At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the editorial team with publishing tasks and administrative duties.
- Company: Join a creative team at What On Earth!, a leader in illustrated book publishing.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and hands-on experience in publishing.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to grow your career in publishing.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in the publishing industry while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for children's non-fiction.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Hybrid working: We have a hybrid work structure. Employees are required to work at least 2 days per week in our London office, with the remaining days working from home. (Employees may work full-time in the London office if preferred.)
Closing date: Friday 19 June 2026
What On Earth! is seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Editorial Assistant to support our editorial team with a range of administrative and publishing tasks. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience across all stages of the publishing process within a small, collaborative and creative team.
Reporting to the Publisher, and collaborating closely with the Editorial and Design teams, you will…
- Assist with all administration associated with our books, including scheduling, organising meetings, tracking and briefing reprints, sending out books, and liaising with licensors and licensees;
- Input and manage metadata on our database;
- Track invoices and assist with royalty statements;
- Edit and proofread content, including book proofs and marketing materials;
- Prepare AIs and cover copy;
- Liaise with colleagues in Design, Sales, Marketing and Production;
- Other duties as required.
Requirements for this role:
- Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to juggle moving pieces;
- Meticulous attention to detail;
- A passion for illustrated book publishing and awareness of the children’s non-fiction market;
- The ability to function as part of a collaborative team;
- A strong understanding of all aspects of written language, including narrative flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and tone;
- Excellent and flexible communication skills.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to natalie@whatonearthbooks.com with the subject line: ‘Editorial Assistant’. We’re afraid we can only get back to successful applicants. No agencies, please. Thank you and good luck!
Editorial Assistant, What on Earth! employer: Bookmachine
What On Earth! offers a vibrant and supportive work environment where creativity thrives. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy the flexibility of working from home while also benefiting from collaboration in our London office. We prioritise employee growth through hands-on experience in publishing, fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation that makes us an exceptional employer for those passionate about illustrated book publishing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Assistant, What on Earth!
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at What on Earth! or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant projects or experiences, create a portfolio or a personal website. This is a great way to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail, which are key for the Editorial Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching What on Earth! and their publications. Familiarise yourself with their style and recent releases. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to fit their vibe.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Assistant, What on Earth!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for illustrated book publishing and how your skills align with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show!
Tailor Your CV:When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Editorial Assistant position. We’re looking for outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail, so make sure these stand out in your application.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, consider including examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Whether it’s through group projects or previous jobs, we want to see how you can function as part of a team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Remember to use the subject line ‘Editorial Assistant’ when sending your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bookmachine
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into What on Earth! and their publishing style. Familiarise yourself with their books, especially in the children’s non-fiction market. This will not only show your passion but also help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires outstanding organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised and kept everything on track.
✨Brush Up on Your Editing Skills
As editing and proofreading are key parts of the job, practice by reviewing some sample texts beforehand. Bring along a few examples of your work to demonstrate your attention to detail and understanding of narrative flow, grammar, and style.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role is all about teamwork, so think of instances where you’ve worked well with others. Prepare to discuss how you communicate effectively and adapt to different team dynamics, as this will resonate well with the collaborative culture at What on Earth!
