This book investigates the structural landscape of the publishing industry to determine how aspiring professionals can identify and secure viable career paths. Leonard Mogel, an industry veteran with extensive experience in magazine and book publishing, utilizes his professional history to outline the various departments and roles within the field. He provides a framework for understanding the operational requirements of publishing houses, from editorial and production to marketing and sales. The text serves as a practical manual for navigating the entry-level requirements and long-term expectations of the trade.

Industry professionals often cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the traditional corporate structure of publishing houses. Readers frequently note that while the specific technological tools mentioned are dated, the core organizational insights remain relevant for those seeking to understand the industry's historical business model.