Publishing assistant

Your organisation and the wider publishing industry

• Your organisation’s strategy and publishing programme by genre and who your target users are.
• The broader publishing industry

Publishing systems and software

• How to read and apply information/data using publishing systems such as Biblio and Stison which are used to produce and sell books, journals etc
• The importance and risk to the business involved in maintaining and managing data
• The range of standards and mark-up languages eg XML, LaTEX, HTML used in publishing for editing
• Content management software that supports the production process eg digital, for the variety of content at your organisation

The critical path and range of publications

• The publishing journey from commissioning through to publication including working with manuscripts, proofs and advanced information sheets
• The range of publications available such as illustrated books, academic publications, digital books, products & services including where appropriate apps and journals.

The editorial & production processes

• Key stages of the publishing process, which will include editing, proof reading and briefing stakeholders
• How to check proofs where necessary and make sure printing matches the proof
• The costing principles of new titles and reprints to ensure cost effective production of books, to schedule
• How to ensure all information is up to date on relevant databases, including PDF files, application files and images

The sales, marketing & publicity processes

• The requirements of your (target users) trade partners such as bookshops, libraries, schools (teachers and students), universities, online distributors/sales.
• The different methods used to connect and engage with influencers such as bloggers & journalists.
• How to make appropriate connections and engage with readers
• The options regarding digital content distribution and access; marketing strategies such as search engine optimisation, insights from web analytics; user experience and web optimisation

Rights management, digital processes

• Deal structures and Digital Rights Management with authors including fees, advances, royalties, licensing copyright, covering territory copyright, translation rights, and serial rights.
• Company policies regarding copyright and permissions, including appropriate digital rights to ensure compliance.

Data Management

• Input and maintain data to produce publications that meet company, sales channel and audience requirements
• Continually improve the quality of information/data in-line with best practice

Publishing Journey and where appropriate Editorial process

• Follow publishing/editorial guidelines relevant to their role to produce publications that meet budgets, are on schedule and meet company & industry standards
• Ensure appropriate changes are highlighted and agreed with stakeholders
• Apply rigour and attention to detail
• Escalate issues and concerns, in-line with company process, to ensure the publication is delivered to time and budget constraints and your agreed milestones are achieved

Stakeholder Management

• Clearly identify stakeholders and manage their expectations, presenting appropriate information to them clearly and concisely
• Escalate issues and concerns regarding stakeholders as appropriate

Rights Management and Contracting

• Ensure that publications meet digital rights management and/or deal structures agreed with authors
• Using templates, draft contracts as required by your company

Problem solving

• Think laterally and provide sensible solutions to unexpected challenges

Communication

• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Show confidence and flexibility when communicating with different stakeholders, ensuring an appropriate use of language and terminology

Team working

• Demonstrate a strong ability to work as part of a team, taking on tasks with enthusiasm and working cooperatively with others (in a timely fashion).
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role you play in relation to other team members
• Undertake tasks confidently and resourcefully, supporting the team and/or line manager as required

Working independently

• Be pro-active and purposeful when working on your activities, apply the appropriate knowledge and seek support when it is needed
• Demonstrate good time-management

Discretion and confidentiality

• Show discretion when dealing with stakeholders, including colleagues, authors, customers and users, and maintain confidentiality when needed.

Attention to detail

• Apply rigour and attention to detail in all tasks.

Determination to succeed

• Consistently achieve personal and organisational targets
• Take action to resolve day to day issues
• Receptive to new ideas and respond well to day-to-day challenges
• Resilient and determined to overcome obstacles

Inquisitive

• A willingness to learn & develop, embracing new challenges when they occur.

Passion

• Demonstrates enthusiasm in their activities