Designer and Production Editor: Nick Hern Books
The UK’s leading independent publisher of plays and theatre books is seeking a Designer and Production Editor to join its exciting, fast-moving production department.
Nick Hern Books is the UK’s leading independent publisher of plays and theatre books. Founded in 1988, we've been fully independent since 1993, and now publish up to 100 new titles every year in print, ebook and occasionally audiobook format.
We work regularly with the UK's largest and most prestigious venues and producers, and are home to some of the most exciting writers and theatre-makers working today – recent NHB authors include Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Caryl Churchill, Peter Brook, Andy Nyman, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Ella Hickson and Jack Thorne.
Job Description
You will be instrumental in the design and production of all new titles, overseeing and managing projects across all areas of our publishing programme.
Working closely with the editorial team – including Commissioning and Consultant Editors, a Publishing Assistant, and part-time Production and Digital Editors – you will be involved in areas including, but not limited to:
- Designing covers, typesetting new titles, and preparing files for print
- Proofreading and copyediting
- Other various editorial and production tasks, including researching, copy and blurb writing, preparing reprints and stock management
- Designing marketing material, including brochures, advertisements and POS material
- Liaising with authors, suppliers, freelancers, printers and customers to ensure that tight deadlines are met
- Overseeing print and production of titles to ensure the highest quality
- Coordinating with all members of the team and involvement in other aspects of the company’s activities
Person Specification
We use Apple Mac hardware and associated software, but experience on other systems is equally valid. Typesetting and design experience (using QuarkXpress, InDesign and Photoshop) is essential.
In addition, you must have:
- Outstanding written and communication skills
- Experience of proofreading and editorial work
- The ability to prioritise a busy workload and work under pressure
- Excellent attention to detail
- A good eye for layout and design
It is desirable that you have a strong interest in and knowledge about the theatre. You’ll need to be punctual and organised, with excellent interpersonal skills.
About Nick Hern Books
Nick Hern Books is the UK’s leading independent publisher of plays and theatre books. Founded in 1988, we've been fully independent since 1993, and now publish up to 100 new titles every year in print, ebook and occasionally audiobook format.
We work regularly with the UK's largest and most prestigious venues and producers, and are home to some of the most exciting writers and theatre-makers working today – recent NHB authors include Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Caryl Churchill, Peter Brook, Andy Nyman, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Ella Hickson and Jack Thorne.
More information can be read at www.nickhernbooks.co.uk
Terms and Conditions
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience.
Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm, five days a week.
Holidays: 25 days per year plus bank holidays.
Benefits: Pension with 10% employer contribution; theatre tickets and other relevant expenses.
Start date: By mutual consent, ideally by 2nd January 2020 at the latest.
Contract: Two years, renewable by mutual consent, with a three-month trial period.
Notice period: Two months.
Place of work: An open-plan, friendly office on the ground floor of a small office block set back off the Goldhawk Road near Shepherd’s Bush Green and the Bush Theatre. One minute from Goldhawk Road Underground station (Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line), eight from Shepherd’s Bush (Central and Overground Lines).
Application: Please send a CV (not more than two pages), a PDF portfolio with examples of your cover design/typesetting work (not more than ten pages), and a letter about yourself and your suitability for this role (not more than one page), including details of your current salary, by email to jobs@nickhernbooks.co.uk or by post to Nick Hern Books, The Glasshouse, 49a Goldhawk Road, London W12 8QP. (Overlength applications may be disqualified.)
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 9th October 2019, with interviews due to take place during the week commencing Monday 21st October.