Editorial Assistant

Role overview

Pan Macmillan is looking for a meticulous and enthusiastic Editorial Assistant to support the Macmillan Children’s Books team working on the Julia Donaldson list. This permanent, full-time position sits within a small, focused publishing group and covers a broad mix of children’s titles, including picture books, novelty books, activity books, gift books, poetry and audiobooks.

Working closely with the Publishing Director and Publisher, you will help keep editorial and administrative processes running smoothly from the first stages of development through to reprints and backlist management. The role calls for strong organisation, accuracy, good judgement and a genuine interest in children’s publishing.

About the team

You will join a dedicated division within Macmillan Children’s Books that manages the work of Julia Donaldson, one of the UK’s best-known children’s authors. The list includes picture books, toddler novelty titles and poetry anthologies, alongside celebrated collaborations with illustrators such as Axel Scheffler, Lydia Monks and Sara Ogilvie. The team works in close partnership with colleagues in Design, Production, Sales, Marketing and Rights to bring these books to market.

Main duties

• Provide everyday administrative and editorial support to the Publishing Director and Publisher.
• Organise meetings, draft agendas, record minutes clearly and follow up on agreed actions.
• Maintain accurate records in internal publishing systems such as Biblio, Vista and Tableau, including creating new title records.
• Review and refresh book metadata and sales information to help titles remain discoverable and commercially up to date.
• Handle financial admin tasks such as invoice processing, payment requests and chasing overdue payments for authors, illustrators and suppliers.
• Support the coordination of reprints and special sales editions by sharing revised text, files and schedules with production colleagues.
• Assist with editorial tasks such as drafting back-cover copy, checking page layouts and proofreading for accuracy.

Skills and experience needed

• Outstanding accuracy and close attention to detail, especially when proofreading.
• Comfort working with data and numbers, including the ability to compile sales information and review market metrics.
• Strong administrative and organisational ability, with experience prioritising a varied workload.
• A clear enthusiasm for children’s books and the publishing sector, particularly the Macmillan Children’s Books range.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills.
• A practical, problem-solving mindset and the flexibility to respond to changing priorities.
• Hands-on experience with MS Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, Canva and Biblio.
• A commitment to inclusion, diversity and representing a wide range of voices in publishing.
• A collaborative attitude, curiosity and willingness to learn from others.
• Integrity, openness and accountability in day-to-day work.

Desirable background

Previous experience in publishing, bookselling or a related administrative or creative role would be an advantage.

Working arrangement

This role is based in the Farringdon office in London, with some flexibility to work from home each week. It is a full-time, permanent appointment.

Salary and benefits

The salary for this position is £28,000 per year.

• 28 days of annual leave, rising with service, plus bank holidays
• Pension contribution scheme
• Option of discounted private medical insurance or a health cash plan
• Group income protection cover
• Enhanced family-related pay and leave
• Flexible working hours, plus summer hours with early Friday finishes during the summer months
• 2 volunteer days each year
• 75% discount on books and access to heavily reduced staff book sales
• Season ticket loan or advance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts on shopping and gym memberships, plus a Christmas savings club
• Free daily breakfast and a monthly company lunch

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the employer’s careers site. CVs or applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Additional information

The hiring team reviews each application carefully, so shortlisting may take time. The closing date for applications is 5 July 2026.

Eligibility and inclusion

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. The employer welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to inclusive hiring. As a Disability Confident employer, they encourage applications from disabled candidates and people with long-term health conditions, with an aim to offer an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and apply under the scheme. Reasonable adjustments and accessibility support are available during recruitment.

Privacy and support

Personal data shared during the recruitment process will be handled in line with the company’s recruitment privacy notice. Candidates needing adjustments or accessibility support can contact the Head of Talent Acquisition.