Job Description

About the company:

Osprey Publishing is the UK's leading illustrated military history publisher and have been producing books for both enthusiasts and the wider market since 1968. Acquired by Bloomsbury in 2015, they are part of the Special Interest division, which creates original and high quality content to support hobbies, enthusiasms and interests in a number of subject areas.

Osprey are looking for an enthusiastic apprentice with a keen interest in starting a career in the publishing industry to join the Osprey Publishing Editorial team

based in Oxford

for a 15-month period.

This is an exciting opportunity to get your first taste of the publishing industry and further build your skillset, as well as a chance to learn about how an independent publishing house operates. You will assist with the day-to-day operations of the Editorial department at Osprey Publishing while learning about the different aspects of an editorial role.

About the role:

The role will be based at our Oxford office, Kemp House, Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford, OX2 9PH, on a mandatory working pattern of 2 days office-based / 3 days home-based (or fully office-based if preferred). Allocated office days for this role are Mondays and Tuesdays. Four days per week will be spent working with Osprey, and one day per week (or 20% of the apprenticeship) on apprenticeship work.

Tasks will vary, but will include:

Undertaking a variety of administrative tasks to support the Editorial department as required, such as: checking e-book files; completing photo permissions spreadsheets for books; carrying out picture research; putting together map references; returning hard copy artwork to artists. Managing the Osprey team's office copies of books, making sure that one copy of each new title is in the Library for reference only and one is on the office shelves, and ordering up any missing copies Managing the Osprey editorial inbox and other Osprey inboxes as required. Replying to and logging emails from the public and from prospective authors - such as complaints, queries and book proposals - promptly and professionally Running meetings processes for regular Special Interest meetings, including circulating materials, taking minutes, and completing follow-up tasks Leading on Osprey's backlist e-books project, working with Bloomsbury's e-books team to clear the rights for, create and make available for sale e-books for backlist titles which currently have none

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Main Responsibilities:

Undertaking a variety of administrative tasks to support the Editorial department as required, such as: checking e-book files; completing photo permissions spreadsheets for books; carrying out picture research; putting together map references; returning hard copy artwork to artists. Managing the Osprey team's office copies of books, making sure that one copy of each new title is in the Library for reference only and one is on the office shelves, and ordering up any missing copies. Managing the Osprey editorial inbox and other Osprey inboxes as required. Replying to and logging emails from the public and from prospective authors - such as complaints, queries and book proposals - promptly and professionally. Running meetings processes for regular Special Interest meetings, including circulating materials, taking minutes, and completing follow-up tasks. Leading on Osprey's backlist e-books project, working with Bloomsbury's e-books team to clear the rights for, create and make available for sale ebooks for backlist titles which currently have none

Skills:

A keen interest in a career in the publishing industry An excellent grasp of spelling and grammar Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Entry Requirements:

You'll need to attend an online interview with our Talent Team and pass initial assessments in maths and English once you have completed your registration. You will need to be within an hours commute to the office location listed at the time of your application.

About the apprenticeship programme:

As a Publishing Assistant Apprentice, you'll gain exposure to all key parts of the publishing process starting from the initial conception of a book, all the way through to production, sales, marketing, and publicity processes.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll be invited to monthly 3-hour live sessions hosted online in addition to working on your course content via our online learning platform.

To meet the off-the-job requirements for your apprenticeship, you'll also spend a minimum of 6 hours a week within the workplace developing your publishing knowledge, skills, and behaviours listed within your bespoke LDN Training Plan.

Additional Benefits include:

Access to LDN's Apprentice Community LDN Personal Development Opportunities LDN Social Events LDN Apprentice of the Month Prizes Excellent Career Progression Access to Student Discount
Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: From 22,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Employee mentoring programme Flexitime Free or subsidised travel Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

London WC1B 3DP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person