Assistant Editor, Editorial

Bloomsbury are proud to publish the most ground-breaking authors across genre fiction: authors who haven’t just defined modern fantasy – they’ve redefined it.

In 2025 Bloomsbury is launching a new, dedicated Science Fiction and Fantasy list. The new imprint will build a space within SFF that is inclusive, quality, fun, magic – across heartland fantasy, romantic fantasy, retellings, high concept speculative fiction, sci-fi and horror. We are dedicated to breaking out debuts and building lasting careers, both within genre readerships and beyond. The imprint will feature legends, including Alan Moore and Samantha Shannon, alongside a raft of brilliant new talent. We’re looking to have a new Assistant Editor join.

The role

The new starter would be an integral part of the new speculative fiction imprint, working closely with the Publishing Director and learning from the experience of wider a team – with tasks ranging from general administrative support through to assistance with acquisitions process and publishing.

As Assistant Editor, they will play a key role in the team, assisting the Publishing Director across administrative and editorial tasks, and engaging in shadowing/training in acquisition and submissions process through to publication.

You will have an awareness of the zeitgeist, be commercially savvy, with a good knowledge of the science fiction and fantasy market, and a passion to learn more.

This is an exciting role for someone who loves SFF and is keen to learn more about how to publish successfully and work with authors in this space.

Key tasks will include:

• Project-managing new titles through all aspects of the editorial process, from point of commission to finished book, including metadata, cover briefs and more
• Checking proofs and PDF files to support editorial workflow.
• Consolidate editorial experience and understanding of the publishing process.
• Liaising with matrix of departments including Sales, Marketing, Publicity and Managing Editorial Team
• Support with reading and market positioning. When requested, giving editorial feedback on submissions.
• Maintaining systems and databases, e.g. Biblio, CRFs, preliminary costings and updating metadata.
• Assorted writing tasks with support - e.g. marketing copy, straplines, advance information sheets, cover copy
• Shadowing on and support for Publishing director for pitches and auctions as well as editing
• Supporting the Publishing Director in briefing artworks including maps, illustrations, covers and special editions
• Supporting Editors and Designers in maintaining existing author, illustrator and agent relations: liaising with authors over the progress of the book through production, copy approval and day-to-day editorial matters
• Collaborating with the Editorial Assistant when necessary in supporting the whole team

Experience Required

• Demonstrable market knowledge of SFF market and trends
• Experience in publishing, working at editorial assistant level or above desirable
• Experience working on SFF desirable
• Some knowledge of publishing processes

Skills required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Takes initiative and ownership, driving completion of workload
• Problem-solving approach
• Quick-thinking
• Creative
• Extremely organised
• Interpersonal, relationship-building and diplomacy skills
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Quick reader

Additional information

The role is a full-time and permanent position

Salary Pay Range: £28,000 – 30,300

The role is based at our London office 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP on a hybrid-working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred).  Allocated office days for this role are: Monday and Tuesday

As an Assistant role, this position is eligible for Bloomsbury’s Rental Deposit Loan Scheme. To assist candidates who want to start and to establish a career in publishing, Bloomsbury offers an interest-free rental deposit to support securing somewhere to live. The rental deposit loan can be up to £3,000 and will be paid back over 2 years.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter addressed to Human Resources (Word or PDF format only) via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role by 23rd May 2024.

For best results, please use a desktop to apply as some mobile browsers may not fully support the application portal.

Bloomsbury reserve the right to close the role early if we exceed the required number of applications

Bloomsbury Benefits

As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:

Working Pattern

• hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)

Holidays

• 25 days holiday
• 3.5 days Christmas company holiday

Other Benefits

• Two paid Personal Wellness Days
• Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 30 minutes earlier in the week
• Season Ticket Loan
• Share Save Scheme
• AXA Healthcare Plan (Private Medical Insurance)
• In-house Doctor
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme

Company culture – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom (BAME), Accessibility, Mental Health, Pride, and Parents, Guardians and Carers, Multi-Faith) and 21 Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources

For additional benefits see below

Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK – Bloomsbury Publishing do not sponsor visa applications

The Book Trade Charity provide financial assistance for people looking to get into the publishing industry; you can find more information and talk directly here: http://booktradeentrysupport.org

The Company

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Bloomsbury Publishing is a leading independent publishing house, established in 1986, with authors who have won the Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker Prizes, and is the originating publisher and custodian of the Harry Potter series. Bloomsbury has offices in London, New York, New Delhi, Oxford and Sydney. Within Bloomsbury’s Academic division, it publishes under Bloomsbury, as well as under a number of prestigious and historic imprint names. Read Our Story for how it all began. 

 Bloomsbury is committed to creating a working environment that stimulates creativity and collaboration, is respectful of difference, is inclusive and ethical in its practice, and promotes well-being. We are determined to nurture and develop our employees to reach their highest potential, and we know that our success is down to the passion, commitment and hard work of our talented people. We recognise the urgent need to attract and support applicants from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, allowing diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society.

Please read more on our Missions and Values here.

Please read our environmental policy here.