Editorial Assistant-Methuen Drama

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC is an entrepreneurial, independent, worldwide publisher listed on the London Stock Exchange with offices in London, Oxford, New York, Sydney and New Delhi. Over its 33-year history, Bloomsbury’s mission has been to publish works of excellence and originality.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within the editorial department of Methuen Drama, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. Play publishers for over 60 years, Methuen Drama is now the world’s largest performing arts publisher, publishing across print, e-editions and digital platforms around the world. With three distinct strands of publishing, this role is to work specifically on the play and play collection lists, which now incorporates the recently acquired Oberon Books.

The Editorial Assistant will learn firsthand about a broad range of activities across the publishing business, particularly in relation to Modern Plays as well as maintaining a successful backlist and progressive front list. They will also play an active role in Bloomsbury’s premiere digital product, Drama Online, working with editors to expand content and support the platform development.

Role includes

• Supporting the Senior Commissioning Editor and Commissioning Editors in achieving the agreed revenue and profitability targets for their list
• Managing and delivering the agreed handover targets for the list/editor
• Liaising with key stakeholders, both internal and external
• Supporting colleagues within own department
• Working with colleagues in Bloomsbury Digital Resources on Drama Online

Key Responsibilities

• Keeps the publishing programme on schedule through regular liaison with authors, and by maintaining and updating the frontlist plan for any given year.
• Prepares scripts for handover to production to agreed standards and on schedule.
• Sets up new titles on Biblio, and ensures that any changes to projects are updated promptly and in line with key dates.
• Commissions peer reviews for projects as requested by their manager; ensures these reviews are delivered in a timely way; records the progress of all projects under review.
• Prepares and sends out contracts for new projects; ensures signed contracts are returned in a timely way and liaises with the royalty team as appropriate.
• Puts together cover briefs, cover copy and briefs cover designs, where required.
• Processes contracts and addenda for Drama Online and other digital rights clearance.
• Works with editorial staff on Drama Online metadata and other related data tasks. 
• Supports editors in managing backlist, including monitoring stock levels, reprints and the Print on Demand scheme, as required.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to external and internal inquiries.
• Liaises closely with production and marketing to ensure they have the information they need, when they need it, in line with key dates.
• Responsible for the provision of basic reports and sales information.
• Completes pro forma and book orders.

Skills, knowledge, experience

• Exceptional organisational, time management and prioritisation skills
• Strong project management and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle competing priorities
• Flexibility; ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a good visual eye
• Ability to demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office

The role is a full-time permanent position, based at Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP. As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organization, Bloomsbury offers competitive benefits and generous staff discounts.

To apply, please email your CV, a covering letter detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role, and salary expectations to workwithus@bloomsbury.com. Please note in the subject line: ‘Editorial Assistant-Methuen Drama 0203’.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 2 March 2020

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 internships. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org