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- Tasks: Join our fiction team as an Assistant Editor, juggling creative and admin tasks.
- Company: Canelo, part of DK, is a leading illustrated publisher passionate about inspiring curiosity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, discounts on books, and more!
- Why this job: Dive into the exciting world of commercial fiction and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: A self-starter with creativity, good writing skills, and a solid understanding of publishing.
- Other info: We support diversity and flexible working, plus plant a tree for every new hire.
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Are you passionate about commercial fiction and eager to take the next step in your publishing career? Canelo is looking for a dedicated Assistant Editor to join our thriving fiction team.
With the recent acquisition by DK, this is an incredibly exciting time to join our team. You will have the fantastic opportunity to support Canelo in bringing an exciting and varied list of books to market.
You\’ll be at the heart of our publishing process, and get to work across a variety of fiction genres, focusing on our popular crime list. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running, who is able to juggle admin and creative tasks with ease.
As our Assistant Editor, your main responsibilities will be:
- Desk editing, which involves booking and checking the work of freelance editors and proofreaders.
- Overseeing the cover design process from briefing through to production.
- Creating and maintaining metadata for a large number of titles.
- Communicating with authors and agents regarding edits, covers, and other updates, ensuring they feel supported and informed.
- Ensuring all projects adhere to the critical path.
Our ideal candidate is a real self-starter, who can bring creativity to the role with good copy writing and cover design ability, so a solid understanding of publishing and desk editing is essential. You will be organised and confident in communicating with internal teams and external stakeholders. You will also have the opportunity to bring ideas to editorial, cover, and launch meetings and comment on potential acquisitions.
If you want to build upon your love for commercial fiction and are eager to learn a lot about successfully publishing across a variety of genres, formats and territories, please apply with your most recent CV and cover letter!
Closing date for applications: Monday 18 August 2025
Salary: up to £27,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits
We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:
- 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
- Volunteering policy and charity matching
- Employee assistance programme
- 60% discount on company books
- Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
- Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)
- Up to 30 days remote working from abroad*
And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business
DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code.
DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.
DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office.
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 or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org
*Subject to certain criteria being met.
About our Company:
We believe in the power of discovery. That\’s why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books.
We are the world\’s leading illustrated publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann, creating cutting-edge design and stunning visual books for the whole family.We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and bring people to books through their thirst for knowledge.With a global book loving community of over 800 colleagues in the UK, US, Germany, India, China, Spain and Australia, we produce books in over 100 countries and over 60 languages. Find out more ondk.com .
Company: Dorling Kindersley Limited | Job ID: 281868
Date: 1 Aug 2025
Location:
London, LND, GB, SW1V 2SA
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Canelo - Assistant Editor employer: Dorling Kindersley Limited
Contact Detail:
Dorling Kindersley Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Canelo - Assistant Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Canelo's recent publications, especially in the crime genre. Understanding their style and themes will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, particularly those who have experience in editorial roles. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at Canelo.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity by preparing a portfolio that includes examples of your editing work, cover designs, or any relevant projects. This will not only highlight your skills but also give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in commercial fiction and the publishing industry. Being knowledgeable about current bestsellers and emerging authors will allow you to contribute valuable ideas during editorial meetings and discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Canelo - Assistant Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in publishing, particularly any roles that involved desk editing or working with fiction. Emphasise your organisational skills and any creative projects you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for commercial fiction and explain why you want to work at Canelo. Mention specific genres you enjoy and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Editor role.
Showcase Your Creativity: If you have examples of your copywriting or cover design work, consider including links or attachments. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute creatively to the team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an editorial role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorling Kindersley Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Fiction
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for commercial fiction during the interview. Share specific examples of books or authors that inspire you, and discuss how they influence your understanding of the publishing process.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Editor, you'll need to juggle various tasks. Be prepared to discuss your methods for staying organised, whether it's through digital tools or traditional methods. Highlight any relevant experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Desk Editing
Since desk editing is a key responsibility, brush up on your knowledge of the editing process. Be ready to talk about your experience with freelance editors and proofreaders, and how you ensure quality control in the editing phase.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Ask about the types of projects you might work on, the team dynamics, or how Canelo supports its employees' professional growth. This demonstrates your eagerness to contribute and learn.
