of Gossip Girl! Licht demonstrates how she gave an insider perspective to lovers of Donna Karen's ready-to-wear brand, while also accumulating tons of followers. DKNY PR Girl would tweet out secret industry info that would never normally be shared with fans of the brand and made them feel like they were part of the process.
Get it here.
And there you have it! These books are all great in their own way and will surely provide some helpful insights to anyone who is interested in one day working in fashion or publishing.
What is your favorite book related to your field?
yours,
Austen