Editorial Assistant job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Editorial Assistant?
Editorial Assistants are essential employees in the publishing industry.
They ensure everything runs smoothly regarding a publishing company's activities and processes.
Editorial Assistants are responsible for supporting the editorial team through the editorial and publishing process.
They perform administrative duties, plan and manage publication schedules, coordinate with other departments to ensure the meeting of deadlines, review and proofread articles and other materials before publication, and conduct research for images and fact-checking.
The top Editorial Assistant skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
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Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
Our publishing company is looking for a meticulous and organized Editorial Assistant. In this position, you will have a wide range of responsibilities, such as implementing and managing publication schedules, coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth execution of operations and meeting deadlines, and assisting with the preparation of articles, stories, interviews, and other material. You will also be in charge of administrative tasks, including answering the phone and scheduling meetings and events.
Your goal as an Editorial Assistant will be to support the editorial team with all aspects of editorial and publishing processes. You will also develop and maintain a detailed database of publications, conduct research, and proofread material prior to publication.
In order to be successful as an Editorial Assistant, you should have outstanding communication, organization, attention to detail, research, and proofreading skills.
Duties and responsibilities
- Plan, implement, and manage publication schedules
- Discuss editorial and publication processes with writers and agents
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure the meeting of deadlines and smooth publication processes
- Perform administrative tasks, such as answering the phone, scheduling meetings and events, replying to emails, etc
- Check layouts and designs for publication covers
- Assist in the preparation of articles, stories, interviews, and other content
- Review and proofread content for grammatical and spelling mistakes before publication
- Assist in planning and organizing events such as book launches, promotions, exhibitions, etc
- Maintain a detailed database of publications, story ideas, pitches, and other content-related materials
- Conduct research for fact-checking, information about the topic, and images suitable for publications
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, media studies, or other related fields
- The completion of proofreading or editing course is an advantage
- Prior working experience in similar roles
- Familiarity with publishing processes and best practices
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- In-depth research skills
- Ability to effectively proofread written material
- Basic marketing and social media knowledge
- Organization and time management
- Strong attention to detail
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
In order to pursue a career in publishing, candidates for this position would need a Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communication, media studies, or other relevant fields.
Even though additional certification or training is not essential, some candidates still choose to complete a proofreading or editing course to gain more specific skills and knowledge of the field.
Most employees prefer candidates with previous working experience in publishing.
Still, candidates typically receive on-the-job training to learn about job specifications, computer or software programs used, and other necessary information.
Sample interview questions for an Editorial Assistant.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Could you tell us briefly about yourself?
- What is one habit you have that you would like to change?
- Do you have a favorite magazine?
- Can you tell us a little more about your previous work experience?
- In what area of publishing do you see yourself as a successful employee?
- Why should we hire you and not someone else who has the same qualifications?
- What does your regular working day look like?
- Do you think you will be able to handle multiple projects and strict deadlines all at once?
- Do you have experience in event planning?
- What is your experience with proofreading and design?
- Are you familiar with any publishing or database software?
- What sources do you use when fact-checking and researching relevant information about some topic?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $10 at the 10th percentile to $26 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
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Frequently asked questions.
What is an Editorial Assistant?
Editorial Assistants are professionals responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of publishing processes with a publishing company.
They implement and manage publication schedules, coordinate with other departments, assist in the preparation of articles, stories, and other content, perform administrative duties, and conduct research.
Where do Editorial Assistants work?
Editorial Assistants can pursue careers in a variety of settings, such as:
- Publishing companies
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Press agencies
- Academic journals
- Corporate communications departments, etc
Who do Editorial Assistants work with?
Editorial Assistants work with many different people in their workplace, such as Editors, Publishers, Managing Editors, writers, and other members of various departments in the company.
What skills make a successful Editorial Assistant?
A successful Editorial Assistant must have excellent communication, organization, proofreading, attention to detail, and research skills.
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