The HarperFiction team have an exciting new role available for an Editorial Assistant in the Crime and Thriller team. This role is a key hire for the team and will work with the Publisher and Editorial Director across the editorial and publishing process for key titles. This role is perfect for someone who is a big fan of the crime genre and who wants to kickstart their career in the editorial field.

Key tasks and accountabilities

• Supporting the Publisher and Editorial Director in editorial and administrative tasks on all their titles

• Liaising with authors, agents and freelancers

• Completing Advance Information sheets and managing metadata

• Preparing catalogue copy and back cover copy as needed

• Logging and reporting on submissions for the whole team, as well as keeping up with reading for the list

• Managing invoices and clearing permissions

• Engaging with the crime and thriller and media landscape, working with authors on social media

• Setting up external and internal meetings, arranging travel and booking hotels where needed

• Occasional attendance at crime festivals or events where required

• Checking covers and page proofs, and liaising with design and production teams to ensure books meet their deadlines

• Conducting research into subject matters, authors or organisations as directed by the Publisher and Editorial Director

Your first six months

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

• Read broadly in the crime and thriller genre to have an good grasp on the competitor market

• Help prepare cover briefs and cover copy

• Help prepare preliminary pages and check voucher proofs, hand over manuscripts to the production team

• Read and report on agent book submissions 

• Give notes on manuscripts received as requested by Publisher and Editorial Director

• Organise sending out author and agent copies and publication day gifts

• Attend a metadata training session as available

Experience required

• Knowledge of Microsoft suite including Powerpoint and Excel

• Some understanding of the crime and thriller market, knowledge of who the key authors are

• Previous administrative experience

Skills required

• Passionate about crime and thriller fiction

• A strong appetite for reading new manuscripts

• Extremely organised and efficient, able to juggle a varied and fast-paced workload

• A precise eye for detail

• Confident communication skills both internally and externally

• An ability to meet deadlines

• A creative and proactive approach

• Expertise in using the Microsoft suite would be an advantage

Please note 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/