Assistant Editor, Bloomsbury Archer

Bloomsbury are proud to publish the most ground-breaking authors across genre fiction: authors who haven’t just defined modern fantasy – they’ve redefined it.

In 2025, we launched Bloomsbury Archer: a  dedicated science fiction and fantasy list. Now in our second year, we’re building a space within SFF that is bold, ambitious and home to the best of the best across heartland fantasy, romantic fantasy, retellings, high concept speculative fiction, sci-fi and horror. We are dedicated to breaking out debuts and building lasting careers, both within genre readerships and beyond. The imprint features genre legends, including Alan Moore and Samantha Shannon, alongside a raft of brilliant new talent. We’re looking to have a new Assistant Editor join the team.

The role

The new starter will be an integral part of the Bloomsbury Archer imprint, working closely with the Publishing Director and learning from the experience of the wider team – with tasks ranging from general administrative support and key critical path management through to assistance with the acquisitions process and publishing, with particular emphasis on liaising with Production and Sales about special editions.

You will have strong organisational skills, an understanding of the zeitgeist and be commercially-minded, with a good knowledge of the science fiction and fantasy market, and a passion to learn more.

This is an exciting role for someone who loves SFF and is keen to learn more about how to publish successfully and work with authors in this space.

Key tasks will include:

• Project-managing new titles through all aspects of the editorial process, from point of commission to finished book, including metadata, cover briefs and more
• Checking proofs and PDF files to support editorial workflow.
• Confidently liaising and building strong relationships with a matrix of departments including Sales, Marketing, Publicity and Managing Editorial.
• Reading, critically analysing and giving editorial feedback on submissions
• Maintaining systems and databases, e.g. Biblio, CRFs, preliminary costings and updating metadata.
• Preparing pre-acquisition costings and liaising with the Finance department
• Executing writing tasks that are concise, impactful and free of spelling mistakes - e.g. brochure summaries, catalogue entries, cover copy
• Creating, refining and updating strong, market-aware title information sheets
• Shadowing and supporting the Publishing Director in pitches and auctions as well as editing
• Supporting the Publishing Director in briefing artworks including maps, illustrations, covers and special editions
• Supporting the Publishing Director and wider team in maintaining existing author, illustrator and agent relations: liaising with authors over the progress of the book through production, copy approval and day-to-day editorial matters

Experience required

• Demonstrable knowledge of the SFF market and trends
• Experience in publishing, working at editorial assistant level or above desirable
• Experience working on SFF desirable
• Experience or knowledge of publishing processes and systems, including Biblio desirable

Skills required

• Excellent organisational skills, including project and schedule management
• Confidently takes initiative and ownership, driving completion of workload
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commercially-minded in terms of appreciating business realities
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Problem-solving approach and willingness to be proactive and collaborative
• Interpersonal, relationship-building and diplomacy skills
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
• Quick, thoughtful reader with strong critical thinking and comprehension skills

Additional information

The role is a full-time and permanent.

Salary Pay Point or Range:

£28,000 – £32,500

The role is based at our London office 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP

Bloomsbury Benefits

As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:

Working Pattern

• Hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)

Holidays

• 25 days holiday
• 3.5 days Christmas company holiday

 Other Benefits

• Two paid Personal Wellness Days
• Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 30 minutes earlier in the week
• Work Anywhere Fortnight - For two weeks of any calendar year. The minimum period for Working Anywhere is one week, the maximum period is two weeks.
• Season Ticket Loan
• Learning & Development - Free access to LinkedIn Learning, BookMachine Campus, InRehearsal & IPG Skills Hub
• Share Save Scheme
• AXA Healthcare Plan (Private Medical Insurance)
• Ride to Work Scheme
• Peppy Health App
• In-house Doctor
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme
• EAP Advice and Counselling

Company culture – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom, Accessibility, Mental Health, Pride, and Parents, Guardians and Carers, Multi-Faith) and Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources

For additional benefits see below

Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.