Editorial Assistant - DK Life

Are you passionate about book publishing and eager to start your editorial career in a creative environment? Do you have an interest in lifestyle subjects and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting?

The Life team specialises in books about all things lifestyle and health, including cooking, beverages, gardening, craft, fitness, and self-improvement. We collaborate with the industry's best photographers and illustrators and work with high-profile authors such as Mary Berry, Asma Khan, Julius Fiedler and Monty Don. It's a really exciting time to join our division, as we have recently launched the new imprint DK RED, which features author-led illustrated titles and narrative non-fiction books that help readers expand their minds and enhance their lives. 

We’re seeking someone who is eager to learn from the best, and keen to start their editorial career. This is an administrative role supporting the editorial team, and you will need to be adept at juggling competing tasks and deadlines, have a keen eye for detail, be skilled at problem-solving, and work quickly and efficiently. You should be agile and able to pivot quickly, take initiative and manage your own workload.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Proofreading and copyediting
• Assisting with the management of backlist and custom titles, including reprint and eBook administration
• Researching and preparing pitch documents
• Providing administrative and editorial support for the senior editorial team 

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Detail-focused, methodical, and highly organised
• Calm under pressure and able to multitask
• A confident communicator, whether on the phone, on screen, via email, or in person
• A team player who asks the right questions and wants to get involved
• Keen to understand efficient workflows and processes

Although this role is admin-based, you will have the opportunity to contribute to new ideas meetings and be part of an energetic, dynamic team. Working from the office a minimum 3 days a week, you’ll get the chance to start your career in publishing as an editorial assistant, learning from and collaborating with your colleagues.

If successful, you will join a team that supports your on-the-job learning, development, and wider training needs. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to step into the world of editorial and make a meaningful impact in the lifestyle and health book space.

To apply, please submit your most recent CV and cover letter by Monday 21st October 2024.

As part of your cover letter, please answer one or both of the following questions in 300 words or less:

• Which of your lifestyle interests and pastimes would make a good topic for a book, and why?
• Tell us about an existing title within DK Life that really inspires you.

Please note, we will only consider applications with their cover letter supplied.

Salary: £27,500, plus bonus and benefits. 

We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Volunteering policy and charity matching
• Employee assistance programme
• 60% discount on company books
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Flex fridays (1pm Finish*)
• Shopping discounts 
• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad

And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business

DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code.

DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.

DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office.

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 or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org

*Subject to certain criteria being met.

About our Company: 

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

We are the world's leading illustrated publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann, creating cutting-edge design and stunning visual books for the whole family. We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and bring people to books through their thirst for knowledge. With a global book loving community of over 800 colleagues in the UK, US, Germany, India, China, Spain and Australia, we produce books in over 100 countries and over 60 languages. Find out more on dk.com.