Editorial Assistant, Bloomsbury Visual Arts

The opportunity

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc is a leading international publisher with strengths in trade, children’s, professional and academic publishing, both digitally and in print. We are currently looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking Editorial Assistant to provide administrative and organisational support working on the Design and Crafts list within the Visual Arts team, part of our academic division. Bloomsbury Visual Arts is one of the foremost publishers in the fields of fashion and design, with a fast-growing presence in architecture, art history and visual culture. The list contains works of high quality and cutting-edge scholarship alongside education theory and practice texts for students, as well as innovative digital resources.

The role

To assist the Publisher and the Commissioning Editor for Design in the effective management of print and digital products throughout the publication process. This includes liaising with authors to ensure typescripts are delivered on time, preparing typescripts for production (including evaluating image quality and selection and securing images), sending proposals and draft typescripts for review, managing backlist titles, and other administrative duties.

Working with Authors

Maintaining close contact with authors to ensure timely delivery of typescripts

Acting as the main point of contact for author queries, resolving problems and answering questions promptly and accurately

Preparing and organising author contracts

Production, Permissions and Reviews

Preparing and briefing typescripts for production in a timely manner in line with internal deadlines

Third-party permissions administration

Sending book proposals and draft typescripts for review and researching suitable reviewers

Working with our eBook team to ensure titles are prepared for eBook distribution

Writing Copy and Briefing Covers

Writing and editing marketing and back cover copy

Briefing cover designs

Administration and Market Research

Creating and maintaining accurate title records on internal Bloomsbury databases

Managing new content and contract administration for our digital resource, the Bloomsbury Design Library

Supporting editors in managing backlist titles, including reprint administration

Assisting with the development of new book projects by conducting market research

Additional administrative duties, as required

Collaboration and Representation

Liaising with other members of the Visual Arts team, including the Senior Development Editor for Design, as well as colleagues from other departments such as production, design, marketing, sales and digital resources

Occasionally representing the company at conferences or events, as required

Knowledge, skills and experience

Organisational Skills

Exceptional organisational, time management and prioritisation skills

Strong project management and multi-tasking skills

Stays calm under pressure

Communication Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a good visual sense

Ability to demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation

Good attention to detail

Problem-Solving Skills and Commitment

Proactive, happy to take the initiative

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently

Confident, enthusiastic, hard-working, committed

Team player

Customer-focused

Processes and Systems

Ability to follow internal procedures and processes

Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and processes quickly

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Industry Knowledge and Experience

Committed to a career in academic publishing

Some commercial awareness and understanding of the publishing industry desirable

Some prior publishing experience an advantage

Additional information

The role is a full-time permanent position with an annual salary of £24,000 per annum.

The role is based at our London office, 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, on a mandatory working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred). Allocated office days for this role are Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Bloomsbury Benefits

As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:
Working Pattern

**hybrid working pattern of**: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)

Holidays

25 days holiday

3.5 days Christmas company holiday

**Other Benefits**:
Two paid Personal Wellness Days

Flexible Fridays - take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier in the week

Season Ticket Loan

Sharesave Scheme

In-house Doctor

Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Company culture - Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom, Disability, Mental Health, Pride and Parents, Guardians and Carers), 12 Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources

For additional benefits see be