At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in editorial tasks for children's books, from managing schedules to proofreading manuscripts.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a leading global publisher with a rich history of award-winning authors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £27,000 and the chance to work in a creative environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity in an equal opportunity workplace committed to inclusion.
- Why this job: Perfect for book lovers eager to kickstart their publishing career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for children's literature and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 37800 £ per year.
Editorial Assistant (Children\'s Division)
Job Description
Posted Thursday 14 August 2025 at 23:00 | Expires Friday 29 August 2025 at 22:59
Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction 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. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com .
About the Children’s Division
Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is one of the leading children’s publishers in the UK, dedicated to immersing children of all ages in diverse and creative reading experiences, encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Founded in 1998, it has a record of continuously strong sales, prestigious awards, and numerous high quality and bestselling titles and series. Much-loved authors and illustrators include Lauren Roberts (Powerless) A. F. Steadman (Skandar and the Unicorn Thief), Ben Miller (The Night I Met Father Christmas), Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet (Supertato), Benji Davies (TheStorm Whale) and many more. Simon & Schuster Children’s Books won Children’s Publisher of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards.
The Job Profile
The S&S Children’s Publishing team is looking for an Editorial Assistant. Reporting to the Editorial Director for Picture Books and supporting the whole Children’s editorial team, comprising the Fiction, Gallery Kids, Picture Books and Pre-school lists, this is an exciting role for someone who loves children’s books and wants to work with authors and illustrators who will reach a wide audience.
The Job Role
This role would involve close involvement in all editorial administration activities leading to publication across Children’s titles, including (but not limited to): managing divisional launch meetings and rights catalogues, running reports and checking sales data; developing and maintaining content on the databases; divisional diary management; organising author publication gifts; and organising schedules for fairs and overseas trips. There are also creative responsibilities, including: reading submissions; shadowing senior editors on select projects; reading and assessing manuscripts; copyediting; proofreading; writing illustration briefs; writing effective sales and back cover copy; maintaining best-in-class metadata; briefing and managing freelancers and liaising with authors and agents.
The Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, be able to take their own initiative and will thrive in a busy and varied role. They will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with an exceptional grasp of spelling and grammar, and a meticulous eye for detail. They’ll be a keen team player with an ability to interact at all levels, who can understand and respond to team needs, shifting priorities, and work collaboratively to meet deadlines. This role doesn’t require prior publishing experience, but someone who is passionate about children’s books, eager to learn and excited to take the first step in their publishing career.
Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in the role.
Starting from £27,000
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.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including theWorkplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
#J-18808-LjbffrEditorial Assistant (Children\'s Division) employer: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Simon & Schuster is an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about children's literature. With a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within a leading publishing house renowned for its diverse and award-winning titles. Located in the heart of the UK publishing scene, the Children's Division offers a unique chance to engage with beloved authors and illustrators while contributing to meaningful reading experiences for children worldwide.
Contact Details:
Simon & Schuster, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Assistant (Children\'s Division)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in children's literature. Read widely across different genres and age groups to understand what resonates with young readers and what publishers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who work in children's publishing. Attend book fairs, workshops, or online webinars to connect with editors and authors, which can provide valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for children's books through personal projects, such as starting a blog or social media account dedicated to reviewing children's literature. This demonstrates your commitment and knowledge of the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your favourite children's books and authors during interviews. Being able to articulate why you love certain titles and how they impact young readers will show your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Assistant (Children\'s Division)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to personalise your cover letter for the Editorial Assistant position. Highlight your passion for children's literature and any relevant skills or experiences that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your CV and cover letter that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, whether through previous work, studies, or personal projects.
Emphasise Attention to Detail:Given the meticulous nature of the role, mention specific instances where your attention to detail has made a difference. This could be in proofreading, editing, or managing projects where accuracy was key.
Express Your Enthusiasm for Children's Books:In both your CV and cover letter, convey your genuine love for children's literature. Mention any favourite authors, books, or experiences that have shaped your interest in this field, as it will resonate well with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster, Inc.
✨Show Your Passion for Children's Books
Make sure to express your genuine love for children's literature during the interview. Share specific titles or authors that have inspired you, and discuss how they have influenced your desire to work in this field.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the role's focus on editing and proofreading, be prepared to showcase your meticulous eye for detail. You might want to bring examples of your previous work or even edit a short passage during the interview to demonstrate your skills.
✨Prepare for Creative Tasks
Since the position involves creative responsibilities like writing illustration briefs and sales copy, think about how you can showcase your creativity. Consider preparing a brief sample of your writing or ideas for a children's book to discuss.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
The role requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Discuss any experiences where you adapted to shifting priorities or supported colleagues to meet deadlines.
