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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Editor to join the Preschool, Brands & Classics team at Macmillan Children’s Books, working on books for children including novelty board books, picture books, activity books and gift books.
Job Responsibility:
Work with the Publishing Director and Senior Editorial team on new titles throughout the publishing process, including creative development stages, writing, editing, copy-editing and proofreading
Assist in the creation and development of backlist, reissue, re-use, and re-jacketed titles, including those for special markets, as agreed with the Publishing Director
Develop and edit branded and licensed titles using style guides and asset banks, and liaise with licensors and external stakeholders to ensure efficient approvals
Assist in the development and creation of novelty and gift titles, including writing copy and liaising with authors and illustrators
Monitor title progress and manage schedules, sales copy, and metadata
Requirements:
Experience working as an Editorial Assistant within a commercial publishing environment with a clear understanding of the end-to-end editorial process
The ability to draft clear, professional copy and communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including authors, illustrators, and colleagues across the business
A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy while navigating changing priorities
Comfortable working with data and figures, such as managing project schedules or basic costings
Experience in writing engaging content for children, such as back-of-book blurbs, activity pages, or short-form copy
Experience working with systems and tools such as MS Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, Canva, and Biblio
A precise and thorough approach to copy-editing, proofreading, and checking visual assets for consistency and quality
An ability to review layouts and illustrations with a critical eye for composition, colour, and brand alignment
A dedicated team player who contributes to a supportive environment and works well across different departments
An active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices, taking personal responsibility for ensuring our workplace and publishing reflect the communities we serve
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
Nice to have:
Prior experience at the Assistant Editor level is highly advantageous
Previous experience working on multi-format children’s publishing, such as novelty and gift books, magazines, or licensed products
Experience contributing to the creative development or writing process for branded or high-concept titles
An interest in and awareness of the contemporary children’s book market, including current trends and competitor activity
What we offer:
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)