Writer / Editor - Children's non-fiction
You will be part of a team of writer/editors in our Wolverhampton office who create a wide variety of books including sticker books, puzzle books, activity books, sound books and nature spotter’s guides, as well as jigsaws.
The role
We are looking for an aspiring writer/editor to join Usborne’s friendly and talented team, working on all stages of our award-winning illustrated information and activity books for children. You will be involved in working on and developing a range of our titles and series, and broadly the role includes:
* Writing new books, or parts of books, as well as updating text in existing books, carried out under close supervision and with support from senior editors.
* Collaborating with other writer/editors, designers, and production staff on the creation of new books.
* Assisting other members of the editorial team with proof-reading and researching.
* Writing back cover blurb and providing the sales and marketing teams with information and copy to assist with the promotion of new books.
* Coming up with ideas for new titles and series that will be commercial in a diverse, international market, appealing to children of all ages.
This is an entry-level role within our team suitable for someone at the early stages of their writing career, and we will provide full on-the-job training.
Location and Benefits
This role is based in our Wolverhampton office and we work a 35-hour working week, where after a successful initial induction period requiring new staff to work in the office for 4 days per week, we then operate a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.
In addition to our transparent salary grading structure, for this role we also offer a range of excellent benefits which include:
* 25 days paid holiday entitlement increasing with service to 30 days after 5 years service plus bank holidays;
* Industry-leading Pension Scheme and Life Assurance;
* Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured and Mental Health First Aiders;
* Virtual GP service;
* Enhanced Family Friendly benefits;
* Rewards and Discount services and shopping;
* Cycle to Work Scheme;
* 75% discount on Usborne books.
What we are looking for
* Excellent written skills and a sound grasp of grammar.
* The ability to write with flair on a wide range of subjects, from science and history to retellings of classic stories, and be able to put together clear instructions for activities, games, and puzzles.
* Delight in making information irresistible to children, with a sense of what children of different ages understand and enjoy.
* The ability to think logically, creatively, and visually, with a clear sense of how words and pictures can work together.
* Methodical research skills and a meticulous eye for detail.
* A degree or equivalent experience and skills.
Additional job details
Location: Wolverhampton
Contract, dates and working times: Full-time
How to apply
Usborne is dedicated to building a diverse taskforce that reflects the wide range of communities that read our books globally. Decisions are made based on the individual’s skills and experiences and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics in Publishing.
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and therefore applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK permanently before making their application.
Recruitment Process
If you have applied for a Writer / Editor role at Usborne in the last 12 months, we will not be able to consider your application for this role.
After an anonymised shortlisting process, we anticipate first interviews taking place in person at our Wolverhampton office in early March 2025, with successful candidates being invited to complete a spec and subsequently a final stage in-person interview at our offices in London around the end of March, with the successful candidate starting the role shortly after this.
Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the application and/or recruitment process.
AI notice
We ask that you refrain from using any AI tools for your application. Any suspected AI usage will result in your application being rejected.
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 23 February 2025.
Usborne is an independent, family business, creating books which spark curiosity in children of all ages.
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