At a Glance
- Tasks: Edit and develop exciting children's books, working with top authors in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a leading name in global publishing with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30,000, plus opportunities for growth in a creative environment.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's literature while honing your editorial skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for children's books and experience in editorial roles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards.
Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is a high‑performing, dynamic division of a fast‑growing and ambitious publisher, and the British Book Awards Children’s Publisher of the Year 2023. As we seek further sustainable and profitable growth, and build on our culture of excitement and ambition, we are growing our team across several departments.
The Job Profile
Reporting to the Fiction Publisher, this role offers a fantastic opportunity for a talented editor to develop their editorial and publishing skills working with some of the biggest names in children’s fiction, graphic novels and YA as part of a dynamic and growing team.
The Job Role
Reporting to the Fiction Publisher, you will work on multiple projects both independently and supporting the senior editorial team, taking books from manuscript delivery to printer‑ready files, including structural and line editing, proofreading, and liaising with authors, agents and freelancers. You will also coordinate with the production and design departments to ensure that assigned projects are delivered within deadlines, and liaise with marketing, PR and sales teams on campaign plans, positioning and championing authors and titles in and out of house.
You will write and review copy on jackets as well as work with the Managing Editor to ensure quality, clarity and consistency following the company style guide. You will be responsible for the accuracy and quality of metadata and coding on our title management systems, and help to create AI’s and catalogue copy. From time to time, you will prepare acquisition documentation, including P&L’s, and deal memos. Outside your project editor tasks, you will read and report on submissions and contribute to brainstorms and the discussion of new acquisitions. There is some potential to commission, although it is not a core part of the role.
Candidate Profile
You will have a proven passion for children’s books and ideally have experience working in an editorial role, in children’s fiction, although we are open to candidates with other book editorial experience. You will be a motivated, committed, creative, flexible individual with excellent editorial skills, a forensic eye for detail, and demonstrable experience of taking multiple titles through the full editorial process.
We are a small team, so you will be happy to pitch in and you will have strong communication, project management, organisational and time‑management skills. You will thrive in a fast‑paced environment and be able to adapt to the demands of managing multiple schedules. Knowledge of the children’s fiction market would be beneficial.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a successful and growing publishing house with an impressive list of authors and illustrators across its Adult and Children’s imprints, in a key role within the publishing process.
Apply
Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Salary
Starting from £30,000
Unfortunately, Simon & Schuster UK cannot accept applications from candidates without a legal right to work in the UK or who require visa sponsorship. Right to work checks are carried out on candidates who make it to offer stage.
Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.
Assistant Editor / Editor, Children's Publishing Division in London employer: Simon and Schuster Books
Simon & Schuster is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the Children's Publishing Division. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth while working alongside renowned authors and illustrators in a dynamic environment that values diversity and inclusion. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Simon & Schuster provides a rewarding platform for those passionate about children's literature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Editor / Editor, Children's Publishing Division in London
✨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 Simon and Schuster Books.
✨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 Simon and Schuster Books. 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 Assistant Editor / Editor, Children's Publishing Division in London
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 Simon and Schuster Books. 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 Simon and Schuster Books.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon and Schuster Books
✨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 Simon and Schuster Books. 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 Simon and Schuster Books. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
