Publishing Assistant

Media24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publishing company in Pretoria seeks a well-organised and self-motivated Publishing Assistant to support its team in commissioning tertiary textbooks. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree in publishing or a related field, possesses excellent English communication skills, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment. The position offers a vibrant team atmosphere, competitive salary, and medical aid membership. Applications are due by 9 February 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Membership of the pension fund

Medical aid

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Pro-active with a can-do attitude and a desire to learn.
• Experience in a similar role will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist publishers with commissioning and publishing manuscripts.
• Conduct market research and prepare research reports.
• Compile materials for the marketing and sales departments.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal skills in English

Proficiency in MS Office

Excellent administrative, organisational and planning skills

Problem-solving and multitasking

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in publishing or relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT – ACADEMIC DIVISION

Van Schaik Publishers, a leading academic publisher and imprint of Jonathan Ball Publishers, has a vacancy for a well‑organised and self‑motivated Publishing Assistant to support the publishing team with their commissioning of tertiary textbooks across a variety of disciplines. The role is office‑based; Van Schaik Publishers is based in Pretoria.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess and prepare manuscripts (including plagiarism checks and handover documentation)
• Conduct market research and write up research reports for publishing projects
• Send manuscripts out for review according to strict deadlines
• Compile material for the marketing and sales departments
• Maintain the publishing department’s CRM database year‑round
• Assist with backlist and stock management
• Take care of general queries and administrative duties related to running the publishing division, including:
  • Contract preparation
  • Liaising and following up with authors, academics, booksellers, internal departments, etc.
  • Making appointments for the publishing team

The main purpose of the role is to assist the publishers with the commissioning and publishing of manuscripts. It is an excellent platform to launch a career in publishing.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree in publishing or another relevant tertiary qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English, and a good communicator. Good telephonic communication skills are essential.
• Pro‑active, with a well‑developed sense of accountability, as well as a can‑do attitude and a desire to learn and improve.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Excellent administrative, organisational and planning skills.
• Able to work accurately under deadline pressure.
• Adept in problem‑solving and multitasking.
• Able to work independently as well as in a team, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in such a role will be an advantage.

THE POSITION OFFERS

• The opportunity to be part of a dynamic team in a stimulating environment.
• A competitive salary.
• Membership of the pension fund and medical aid.

Applications can be sent via the following link: https://media24.simplify.hr/vacancy/wpsydf

Please include a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this position, along with your CV and details of at least three references.

Closing date for applications: 9 February 2026

Given the employment equity policy of Media24, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups. Van Schaik Publishers reserves the right not to fill this position at this time should a suitable candidate not be found.

Applicants who have not received a reply within two weeks of the closing date may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.