At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage editorial schedules, oversee book projects, and ensure high-quality publications.
- Company: Join Octopus, a vibrant division of Hachette, dedicated to inspiring readers.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and discounts on books.
- Other info: Flexible working with a blend of office and homeworking options.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes the future of publishing.
- Qualifications: Proven editorial skills, fluency in InDesign, and strong project management abilities.
From £30,000 dependent on experience and location (+bonus +benefits)
Permanent
Who we are and what we do
Octopus publish books for everyone. We love to enlighten, nourish, entertain and most of all inspire readers and listeners everywhere. Octopus is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 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
Core Duties:
- Report to the Managing Editor and stakeholders on schedules for which they are responsible, identifying blockages and working towards their resolution, reporting any insoluble problems upwards, ensuring publication dates are met and, where not possible, changes are discussed in a timely manner.
- Project-manage books personally, overseeing the editorial schedule and book files from manuscript to print.
- Liaise with the Commissioning Editors (relevant for their titles), ensuring that communication is as effective, transparent and comprehensive as possible.
- Maintain and champion the highest possible quality of work at all times.
- Ensure that appropriate freelancers are being appointed to projects, that the best rates are negotiated and maintained, and that the freelance agreements are signed and filed.
- Manage and attend photoshoots as required.
- Have a clear understanding of specialist requirements when preparing non-English-language editions and American versions of illustrated books.
- Assist with timely creation of book fair and other sales materials, BLADs, presenters covers and any required marketing materials on allocated titles.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Books are published on time.
- Book budgets are not exceeded and, where possible, are beaten.
- Sales materials are created to a high quality and in a timely manner.
- Internal and external communication is clear, respectful and professional.
- High-quality editorial standards are upheld, including use of appropriate house style.
These are the essential requirements of the role, however not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time.
Who we are looking for
Experience/Knowledge
- Proven high-quality editorial skills
- Proven problem-solving experience
- Fluency in InDesign
- Ability to work successfully in a team
Personal Attributes/Skills
- Creative problem-solver
- Highly organized and skilled at project management
- Tactful and diplomatic
- Flexible and adaptable
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 AgeWise, 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 or Sheffield 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 www.booktradeentrysupport.org
Editor employer: John Murray
At John Murray Group, part of Hachette UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration. As a Marketing Assistant, you'll not only gain invaluable experience in the publishing industry but also benefit from our commitment to employee development through training and mentorship opportunities. With offices in vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh, and Sheffield, you’ll enjoy a stimulating environment that supports both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Editor
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like John Murray.
✨Make Your Passion Visible
If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like John Murray. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at John Murray. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at John Murray.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Murray
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at John Murray. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at John Murray. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
