Editorial Assistant (London or Edinburgh)

Severn House is an imprint of Canongate Books dedicated to publishing great genre fiction: from gritty police procedurals to cosy mysteries and tense thrillers, as well as sci-fi, horror, romance, historical fiction, and more.

We’re looking for a highly organised, quick thinking and enthusiastic Editorial Assistant to support the Severn House editorial team.

This wide-ranging role would see you working closely with the Editors, aiding them in their work with authors, agents, and acquisitions; manuscripts, including art briefs, proof collations and copy-edits; as well as supporting the editorial team as a whole. You do not need to have worked in publishing before, but a keen eye for detail and an excellent grasp of grammar are a must, along with good organisational and IT skills. A hunger to learn, and a love of reading – particularly genre fiction – is essential.

Key duties will include:

• Assisting Editors with day-to-day work: art briefs, data input, acquisition forms, database management, author/agent communication, proof collations, costings, travel and event booking

• Proofreading book jackets, adverts and other matter as required

• Checking all editorial information and metadata is accurate on Biblio

• Formatting manuscripts, creating prelim material, cover copy, eBook endpages and corrections

• Assisting Brand Manager with trade journal review information and NetGalley approvals

• Assisting with smooth running of editorial department and helping with general admin for Editors when needed

What knowledge, skills, experience we’d like you to have:

• An excellent grasp of grammar and punctuation and a meticulous attention to detail

• Able to respond flexibly to a busy workload and multiple deadlines

• IT skills such as a good knowledge of Office (esp Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Powerpoint); knowledge of Biblio is a huge plus

• A team player and a passionate reader

Salary: £25,500pa. We offer a wide range of benefits: https://canongate.co.uk/about/employee-benefits/

This is an entry-level, full-time position, based out of either our London or Edinburgh office and reporting into the Senior Commissioning Editor of Severn House.

To apply, please send your CV (including contact details for two references) and a covering letter to Laurie Johnson, Senior Commissioning Editor, detailing why you feel you are suitable for this role. Email to recruitment@canongate.co.uk. The deadline for applications is midday 25^th October 2024.

PLEASE NOTE:

Canongate is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. 

Due to the high volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for the position. We will keep your information securely until 25^th November 2024. Unless you are the successful applicant, all of your information will be deleted from our systems at that point.