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- Tasks: Support the Editorial Director and manage various editorial tasks for non-fiction titles.
- Company: Join William Collins, a renowned publisher with a diverse list of influential authors.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, 28 days holiday, private healthcare, and unlimited training opportunities.
- Why this job: Dive into the world of non-fiction and help shape impactful narratives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Passion for non-fiction, strong organizational skills, and confident communication are key.
- Other info: Be part of a carbon-neutral company that values diversity and offers extensive employee support.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
A fantastic, entry-level opportunity has arisen at William Collins for an enthusiastic Editorial Assistant to join the imprint, supporting the Editorial Director, the Publishing Director as needed, and offering departmental support across the list. William Collins’ authors include Catherine Belton, Guy Shrubsole, Richard Holmes, Daniel Finkelstein, Kat Hill, Max Hastings, Tom Burgis, Cal Flyn and Cat Jarman.
This is the ideal first role for a highly efficient, capable and self-starting individual to join a busy and collaborative editorial team, working across a wide range of tasks central to the publishing process.
Key Tasks and Accountabilities
The key tasks of the role will include but are not limited to the following:
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Supporting the Editorial Director and, as needed, the Publishing Director in editorial tasks on non-fiction titles
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Liaising with authors, agents and freelancers on individual projects
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Completing Advance Information sheets and managing metadata
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Reading and reporting on a wide range of non-fiction submissions and manuscripts
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Writing catalogue copy, cover briefs and flap copy
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Managing invoices, royalty queries, progressing contracts and clearing permissions
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Managing the agenda and minutes for the weekly William Collins editorial meeting
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General admin including meeting organisation, room and restaurant bookings
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Managing monthly prize submissions across the William Collins list
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Collating and submitting expenses for the Editorial Director and Publishing Director
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Ordering author/agent copies
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Assisting with proof and finished copy mailings
Your first six months
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You will become familiar with authors on the list and their agents
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Help prepare cover briefs and cover copy
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Help prepare preliminary pages and hand over manuscripts to the project editorial team
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Read and report on agent book submissions
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Give notes on manuscripts received
Assist with general admin including expenses, book fair appointments and restaurant bookings
Are you passionate about ideas-driven, intellectually stimulating non-fiction? Do you want to help find and develop the best new voices in history, politics, smart-thinking, biography, popular science and sport? Are you interested in helping experts and academics to communicate their knowledge to the widest possible audience, so they can inspire and inform new readers?, * Passionate about a wide range of non-fiction writing
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Extremely organised and efficient, able to juggle a diverse workload
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An ability to meet deadlines and a precise eye for detail
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Confident communication skills both internally and externally
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Strong copywriting skills
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A creative and proactive approach
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Expertise in using the Microsoft suite would be an advantage
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Experience working in an office environment
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Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
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28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)
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Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
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Private healthcare cover and life assurance
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Summer Hours
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Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal
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Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme
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Relocation Rent Support Loan
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Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work
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Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes
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Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers
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Gym membership discount
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Onsite physiotherapy (London only)
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Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days
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We’re a certified Carbon Neutral company
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Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)
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With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire
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Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books
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Subsidised canteen and retail discounts
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Onsite prayer room
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 and undertaking internships or entry level positions. For more information visit https://www.btbs.org/ (recruitment@harpercollins.co.uk), If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly tostephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk (recruitment@harpercollins.co.uk) with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.
Editorial Assistant, William Collins employer: HarperCollins Publishers
Contact Detail:
HarperCollins Publishers Recruiting Team
recruitment@harpercollins.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Assistant, William Collins
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the authors and titles published by William Collins. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their work and the non-fiction genre.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your organizational skills by preparing a mock agenda for an editorial meeting. This will highlight your ability to manage diverse tasks and keep things running smoothly, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your copywriting skills by writing sample catalogue copy or cover briefs for a few non-fiction titles. This will give you a chance to demonstrate your creativity and attention to detail during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who have experience in editorial roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Assistant, William Collins
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Editorial Assistant position at William Collins. Make sure you understand the key tasks and responsibilities, as well as the skills required. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any relevant experience you have in editorial work, writing, or administration. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for non-fiction writing and your interest in the authors published by William Collins. Share why you are passionate about helping to develop new voices in history, politics, and other areas mentioned in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as strong copywriting skills are essential for this role. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins Publishers
✨Show Your Passion for Non-Fiction
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for non-fiction writing during the interview. Discuss specific authors or books that inspire you and how they align with the values of William Collins.
✨Demonstrate Organizational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to stay organized and meet deadlines, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your communication skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would liaise with authors, agents, and freelancers, showcasing your confidence in both verbal and written communication.
✨Familiarize Yourself with the Authors
Research the authors published by William Collins and be prepared to discuss their work. This shows your initiative and genuine interest in the imprint, which can set you apart from other candidates.
