Editorial Assistant

Simon & Schuster UK is one of the leading general book publishing companies in the UK and was named Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2022 and 2023. They also won Children’s Publisher of the Year in 2023. Based in London with sister companies in the United States, Canada, Australia and India, the UK division has four imprints: Gallery, Scribner, Simon & Schuster; and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, which publish a wide and eclectic mix of authors ranging across commercial fiction, literary fiction, general non-fiction, and children’s publications. Home to bestselling authors and award winners, Simon & Schuster UK is a publishing house of quality writing and a proud home to its authors and their exceptional work. It also runs a sales and distribution service for a number of independent and international publishers including Andrews McMeel, Black Library, Boom! Studios, Elliott & Thompson, Inner Traditions, Rebellion and VIZ Media.

Simon & Schuster International is dedicated to publishing a broad and diverse range of books for everyone, representative of the world around us. They are committed to working with and supporting writers, illustrators, and other creative partners from all walks of life, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, nationality, religion or belief, age, social or economic circumstance.

About the Adult Division

Simon & Schuster Fiction is home to a broad range of commercial fiction and has the aim of publishing a story for everyone. The home of authors such as Philippa Gregory, Chris Carter, Colleen Hoover and Milly Johnson, it is the commercial heart of the adult publishing at S&S UK. The editorial team is a tightknit group of eight editors who work with the creative and commercial teams across the company to ensure we’re getting the very best books into the hands of as many readers as possible.

About the role

Simon & Schuster UK is looking for an Editorial Assistant to work in their busy commercial fiction team. Reporting to the Publishing Director and supporting the editorial team as a whole, this is an exciting role for someone who loves commercial fiction and wants to work in a diverse and fast-moving environment. The role will involve working across our wide range of fiction, from romance to crime and thriller, fantasy and historical. The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude and will be able to take their own initiative and will thrive in a busy and varied role.

Responsibilities

• General admin and editorial admin, including (but not limited to): running reports (TCM, TMM, etc), diary management, organising author publication gifts, processing expenses, organising schedules for fairs and overseas trips.
• Liaising with authors and agents, ensuring prompt communication and swift replies to queries.
• Overseeing the production process of titles from manuscript to finished copy for all editions, including reprints, to ensure all titles are produced on time and to a high standard.
• To assist as required with copy editing, checking permissions and proof reading to time, cost and quality specifications. This may include:
• Briefing and managing freelancers
• Placing work appropriately with external suppliers
• Proof reading, collations, creating prelims and end matter, checking permissions
• Progress tracking and chasing against critical path
• Liaising with the art department and checking copy at each stage
• Checking copy for electronic sales kits, marketing material, catalogues, websites and newsletters
• Presenting titles at internal meetings as needed
• Reading and reporting on manuscripts
• Writing cover briefs and cover copy and completing TIs (with manager approval)
• Developing and maintaining content on the databases
• Taking minutes in meetings and circulating them promptly
• Accommodating authors/agents for presentations – setting up the room, clearing away, providing printed materials

Experience (essential)

• A proactive, can-do attitude
• An interest in fiction publishing
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective communication skills
• Direct editorial experience not necessary but an interest in fiction publishing and an awareness of some market-leading books would be helpful
• A strong grasp of grammar

Working at S&S

Some of our benefits include:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year
• 8% Employer pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• 1 charity volunteer day for causes that you are passionate about
• If eligible, work from home Stipend
• Group Income Protection (Risk Benefit)
• Access to a Health Cash Plan
• Eyecare vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free Pilates and Yoga sessions
• Fresh fruit delivered to the office every Wednesday
• Free Massage session each month
• Discounts and rewards with participating retailers via The Benefit Store
• Free eBooks and audiobooks

Salary £26,000 per annum

Location: London

Apply

Closing date: 17 July 2023

Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Successful applicants will be shortlisted for an initial screening. If your application is progressed, you will then be asked to attend formal competency-based interview.

If you require any adjustments at interview, such as extra time or breaks etc, please let a member of the recruitment team know once they’ve been in touch.

Simon & Schuster UK is an equal opportunities employer committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse workforce. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.