Editorial Assistant

About the role

Bloomsbury’s Academic department is looking for an Editorial Assistant to support two Acquisitions Editors in achieving the agreed revenue and profitability targets for their editor/list in Business and Management subject areas. This role will manage and deliver key date targets, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, and support colleagues within the department.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with authors, editors, and series editors to ensure high-standard author care throughout the publishing process.
• Keep the publishing program on schedule through regular liaison with authors and by maintaining and updating the frontlist plan.
• Prepare manuscripts for handover to production to agreed standards and on schedule.
• Set up new titles on Biblio and ensure project changes are updated promptly in line with key dates.
• Commission peer reviews for projects as requested by your manager; ensure reviews are delivered timely and track progress of all projects under review.
• Prepare and coordinate contributor contracts for new projects; ensure signed contracts are returned promptly and liaise with royalty and accounts payable teams as needed.
• Create cover briefs, cover copy, and brief cover designs where required.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to external and internal inquiries.
• Liaise closely with production and marketing to ensure they receive necessary information in line with key dates.
• Provide basic reports and sales information.
• Complete author payments, contributor payments, and book orders.
• Provide administrative support for your manager (filing, photocopying, etc.).

Requirements

• Strong time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize, assess, and manage workload to meet deadlines.
• Basic project-management skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to multitask and prioritize appropriately.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with internal and external contacts.
• Attention to detail, including accurate proofreading.
• Ability to handle and communicate information sensitively and professionally.
• Effective teamwork, networking, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Interest in developing industry and market awareness.
• Commercial awareness and customer focus.
• Ability to keep projects on schedule through consistent communication.
• Experience communicating with or coordinating external and internal stakeholders.
• Familiarity with publishing processes or systems (e.g., Biblio) is a plus.

Key Attributes

• Calm and logical response under pressure.
• Values high-quality content, author care, company reputation, and sustained customer relationships.
• Focuses on solutions rather than problems.

Location

Candidates must reside in DC, MD, or VA within a commutable distance to our Greenbelt, MD office and be able to work a hybrid-remote schedule.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid parental leave
• Hybrid work schedule