Editorial Assistant

Hachette UK Limited; Camden Town; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publishing company in Camden Town is looking for a Publication Assistant to manage the copy-editing, proof-reading, and other aspects of the publication process. The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. You will collaborate with authors and literary agents, making this a dynamic and integral part of the team. A range of benefits includes private medical insurance and generous leave policies.

Benefits

28 annual leave days

Private medical insurance

Dental insurance

Generous pension schemes

Cycle to Work scheme

Wide-ranging training library

Qualifications

• Interest in current affairs, politics, history, and personal development.
• High level of organization and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage conflicting deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in publication processes including copy-editing and proof-reading.
• Liaise directly with authors and literary agents.
• Contribute to marketing and publicity plans.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Strong communication

Enthusiasm

Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams

Job description

Role Overview

Reporting to the Publisher and Editorial Director, you will be assisting the Headline Press team in all aspects of the publication process – from managing the copy‑editing, proof‑reading and collating of proofs to maintaining the schedule. A flexible attitude and good time‑management skills are essential, as is the ability to prioritise under pressure. Your day will involve lots of detail‑oriented work, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to develop and stretch your commercial and creative muscles. You'll liaise directly with authors and literary agents, read submissions, attend author events, and get stuck into manuscripts and copywriting. This is a collaborative role that sees you working closely with staff in all other departments, contributing to marketing and publicity plans and maintaining our social media presence, so you will need to be an outstanding communicator and enthusiastic team player. The role is busy, demanding and a chance to be an integral part of a close‑knit team at an exciting new imprint.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• You'll be interested in the world around you – from politics and current affairs to history, popular science, memoir and personal development – with your finger on the pulse of the latest trends.
• Your attention to detail will be meticulous.
• You'll be highly organised and good at time management, with the ability to prioritise a high workload, manage conflicting deadlines and keep a cool head under pressure.
• You'll be a good communicator, confident in chasing other departments, freelancers and authors as necessary.
• You'll be motivated and enthusiastic, with a 'can‑do' attitude.
• You’ll know your way around Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.

Launched in May 2024, Headline Press is home to thought‑provoking books that challenge and inspire. Cementing Headline’s rapidly growing reputation for serious non‑fiction with broad commercial appeal, the list focuses on politics and current affairs, history, smart thinking, personal development, popular science and memoir. Our mission is to publish authentic, accessible and authoritative voices, aimed at the widest possible audience.

Headline is a division of Hachette, one of the largest and most diverse publishers in the world. The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org.

Benefits

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years’ service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years’ (+ bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous pension schemes
• Rent deposit loans
• 2 community days per year
• Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
• Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Wide‑ranging training library
• Development programmes (including mentoring)
• Up to 70% off book purchases
• A charity bookshelf
• 12 staff‑led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
• Season ticket loans
• And much more!

The role will be based at our London office, with a blend of in‑office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week. Our commitment is to employ people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a broad range of backgrounds. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.