At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the translations team in producing high-quality editions of bestselling books.
- Company: Join Bookouture, a leading digital publisher with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and discounts on books.
- Other info: Flexible working with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that brings stories to readers worldwide.
- Qualifications: Fluency in German and English, plus experience in social media and publishing.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Bookouture is the UK’s most successful and innovative digital publisher of commercial fiction, and the publisher of many bestselling authors, including Freida Mc Fadden, Kaylie Smith and Nicole Trope.
We are part of Hachette UK and following fourteen years of market-leading growth have sold 100 million books to readers worldwide with a further 14 billion Kindle pages read of our titles.
In late 2021 we began translating and publishing some of our bestselling fiction ourselves direct to readers in other languages, initially German, followed by Italian and French; in 2026 we have added Dutch and Spanish to that list.
Over the last four-and-a-half years we have translated and published more than 530 books in languages other than English.
What you'll be doing
We have a rare opportunity to find the most exciting talent to take this key area of our business forward to the next level, supporting the translations team in the production of high quality editions of our books, across translated languages, on time, within budget and to a high standard.
Core Duties across Bookouture's translated publishing include
- PUBLISHING
- Assisting our Editors in overseeing the production process, making sure our books are produced on time, on budget and to a high standard across ebook, POD and audio formats.
- e Book conversion – converting final manuscripts into e Book format, including creation of front- and end-pages; adding buy-links; reviewing files and liaising with the author.
- Updating existing files – updating e Book files as required, correcting errors, adding buy-links.
- Fielding any post-publication amends necessary – updating e Book and typeset files and uploading again to key retailers.
- Assigning ISBNs and updating databases.
- Liaising with design partners to adapt ebook covers with translated titles, subtitles and taglines.
- Generating barcodes, calculating spine widths and working with editors to create final paperback copy.
Supplying specifications to freelance designers and working with them on the final paperback cover.
- Obtaining final layered artwork files for ebook, paperback and audio (where relevant) editions from designers.
- Clearing image rights where necessary and supplying high resolution images to designers.
- DISTRIBUTION
- Assisting editors to ensure that our books are distributed to as broad an audience as possible with accurate pricing and metadata.
- Organising the ordering of gratis paperback copies for authors, agents and translators, ordering additional copies for authors and invoicing where appropriate.
- SOCIAL MEDIA (German only)
- Creating engaging posts to ensure we can foster a strong, vibrant readership online.
- Supporting pre-order and publication for each title with appropriate social media posts, graphics and boosted posting where necessary.
- Community management, monitoring inboxes as well as comment sections on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
- Creating and posting bestseller updates.
- Organizing blog tours and reviewer interactions.
- Feeding back relevant data and numbers on engagement and growth of each social media platform.
- AUDIO
- Assisting in the creation of audiobooks, from creating casting briefs, commissioning the recording, to the upload and distribution of the final files.
Who we are looking for
Experience/Knowledge
Fluency in German, English to C2 level required. French C1, Italian, Dutch and Spanish B2 very helpful
- Practical experience of juggling and prioritsing a large workload
- Knowledge of Asana, Slack, Airtable, Adobe, In Design, Vellum, Word, Outlook highly advantageous
- Understanding of how to build communities on social media platforms such as Instagram and Tik Tok
- Ease and confidence communicating with key stakeholders internally and externally to the business
- Knowledge of publishing helpful, but not essential
- Personal Attributes/Skills
- Able to competently juggle a large workload across several areas and efficiently prioritise tasks
- A confident self-starter with lots of initiative who's able to work collaboratively in a team
- An excellent communicator in English both verbally and in writing
- Quick to learn, with a facility for numbers and data
- A lover of commercial fiction
- Ambitious and keen to contribute ideas
As a reminder, when applying for this role, we expect all candidates to complete their application without the use of AI.
What we offer
Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this
- 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
- Private medical insurance
- 2 community days per year
- Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
- Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Wide-ranging training library
- Development programmes (including mentoring)
- Up to 70% off book purchases
- A charity bookshelf
- An active range of staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Age Wise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks
- Season ticket loans
• And much more!
The role will be based at our London office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Our commitment
Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities.
We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process.
If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application.
We'll make sure you're supported throughout the process.
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 junior roles.
- For more information visit
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Translations Editorial and Social Media Assistant in London employer: Bookouture
At Bookouture, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our staff as our greatest asset. With a vibrant work culture in our London and Sheffield offices, we offer generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and extensive training opportunities to foster employee growth. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member can thrive, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the publishing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Translations Editorial and Social Media Assistant in London
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
In the publishing and media world, your portfolio is your calling card. Make sure it’s up-to-date with your best work. Whether it’s articles, graphics, or multimedia projects, post them on platforms like Behance or your own website, so potential clients can see your style and capability. If you're working with specific styles, tailor your portfolio pieces to match.
✨Join Industry Freelance Platforms
Sign up on platforms like Reedsy, PeoplePerHour, or even MediaBistro that specifically cater to publishing and media gigs. They’re teeming with opportunities and can connect you with clients looking for freelance talent in our field. Keep your profile active and apply to projects regularly to get your foot in the door.
✨Network Through Local Events
Get involved in local writer's meetups, book fairs, and media conferences. These events are perfect for meeting fellow freelancers and potential clients. Bring your business cards (or a digital version) and don’t be shy about showcasing what you do. People are more likely to remember you if they can put a face to your work!
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Utilise social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on industry trends or projects you’re working on. Engaging with publishing-related hashtags can help you gain visibility. Plus, don’t forget to tag companies like Bookouture when you share relevant content—it could catch their eye and lead to opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Translations Editorial and Social Media Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Portfolio with Flair:As a freelancer in the publishing and media field, your portfolio is your calling card. Ensure it showcases a variety of your best work that highlights your writing style, versatility, and any published pieces. Think creatively about how to present your work—maybe include a blog, articles, or even multimedia projects!
Show Off Your Industry Knowledge:Let your passion for media shine through your application. Tailor your CV to include relevant experience, such as internships or freelance gigs you've had in the past. Highlight any specific areas of expertise—like content strategy, editorial skills, or knowledge of digital media trends—that make you a perfect fit for Bookouture.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Freelancing often revolves around your schedule, so be upfront about your availability in your pitch. Let Bookouture know how many hours you can dedicate each week and if you have flexibility with deadlines. This shows professionalism and helps them see how you can fit into their team.
Tailor Your Application for the Role:Make sure each application you send out, especially to Bookouture, is custom-crafted. Reference specific projects or initiatives they've undertaken that excite you, and explain how your unique skills can contribute to their success. We want to see that personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bookouture
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Creatively
As a freelancer in the publishing-media sector, your portfolio is your calling card! Make sure to not only present your work but also tell the story behind each piece. Highlight your creative process and the impact your projects had, especially if they involved collaboration with others.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
Keep your ear to the ground about current trends in publishing and media. Be ready to discuss how they might influence your work and the projects you'd like to pursue at Bookouture. This shows you're not only prepared but also passionate about the industry.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates
Freelance work means you're essentially selling yourself, so be upfront about your rates and what they include. Understand the value you bring to the table and be prepared to negotiate, ensuring you come across as professional and confident.
✨Prepare to Pitch on the Spot
In freelance interviews for publishing-media, you might be asked to come up with ideas or a quick pitch. Have a few concepts ready that align with their vision at Bookouture. It could be a potential article, campaign idea, or even a content strategy that showcases your creativity and strategic thinking.