At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with admin tasks, website upkeep, and social media for a children's publishing agency.
- Company: ASH Literary is a dynamic new agency representing talented creators in children's literature.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work options and gain valuable experience in the publishing industry.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to exciting projects while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK and a genuine passion for children's books.
- Other info: This part-time role is perfect for those looking to kickstart their career in publishing.
ASH Literary is looking for a fantastic part-time assistant, someone who is genuinely excited about children’s books and wants to get a foot in the door of the publishing industry. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to get stuck into the growth of a new agency and work with some of the most talented creators and agents in the industry. Launched in September 2020, we are comprised of agents Alice Sutherland-Hawes and Saffron Dodd, and are looking for someone to come on board and help grow the agency further. The role will report directly to Alice and you will be assisting the running of her list and the agency.
ASH Literary represents creators working in picture books to YA (and the occasional adult title) including Carnegie Medal nominated and Waterstones Children’s Prize shortlisted Kereen Getten, British Book Award winner Harry Woodgate, Waterstones Children’s Prize shortlisted Katie Cottle, Marcus Rashford’s co-writer Alex Falase-Koya, bestselling Ravena Guron and many more.
The role will mostly be admin based – helping keep track of schedules, payments and submissions, as well as website upkeep and some social media work. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Keeping the website up to date with news and client work
- Keeping the database up to date including tracking submission statuses, payments, uploading documents and keeping contacts updated
- Ensuring client schedule documents are updated
- Diary management, particularly around book fairs
- Assisting with the client on-boarding process
- Occasional proof-reading
- Creating social media posts
We use Carrd for the website, Microsoft Office for emails, word processing etc., RightsZone for our database, and Dropbox for our servers. Training will be given on these systems and others. The agency phone line will not be your responsibility.
This entry level role is part-time, two days a week. The time can be split to suit you, e.g. two full days or four half days. Alice’s working days are Monday to Thursday so your time must be split among those days. This role is initially for six months. Alice is based in London, but this role is fully remote. You must live in the UK and have the right to work here, but outside of that we do not mind where you’re based.
We strongly encourage those who have been historically excluded from the publishing industry across class, race and gender to apply.
Requirements:
- Must have right to live and work in the UK
- A genuine desire to learn
- A genuine passion for children’s books
To apply, please send your CV (as a PDF) and a covering letter with a little about yourself, why you want to work in children’s publishing, and your favourite and least favourite recent books you’ve read to work@ashliterary.com by Tuesday 7th November. Interviews will be virtual by phone or video call, and please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments. We anticipate interviews will take place the week of 13th November with a start date of the beginning of January and possibly a short paid handover period in early December.
Please note that much as we love working with creators, we are very much looking for someone who is interested in building a career as an agent, not someone looking for representation.
ASH Literary: part-time assistant employer: BookBrunch Limited
Contact Detail:
BookBrunch Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ASH Literary: part-time assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for children's books in every interaction. Whether it's during the interview or in casual conversations, let your enthusiasm shine through. This role is all about supporting a love for literature, so make sure they see how excited you are about it!
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the agency's current authors and their works. Being able to discuss specific titles or authors during your interview will demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge of the industry, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and how you manage multiple tasks. Since the role involves admin work like diary management and keeping databases updated, having examples ready will show that you're capable of handling the responsibilities effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the tools mentioned in the job description, such as Carrd and RightsZone. Familiarity with these platforms can give you an edge, as it shows you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace ASH Literary: part-time assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for children's books and the publishing industry. Share why you want to work with ASH Literary specifically, and mention any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, even if it's informal. Include any administrative roles, social media management, or experience with children’s literature. Keep it concise and ensure it’s formatted as a PDF.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Children's Books: In your application, mention your favourite and least favourite recent books. This not only shows your engagement with the genre but also gives insight into your taste and understanding of the market.
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Ensure you send your application to the correct email address (work@ashliterary.com) and meet the deadline of Tuesday 7th November. Double-check that all documents are attached and correctly formatted before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at BookBrunch Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Children's Books
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for children's literature during the interview. Share your favourite books and authors, and explain why they resonate with you. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the industry.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ASH Literary
Do some research on ASH Literary and its represented creators. Understanding their work and recent projects will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview and show that you're proactive and well-prepared.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Since the role involves administrative tasks, be ready to discuss your organisational skills and any experience you have with tools like Microsoft Office or social media management. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in the past.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask Alice during the interview. This could include inquiries about the agency's future plans, the types of projects you might assist with, or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your interest and eagerness to contribute.