Editorial Assistant/ Assistant Editor, Flying Eye Books

Who we are and what we do:

Flying Eye Books is an innovative, award-winning, independent publisher of children’s illustrated books based in East London. We publish a wide range of illustrated titles spanning non-fiction, gift, graphic novels, fiction and picture books from a diverse and global base of authors and artists. We have always sought to make great design, ground-breaking art, and storytelling central to all our books and place a great emphasis on high production values aligned with environmental consciousness.

Who we’re looking for:

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and organised Editorial Assistant or Assistant Editor (role dependent on experience) to join our creative editorial department. You may be a current publishing professional looking to move into an editorial role or a newcomer to the industry who is looking for their first position. Importantly you will be able to demonstrate a proactive passion for children’s illustrated books. The successful candidate will learn a wide range of editorial skills, working within a small, busy team of editors and reporting to the Publisher.

Key duties:

• Inputting and updating title information to Biblio, our publishing management system.
• Proofreading and checking layouts and advance printed copies.
• Writing sales copy for book titles.
• Liaising with other in-house teams, such as rights, sales and marketing, to make sure sales and rights materials are up to date and circulated.
• Evaluating manuscripts and book proposals and writing reader’s reports.
• Manage reprints and paperbacks of titles.
• Providing general administrative support and assisting in the smooth running of the department.

Key skills and requirements:

• Excellent spelling and grammar skills, plus a strong visual sense.
• A strong team player with good communication skills.
• The ability to take the initiative and prioritise your workload.
• A proven interest in illustrated books.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Basic design skills using InDesign is desirable but not essential.

As your expertise develops, the role will involve:

• Assessing submissions and making recommendations on their publication to senior editorial staff.
• Using your own specialist knowledge to contribute ideas.
• Sourcing freelancers or other authors to produce new materials.
• Taking on book projects independently, managing your own schedule and deadlines.

This is a permanent, full-time position. Our offices are based in Hackney, London, with a hybrid working arrangement.

Competitive salary dependent on experience in range of £25,000 – £28,000

We want to develop and attract talent as broad as the readers we reach with our books and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We employ people based on their abilities, regardless of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic background.

To apply please email your CV, accompanied by a covering letter telling us why you’d be perfect for the role, including no more than 100 words on your favourite Flying Eye book to Hbirkinshaw@flyingeyebooks.com with the subject line ‘Editorial Assistant/Assistant Editor’.

Deadline: Friday 3rd November