Publishing Assistant, Digital-First

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 UK is seeking a Publishing Assistant to work across its exciting new digital-first imprints, joining a data-driven commercial fiction team and providing administrative support across editorial, marketing, sales, and operations. Reporting to the Publishing Director, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves everything commercial fiction, from bingeable thrillers to racy romantasy and wants to work with books and authors who will reach a wide audience in the online space.

The Job Role

• Editorial responsibilities will include setting up and maintaining editorial data within the title management system, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all records.
• You will support editors by managing metadata, copy and cover information, and will assist in drafting jacket copy, selecting keywords and preparing cover design briefs to help position titles effectively in the market.
• Operational responsibilities will include ensuring titles meet critical path deadlines by liaising closely with editorial, production and marketing teams.
• You will coordinate with copyeditors, proofreaders, typesetters, authors and marketing freelancers, while also raising purchase orders, processing invoices and setting up freelancer details within internal systems and provide additional support on ad-hoc projects as required across the team.
• The Publishing Assistant will monitor and report on sales and marketing performance, preparing regular reports and updates for authors and internal stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making and campaign optimisation.

The Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate will have a proactive, can-do attitude and be detail-oriented, practical and curious, with a genuine passion for commercial fiction and a strong interest in what drives success online.
• Comfortable moving between creative, administrative and analytical tasks, they will demonstrate adaptability, initiative, excellent communication and strong organisational and problem-solving skills, alongside the ability to work confidently to deadlines.
• They will be comfortable using digital tools to organise and manage their work, streamline processes, curious to learn about metadata, online discoverability and digital platforms, and enthusiastic about digital reading and listening, whether through e-books, subscription services, audiobooks or online book communities.
• This role doesn’t require prior publishing experience. While administrative experience is advantageous, we welcome and encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, transferable experience and an interest and awareness of the publishing landscape, coupled with an eagerness to learn and excitement to take the first step in their publishing career.

Starting from £27,000.

Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter. We appreciate the strong interest in this role, however due to the high volume of applications, we may close the position early. 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 the 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.