An exciting, entry-level opportunity has arisen at 4th Estate for an enthusiastic Editorial Assistant or Assistant Editor to join the imprint to support the Publishing Director and Editorial Director in their publishing of a broad range titles, from literary to crossover fiction and narrative to subject-driven non-fiction.

4th Estate is one of the most innovative and eclectic imprints in the industry, with a reputation for publishing a wide variety of critically-acclaimed and beautifully-produced titles. We made history by publishing Hilary Mantel‘s Booker Prize-winning novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, which made her the first woman and first British writer to win the award twice.

We are the home of beloved, bestselling writers such as Jon McGregor, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, Jonathan Franzen, Elizabeth Day, Craig Brown and Nigel Slater. Our office bookshelves teem with classics from essential writers like J.G. Ballard, Joan Didion, Penelope Fitzgerald, Yiyun Li and Joyce Carol Oates. We are proud to publish some of the most thrilling emerging voices at work today such as Kate Elizabeth Russell, Yomi Adegoke, Jia Tolentino and Valeria Luiselli. From fiction to cookery, biography to polemic, we pride ourselves on publishing the finest books for the independent reader.

Key tasks and accountabilities

• The key tasks of the role will include but are not limited to the following:

• Supporting the Publishing Director and Editorial Director in editorial tasks on fiction and non-fiction titles

• Liaising with authors, agents and freelancers on individual projects

• Completing Advance Information sheets and managing metadata

• Preparing catalogue copy and paperback copy

• Logging and reporting on submissions

• Managing invoices, royalty queries, progressing contracts and clearing permissions

• Engaging with the literary and new media landscape

Your first six months

• You will become familiar with authors on the list and their agents 

• Help prepare cover briefs and cover copy

• Help prepare preliminary pages and hand over manuscripts to the project editorial team

• Read and report on agent book submissions 

• Give notes on manuscripts received

Skills required

• Passionate about a wide range of literature

• Extremely organised and efficient, able to juggle a diverse workload

• A precise eye for detail

• Confident communication skills

• An ability to meet deadlines

• A creative and proactive approach

• Expertise in using the Microsoft suite would be an advantage

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and with all different kinds of life experiences.

Please note that due to volume, earlier applications may be prioritised.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking internships or entry level positions. For more information visit http://www.booktradecharity.org/