Editorial assistant – Bloomsbury Academic, education

Editorial assistant – Bloomsbury Academic, education

Full-Time 27000 - 27000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Hachette UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the commissioning and publication of academic education titles with a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Bloomsbury, a leading independent publishing house with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, wellness days, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with support for diverse backgrounds and career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team and contribute to impactful educational publications.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities required.

The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.

Salary: £27,000

Location: The role is based at our London office 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP on a hybrid-working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred). Allocated office days for this role are: Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Support the commissioning and publication of academic education titles, working closely with editors, authors and internal production teams. This is an exciting opportunity to become a key member of Bloomsbury’s award‑winning Academic division. We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and proactive Editorial Assistant to provide administrative and organisational support to our Academic Education publishing list.

The Academic Education list publishes research monographs, textbooks, academic/trade crossover titles, and digital products in the field of education. This includes subfields such as philosophy of education, teacher education, comparative and international education, higher education, and early childhood studies. The role supports a Commissioning Editor and a Publisher and reports to the Commissioning Editor.

Responsibilities:

  • Building and maintaining strong working relationships with authors, volume editors, and series editors to deliver a high standard of author care throughout the publishing process.
  • Helping to keep the publishing programme on schedule through regular communication with authors and by maintaining and updating annual frontlist plans.
  • Preparing manuscripts for handover to Production, ensuring they meet required standards and deadlines.
  • Setting up new titles on Biblio (bibliographic database) and maintaining accurate book metadata in line with key milestones.
  • Commissioning peer reviews as requested, monitoring their progress, and ensuring timely delivery; recording and tracking all projects under review.
  • Drafting cover briefs and cover copy, and coordinating cover design briefing processes.
  • Supporting editors in the management of the backlist.
  • Responding promptly and professionally to internal and external queries.
  • Processing book orders accurately and efficiently.
  • Providing general administrative support to the team.
  • Assisting in the creation and management of companion websites.

Knowledge, skills and experience:

  • Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
  • Strong attention to detail and a high standard of written English (spelling and grammar).
  • A calm, logical approach to problem‑solving, particularly under pressure.
  • Flexibility and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to handle information sensitively and professionally.
  • Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
  • Commercial awareness and a customer-focused mindset.
  • A commitment to quality of content, excellent author care, and maintaining the company’s reputation and long-term relationships.
  • Helpful to have knowledge of, or experience with, publishing processes, systems, and platforms.

Additional information:

The role is a full-time permanent position. This position is eligible for Bloomsbury’s Rental Deposit Loan Scheme. To assist candidates who want to start and to establish a career in publishing, Bloomsbury offers an interest‑free rental deposit to support securing somewhere to live. The rental deposit loan can be up to £3,000 and will be paid back over 2 years.

Bloomsbury Benefits:

  • Hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred).
  • 25 days holiday + 3.5 days Christmas company holiday.
  • Two paid Personal Wellness Days.
  • Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 30 minutes earlier in the week.
  • Work Anywhere Fortnight - For two weeks of any calendar year.
  • Season Ticket Loan.
  • Learning & Development - Free access to LinkedIn Learning, BookMachine Campus, InRehearsal & IPG Skills Hub.
  • Share Save Scheme.
  • AXA Healthcare Plan (Private Medical Insurance).
  • Ride to Work Scheme.
  • Peppy Health App.
  • In-house Doctor.
  • Eye Care Voucher Scheme.
  • EAP Advice and Counselling.

Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio‑economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

The Book Trade Charity provides financial assistance for people looking to get into the publishing industry.

Editorial assistant – Bloomsbury Academic, education employer: Hachette UK

Bloomsbury Publishing is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusion, making it a welcoming environment for all. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Bloomsbury provides numerous benefits including a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowance, and access to professional development resources, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London.

Hachette UK

Contact Details:

Hachette UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Editorial assistant – Bloomsbury Academic, education

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those connected to Bloomsbury. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by researching Bloomsbury’s recent publications and their impact on education. Show us you’re passionate about the field and ready to contribute to our mission. Bring specific examples of how you can support the commissioning and publication process.

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As an Editorial Assistant, you’ll need to liaise with authors and internal teams. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle queries professionally.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Bloomsbury team. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Editorial assistant – Bloomsbury Academic, education

Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Written English Proficiency
Problem-Solving Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
IT Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Editorial Assistant role. Highlight your organisational skills and any relevant experience in publishing or education, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.

Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be liaising with authors and internal teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent written communication skills. Use clear, concise language in your application to reflect your attention to detail and professionalism.

Research Bloomsbury:Take some time to learn about Bloomsbury and our Academic division. Mentioning specific titles or initiatives in your application can show us that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand our mission.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures it reaches the right people and gives you the best chance of standing out in the process. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK

Know Your Publishing Basics

Before the interview, brush up on the basics of the publishing industry, especially academic publishing. Familiarise yourself with Bloomsbury's notable titles and their focus areas, like social justice in education. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As an Editorial Assistant, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed deadlines or coordinated projects. Highlighting your organisational skills will demonstrate that you're ready for the fast-paced environment.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You might be asked to draft cover briefs or respond to queries, so showcasing your written English skills during the interview can set you apart.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you'll be involved in, or how Bloomsbury supports professional development. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.