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We are looking for a proactive, efficient, and creative Editorial Assistant to work with Century fiction’s Publishing Director and Senior Commissioning Editor across a range of bestselling commercial authors.
The team
Century is the home of the best in brand and genre fiction, known for our industry-leading event publications. Last year Century fiction published 36 Sunday Times bestsellers which spent a total of 88 weeks in the bestseller lists. Our authors include James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Lisa Jewell, Anthony Horowitz, Tom Hindle, Katie Flynn, Paige Toon and Gill Hornby.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Publishing Director, you will work on a number of Century’s bestselling titles across multiple genres. You will be an integral part of each author brand team, working closely with colleagues on a varied year-round programme of publishing.
You will be responsible for managing diaries, organising meetings, taking minutes, and ensuring our publishing remains on critical path. This will require you to liaise with the editorial management and production teams on book schedules, keep internal systems up to date, and prompt editors for material. Other responsibilities will include organising submissions for literary prizes, working on back catalogue titles, researching cover briefs, and sending out book proofs.
What you’ll bring
Exemplary organisational skills and an eagle eye for detail are essential for this role, as are strong administrative abilities to ensure multiple deadlines are met. You should be agile and able to pivot quickly. A can-do, enthusiastic attitude is crucial, along with the ability to work independently and under pressure. The ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholders and colleagues across the company is vital. Previous experience in publishing isn't necessary, but a passion for commercial fiction is a must.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of publishing. We're looking for someone inquisitive, capable of managing a variety of tasks, and eager to make a tangible impact on our department's efficiency.
Join our busy, fun, and collaborative team. Your career development will be supported, and you'll have the chance to participate in a wide range of employee networks and access development schemes like mentoring.
Disability Confident
If you have opted into our disability confident scheme below is the minimum criteria you must meet to be considered for our interview scheme. Please note, there may be occasions where the volume of applicants means we can’t take all eligible candidates to interview.
Minimum criteria
- Demonstratable interest in Century and the books we publish
- Proven written ability showcased through your application
- Experience/ Knowledge of MS Office Excel/Word/ Outlook
- Demonstrable understanding of managing multiple stakeholders at varying seniorities
- Demonstrable communication skills
About Penguin
We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter by 23:59 on Tuesady 22nd October. As part of your cover letter, please tell us about a recently published book you’ve read and why you enjoyed it (in no more than 200 words).
We will not accept applications that do not include a tailored cover letter – this is an important part of our assessment and is an opportunity for you to tell us more about your interest in the role and transferrable skills.
Please note we are looking for someone to join the team as soon as possible, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.
Hybrid working
We’re experimenting with a hybrid way of working that suits the needs of each team. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role, we expect that you’ll come into the office 3 days a week for Cornerstone’s core in-person days, which are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Our benefits include
Competitive benefits package: Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.
- Financial – discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan
- Wellbeing - healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan
- Lifestyle – taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books
