Job Opportunities at What on Earth Publishing
By Georgia Appleyard and Amy Joan Sayner
Are you looking to gain experience in publishing? What on Earth Publishing is a dynamic, independent publishing house based in London, Kent, and Washington, D.C. They publish innovative and beautifully illustrated non-fiction books that engage children’s innate curiosity and passion for learning.
Sales & Metadata Admin Assistant (freelance)
Closing date: 10 November 2023
Salary: £120 per day (7.5 hours) / 1 day a week
Location: Remote or office-based (London)
This is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing team player who is a hardworking, confident communicator with a desire to learn and a passion for children’s books. Reporting to the Sales and Marketing Director, the successful candidate will provide key administrative support to a small, busy and dynamic team supporting What on Earth’s US and international markets. The focus will be to manage the metadata process, with key responsibilities including:
Uploading data including photographs to key US systems
Ensuring UK and US data feeds are activated
Supplying Australia with digital sales material and new title information / schedules
Submitting new titles to UK warehouse systems
US reprints information uploads
You will learn to use internationally recognised publishing and bibliographic systems including CoreSource, Edelweiss, Seeview, and Stison. Hours will be one full day or two half days a week, with flexibility when required. To apply, please contact Helen Thewlis at Helen.Thewlis@whatonearthbooks.com with a covering letter, CV, and available working days by Friday 10 November.
Editorial Assistant
Closing date: 17 November 2023
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Location: London (hybrid with two days in-office and three remote)
This is a great entry-level opportunity for a creative, meticulous Editorial Assistant with a passion for meaningful work that inspires, entertains, and informs. The successful candidate will work within a small team, so strong communication skills, a willingness to go above and beyond when necessary, and a friendly, positive attitude are essential.
Reporting to the Editorial Director, and collaborating closely with the design team, you will:
Assist with projects, managing approximately ten children’s non-fiction titles per year from initial concept through to bound book, including scheduling, managing freelance contributors, liaising with licensors and licensees, and managing metadata
Prepare contracts for review and liaise with agents
Edit and proofread content, working closely with colleagues, authors, and illustrators
Prepare AIs and cover copy
Liaise with colleagues in design, sales, marketing, and production
Assist with editorial administration, such as taking minutes during meetings
Requirements for this role:
Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to juggle various tasks
Meticulous attention to detail
A passion for illustrated book publishing and awareness of the children’s non-fiction market
Excellent people-management skills and the ability to function as part of a collaborative team
A strong understanding of all aspects of written language, including narrative flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and tone
Excellent and flexible communication skills
Experience of research and working with source materials is desirable but not essential
To apply for this exciting role, please send your CV and cover letter to hr@whatonearthbooks.com with the subject line, "Editorial Assistant."