At a Glance
- Tasks: Support publishing operations by preparing books, managing permissions, and maintaining bibliographic data.
- Company: Canongate Books, a leading independent publisher with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in the publishing industry.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a vital role in bringing books to life.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tasks.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Publishing Operations Assistant (Canongate Books)
Posted on
Closing date
14th August, 2026
Canongate Books is one of the UK’s leading independent publishers: B Corp certified and shortlisted for both Publisher of the Year and Independent Publisher of the Year at this year’s British Book Awards.
Canongate Books are looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented Publishing Operations Assistant to join their team.
Reporting to the Head of Editorial Management, the successful candidate will play a key supporting role in the smooth running of the publishing operations processes.
This role would suit someone proactive and detail-oriented who enjoys variety and takes pride in keeping things accurate and on track.
You’ll be involved in many areas of publishing operations, from preparing books for press and clearing permissions, to maintaining Canongate’s bibliographic data and handling licensing administration.
If you’re comfortable managing multiple tasks and working collaboratively, they’d love to hear from you.
Key responsibilities will include
- Preparing books for publication, including checking corrections, collating and typing queries and liaising with authors on outstanding and reprint corrections.
- Supporting permissions work, including assisting with clearing text and image permissions.
- Maintaining accurate Biblio records and data
- Raising purchase orders in Sage and Biblio to enable invoice payment.
- Proofreading and checking proofs, jackets, marketing materials and rights guides as required.
- Typesetting bound proofs as and when required.
- Licensing jacket artwork to offsetting publishers, raising SOs and logging deals on Biblio.
- Handling incoming permissions requests via PLS and email.
- Providing ad hoc administrative support across publishing operations.
Location
This full-time role is based in Canongate’s Edinburgh office with the option for hybrid working once training is complete.
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Publishing Operations Assistant (Canongate Books) employer: Publishing Scotland
Publishing Scotland is an excellent employer that values community engagement and offers a supportive work culture focused on professional growth. With flexible working hours and a commitment to promoting literacy through initiatives like the Bookbug programme, employees can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative environment in the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing Operations Assistant (Canongate Books)
✨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 Publishing Scotland.
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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 Publishing Scotland. 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 Publishing Operations Assistant (Canongate Books)
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 Publishing Scotland. 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 Publishing Scotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Publishing Scotland
✨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 Publishing Scotland. 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 Publishing Scotland. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
