Jacaranda Books: Production Assistant

BookBrunch Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent publishing company is seeking a Production Assistant to work closely with the Production Director in central London. The role involves managing production processes, collaborating with the editorial team, and maintaining databases. Candidates should have a diploma, exceptional English proofreading skills, and familiarity with Adobe software. Induction and full training will be provided. To apply, send your CV to the specified email with the subject 'Production Assistant'.

Qualifications

• Exceptional knowledge of the English language and ability to proofread.
• Familiarity with Adobe tools and Microsoft software.
• Previous knowledge of the publishing industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with production agencies and oversee the production process.
• Craft cover briefs and maintain databases for designers and illustrators.
• Ensure deadlines are communicated effectively across departments.

Skills

Proofreading expertise

Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop

Familiarity with Adobe InDesign

Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator

Knowledge of HTML and CSS

Knowledge of Microsoft Word

Knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Understanding of publishing processes

Education

Diploma or undergraduate degree

Job description

Start date: January 2026; permanent, full time, two days a week in central London office

We are seeking a Production Assistant to work closely with the Production director. The Production Assistant will be involved in the publishing process from signing an author to sending a book to print. They will be expected to attend weekly production meetings and to contribute to group discussions on book design and book content.

The right candidate will have the following qualities

• a diploma or undergraduate degree
• exceptional knowledge of the English language and ability to proofread
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
• familiarity with Microsoft Word, especially track changes, and some knowledge of Excel
• previous knowledge of the publishing industry is preferred, ideally with experience working within an editorial team; books, print, periodicals
• basic knowledge of CSS and HTML is encouraged.

Responsibilities include

• working closely with the editorial team to craft the cover briefs and bring them to the Publishing Director (PD) for approval.
• managing the relationship with production agency Silicon Chips (sc) or any other entity including but not limited to supplying files, proofreading and checking typesets and epub files, as well as making any required in-house amendments to the files received
• crafting jacket files based on artwork supplied and compliant with the requirements of the printers
• preparing secondary formats of each book where required, amending interior and exterior files
• obtaining and maintaining licensing for cover art and any interior art required
• maintaining designer and illustrator databases, as well as supporting the Publishing director in finalising covers for new and b-format releases.
• be responsible for familiarising themselves with current trends in book design and assisting the publishing director in how to innovate and improve on these trends.
• be responsible for managing the production schedule and communicating key deadlines to other departments in the business as well as external
• uploading epub titles to Bookwire
• requesting print estimates from print suppliers including CPI, comparing quotes and recommending the best option
• checking proofs for approval from the printers
• stock management and reprint coordination of backlist titles
• assigning ISBNs and Barcodes to new acquisitions
• Assisting the PD in maintaining the data sheets for the production department.

The Production Assistant will also occasionally assist with the production of promotional materials for the marketing team, and work with them to ensure that what goes out is consistent with Jacaranda’s design language.

Induction and Full training will be offered to the right candidate.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to [e-mail] with the title Production Assistant in the email subject line.