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- Tasks: Support editors with administration, proofreading, and managing publishing timelines.
- Company: Join Orion, a dynamic division of Hachette, dedicated to diverse storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts on books.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values every story and encourages creativity.
- Qualifications: Previous office experience is essential; publishing experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working with a blend of in-office and homeworking options.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 30000 £ per year.
Closing date: 9th April 2025
Salary: £27,000 + bonus + benefits
Location: The role will be based at our London office, Carmelite House, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Can you take initiative and keep a team running smoothly? Are you passionate about great literature, great ideas and world events? Orion is looking for an enthusiastic and meticulous Editorial Assistant to support its award-winning publishing at W&N. At Orion, we believe every story matters. Open, agile, passionate and innovative, our mission is to bring the best publishing to the greatest variety of people. Ambitious to continually raise the bar, we believe good stories can come from anywhere and so encourage and value contributions from everybody here. Orion is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 11 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.
What you’ll be doing:
- Reporting to the Publishing Director and additionally supporting two other editors working across fiction and non-fiction.
- General office administration
- Running our internal systems
- Organising meetings
- Keeping minutes
- Overseeing our publishing timelines
- Updating Biblio
- Processing invoices
- Submitting books for prizes
- Organising book proof mailouts and generally assisting the editorial team.
Specific duties will include:
- Proofreading covers
- Writing sales copy
- Reading and commenting on the large number of books and proposals submitted to the editors you assist quickly and efficiently
- Preparing paperback editions for production
- Dealing with author and agent queries and making corrections for reprints.
While the role sits within W&N, you will work across the business with colleagues from the wider Orion Literary team and neighbouring imprints, as well as managing editorial, design, production, sales, marketing, publicity and beyond.
Who we are looking for:
- Previous office experience is essential, and some publishing experience would be a strong advantage.
- Knowledge of a language other than English is very welcome but not essential.
- The ideal candidate will be:
- Highly organised with a meticulous eye for detail
- Able to multitask and prioritise effectively
- Confident with excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A competent administrator with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Motivated, flexible and cheerful
- Passionate about both serious non-fiction and literary fiction
- Well informed and curious about the world
What we offer:
- 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
- Generous pension schemes
- Rent deposit loans
- 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
- Eye care vouchers
- Wide-ranging training library
- Development programmes (including mentoring)
- Up to 70% off book purchases
- A charity bookshelf
- 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
- Season ticket loans
- And much more!
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. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know. 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.
Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.
Editorial assistant employer: Hachette UK
Contact Detail:
Hachette UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in publishing and literature. Being well-read and knowledgeable about current bestsellers, emerging authors, and industry news will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry. Attend literary events, book fairs, or workshops to meet people who can provide insights into the role of an Editorial Assistant and potentially refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by volunteering for projects that require multitasking and attention to detail. This could be managing a small event or assisting in a local book club, which will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Orion and its imprints thoroughly. Understanding their publishing philosophy and recent titles will allow you to tailor your approach and show genuine enthusiasm for their work during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous office or publishing roles. Emphasise skills like organisation, attention to detail, and communication, as these are key for the Editorial Assistant position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for literature and your understanding of the publishing industry. Mention specific examples of how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since the role involves proofreading and writing sales copy, consider including a brief writing sample or mentioning any relevant projects where you demonstrated these skills. This will help illustrate your capabilities.
Highlight Your Curiosity: In your application, express your enthusiasm for both fiction and non-fiction. Mention any recent books or authors that have inspired you, showing that you are well-informed and curious about the literary world.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Show Your Passion for Literature
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for both fiction and non-fiction during the interview. Share specific examples of books or authors that inspire you, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the publishing industry.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Given the role's emphasis on multitasking and organisation, be prepared to discuss your previous office experience. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, showcasing your attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As an Editorial Assistant, you'll need excellent written and verbal communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with colleagues or clients in the past, and consider preparing a brief writing sample to showcase your abilities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research Orion and its mission before the interview. Understanding their values and recent publications will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in contributing to their team.
