Editorial Assistant

• Provide day-to-day administrative and editorial support to the Publishing Director and Publisher of the Julia Donaldson list for MCB.
• Prepare agendas, schedule internal and external meetings, take clear meeting notes, and follow up on action points.
• Use internal publishing systems (such as Biblio, Vista, and Tableau) to set up new book profiles and keep information accurate.
• Check and update book data (metadata) to ensure titles are easy to find online and look up sales figures as required.
• Process invoices, raise payment paperwork, and track down late payments, ensuring authors, illustrators, and suppliers are paid on time.
• Help coordinate book reprints and special sales editions by supplying updated text, files, and schedules to production teams.
• Help draft clear back-cover copy, read through layouts, and provide proofreading support to ensure text accuracy.

• Exceptional precision and care across all tasks, with the ability to proofread text and spot even the most minor of errors.
• A high comfort level working with numbers and data, including the ability to compile sales reports and analyze market metrics to support key business decisions.
• Effective organizational skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage a varied workflow effectively.
• A demonstrable passion for children’s books and the publishing industry, particularly for Macmillan Children’s Books lists, across a variety of formats including picture books, novelty, activity, and gift books.
• Effective written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to share information reliably and professionally.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing business needs while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience working with systems and tools such as MS Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, Canva, and Biblio.
• An active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices, taking personal responsibility for ensuring the workplace and publishing reflect the communities served.
• A collaborative approach to building a supportive and vibrant environment.
• A strong drive for learning and a readiness to embrace different perspectives.
• A foundation of openness and honesty, taking responsibility for actions and learning from mistakes.

skills

• Some practical experience working in the publishing industry, either as a bookseller or in a related administrative or creative field.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Salary: £28,000
• 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Discounted private medical insurance or health cash plan.
• Group income protection scheme.
• Enhanced family pay and leave.
• Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months).
• 2 Volunteer Days per year.
• 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates).
• Season ticket loan/advance.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
• Christmas club savings.
• Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch.

• All applications must be submitted via the careers site.
• CVs or applications sent via email will not be accepted.
• Shortlisting may take some time due to thorough review of applications.
• All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK.
• Closing date: 5 July 2026.