Editorial Assistant (History), Bloomsbury Academic Division
The Opportunity
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc is a leading international publisher with strengths in trade, children’s, professional and academic publishing. We are currently looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking Editorial Assistant to provide administrative and organisational support within our Academic Division. The Editorial Assistant will work on the History list, working with other members of the Humanities and Social Sciences team. This is an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand about a broad range of activities across the publishing business and develop the key skills required for a career in publishing. The successful candidate will join a friendly team based in our central London offices.
The Role
To assist the Senior Commissioning Editor for History in the effective management of print and electronic products throughout the publication process. This includes liaising with authors to ensure manuscripts are delivered on time, preparing manuscripts for production, sending proposals and draft manuscripts for review, managing backlist titles, and other administrative duties.
Working with Authors
- Maintaining close contact with authors to ensure timely delivery of manuscripts
- Acting as the main point of contact for author queries, resolving issues as needed
- Preparing and organising author contracts
Production, Permissions and Reviews
- Preparing and briefing manuscripts for production
- Clearing third-party permissions
- Sending book proposals and draft manuscripts for review
Writing Copy and Briefing Covers
- Writing and editing marketing and back cover copy
- Briefing cover designs
Administration and Market Research
- Creating and maintaining accurate title records on internal Bloomsbury databases, including Biblio3
- Supporting editors in managing backlist titles
- Assisting with the development of new book projects by conducting market research
Collaboration and Representation
- Working closely with all members of the History team
- Liaising with other members of the Humanities and Social Sciences team as well as colleagues from other departments such as production, design, marketing and sales
Knowledge, Skills and Experiences
Organisational Skills
- Exceptional organisational, time management and prioritisation skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and handle competing priorities
Communication Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Good attention to detail
Problem-Solving Skills and Commitment
- Proactive, happy to take the initiative
- Ability to work independently
- Confident, enthusiastic, hard-working, committed
- Team player
Processes and Systems
- Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and processes quickly
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Industry Knowledge and Experience
- Committed to a career in academic publishing
- Some commercial awareness and understanding of the publishing industry desirable
- Some prior publishing experience an advantage
This role is based at Bloomsbury’s London office, 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP.
To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to workwithus@bloomsbury.com. The covering letter should include evidence of how you meet the requirements outlined in the ‘skills, knowledge and experience’ above and your salary expectations.
Please note in the subject line of your email: Editorial Assistant, History BS2208
The closing date for this role is 22.08.2018.