Job Description

Introduction to the RoleAre you passionate about ideas-driven, intellectually stimulating non-fiction? Do you want to help find and develop the best new voices in history, politics, smart-thinking, biography, popular science and sport? Are you interested in helping experts and academics to communicate their knowledge to the widest possible audience, so they can inspire and inform new readers?A fantastic, entry-level opportunity has arisen at William Collins for an enthusiastic Editorial Assistant to join the imprint, supporting the Editorial Director, the Publishing Director as needed, and offering departmental support across the list. William Collins' authors include Catherine Belton, Guy Shrubsole, Richard Holmes, Daniel Finkelstein, Kat Hill, Max Hastings, Tom Burgis, Cal Flyn and Cat Jarman.This is the ideal first role for a highly efficient, capable and self-starting individual to join a busy and collaborative editorial team, working across a wide range of tasks central to the publishing process.Key Tasks and AccountabilitiesThe key tasks of the role will include but are not limited to the following:Supporting the Editorial Director and, as needed, the Publishing Director in editorial tasks on non-fiction titlesLiaising with authors, agents and freelancers on individual projectsCompleting Advance Information sheets and managing metadataReading and reporting on a wide range of non-fiction submissions and manuscriptsWriting catalogue copy, cover briefs and flap copyManaging invoices, royalty queries, progressing contracts and clearing permissionsManaging the agenda and minutes for the weekly William Collins editorial meetingGeneral admin including meeting organisation, room and restaurant bookingsManaging monthly prize submissions across the William Collins listCollating and submitting expenses for the Editorial Director and Publishing DirectorOrdering author/agent copiesAssisting with proof and finished copy mailingsYour first six monthsYou will become familiar with authors on the list and their agentsHelp prepare cover briefs and cover copyHelp prepare preliminary pages and hand over manuscripts to the project editorial teamRead and report on agent book submissionsGive notes on manuscripts receivedAssist with general admin including expenses, book fair appointments and restaurant bookingsSkills RequiredPassionate about a wide range of non-fiction writingExtremely organised and efficient, able to juggle a diverse workloadAn ability to meet deadlines and a precise eye for detailConfident communication skills both internally and externallyStrong copywriting skillsA creative and proactive approachExpertise in using the Microsoft suite would be an advantageExperience working in an office environmentBenefitsHybrid working model (3 days in the office)28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leavePrivate healthcare cover and life assuranceSummer HoursFree access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portalSeason ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work schemeRelocation Rent Support LoanEmployee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at WorkUnlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmesVirtual GP and eyecare vouchersGym membership discountOnsite physiotherapy (London only)Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering daysWe're a certified Carbon Neutral companyGreen Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hireFree e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on booksSubsidised canteen and retail discountsOnsite prayer roomThe 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 visitAt HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities. This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks.If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to with subject heading 'Vacancy Query' plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.

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