Editorial Assistant

This new role represents an exciting opportunity to join the expanding Editorial department, based in the vibrant town of Cheltenham. Working within a dedicated team of Editorial Assistants, the ideal applicant will have:
A strong academic background
The ability to quickly adapt to new software, digital workflows and platforms
An exceptional eye for detail and the ability to multi-task
Excellent organizational, self-motivation and communication skills
A keen interest in the social sciences and/or law
Publishing experience is not necessary - we’re looking for a team player eager to learn and grow in a dynamic environment.
Job Description - January 2025
An Editorial Assistant (EA) is responsible for administrative tasks as well as the smooth progression
of manuscripts from submission through to the initial stages of the production process, excluding
copy-editing or proofreading. Core functions include maintaining in house databases, updating book
data and coordinating between key stakeholders including authors, commissioning editors and other
teams. EA’s should possess excellent organizational, problem-solving, communication and time
- management skills, as well as an aptitude for acquiring new digital skills.
**Key responsibilities**:

- Under the supervision of the team managers, take responsibility for the final manuscript once received in-house and ensure that the manuscript files and accompanying information uploaded to our manuscript workflow system are in a high-quality state ready for production. In detail, tasks include:

- Liaising with the respective Commissioning Editor regarding manuscripts received in house to ensure any issues are discussed and resolved at an early stage that might otherwise affect production, publication or marketing. Informing all departments if important information has altered since the contract was signed (for example: title, author’s address, additional authors)
- Dealing with any queries from the author(s) during the manuscript preparation and regarding the production process
- Arranging reviews of certain manuscripts by independent advisors or series editors
- Performing a thorough preliminary file check; resolving any problems (such as copyright issues, accessibility requirements, GDPR infringements, missing metadata and formatting errors), queries and/or potential difficulties to allow for copy editing
- Completion and maintenance of in-house databases to brief our production department on the details of the publication of the book (for example: format, print run, preparation of index, unusual features etc.)
- Ensuring the manuscript complies with legal accessibility requirements
- Accurate preparation and formatting of manuscript files, as well as responsibility for uploading these digital files to our dedicated publishing platform
- Preparing a book cover design brief and where applicable, sourcing and supplying the image for the designers
- Liaising with Marketing giving accurate and timely information of interest to them - for example, possible promotional quotes; change of title etc. Requesting promotional materials for books to take to conferences or to send to authors
- Liaising with Accounts with regards to buybacks, subventions, Open Access and invoicing
- Writing book descriptions for book covers and the website.
- Approaching academics to provide endorsement quotes for books.
- Proofing final book covers and other marketing materials.
- Archiving documents on the Cloud, and related administrative work, when required.
- Providing additional support to the Commissioning Editors when required.
- Answering the external phone when required.