Editorial Assistant

We're a small, independent publishing house looking for a creative, detail-oriented Editorial Assistant to join our close-knit book-loving team.

In this role, you'll work hands-on with authors and collaborate with the whole team to shape manuscripts into their best possible form. From developmental edits to precise line-by-line polishing, you'll play a key part in bringing compelling stories to life and ensuring every book we publish connects deeply with readers.

You must be a passionate reader with a keen editorial instinct and the creative skills to rework not only narrative and dialogue structure but also plot-wide issues. You should also have exceptional attention to detail, sensitivity to voice and tone, and a mastery of English grammar and style. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential to ensure authors feel thoroughly supported throughout the entire process. A collaborative spirit and enthusiasm for working closely with authors and the rest of the team will put you in good stead. Experience with InDesign is preferred, but not required.

What you'll do:

Assist with developmental and line editing across fiction and nonfiction titles, providing detailed feedback to authors and helping to guide revisions. You'll copy-edit and proofread manuscripts for grammar, punctuation and consistency and finalise manuscripts for print whilst also supporting editorial schedules, tracking deadlines and coordinating with cover designers, illustrators and other editors as necessary. You will also support the submissions team with inputting and assessing new submissions, and we'd like you to contribute to brainstorming sessions and new title development. We are a close-knit team who all work together as one unit, so a willingness to get involved is crucial.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate editorial workflow: work closely with the Senior Editor to support signed authors through the production process, from contract to final manuscript, ensuring smooth communication and timely progress.
• Prepare manuscripts: style and format proofs according to our house style, ensuring consistency and readability.
• Edit and refine content: provide comprehensive editorial support, including developmental and line editing, collaborating directly with authors through multiple proof exchanges to reach final approval.
• Final production preparation: finalise formatted manuscripts in InDesign, preparing them for print.
• Track production progress: liaise with the wider team to maintain accurate production records, ensuring all authors move efficiently through each stage of publication in line with contractual timelines.
• Manage submissions: process new manuscript submissions, communicate with prospective authors and maintain accurate records in our database.
• Participate in acquisitions: contribute to weekly team discussions to evaluate submissions and give your opinion on which projects we might pursue.
• Support acquisitions process: provide administrative support to the Acquisitions Editor in managing submissions and liaising with authors selected for publication.
• Engage with team discussions: support the rest of the team by sharing your thoughts on metadata assignment, social media content ideas, cover design, marketing and more.

Why join us?

You'll be part of a supportive, creative environment where your editorial voice will be valued and your ideas can make a real impact. We're passionate about publishing distinctive, beautifully written books and we're looking for someone who shares that commitment and will make a valued addition to our team.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Contract length: 10 months

Pay: £12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge CB2 1GE