Editorial Assistant CV Example
Present your organisational skills, editorial eye, and ability to support editors and publishers in content production workflows.
Recommended template: Modern
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Mention the types of publications or content you have worked with.
- Highlight your proofreading accuracy and knowledge of style guides like AP or Chicago.
- Include your experience with content management systems and publishing software.
- Show your passion for the publishing industry and awareness of current trends.
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How to Write Your Editorial Assistant CV
An editorial assistant CV should demonstrate your passion for publishing, your organisational abilities, and your editorial skills. Publishers look for candidates who are detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, and genuinely interested in books and content. Whether targeting trade, academic, or magazine publishing, your CV should show that you understand the publishing process and can contribute effectively to an editorial team from day one.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with a concise profile, work experience, skills, and education sections. For each role, describe the publisher, the types of content you worked with, and your specific editorial contributions. Highlight any experience with manuscript assessment, author liaison, or production coordination. Keep the document to one or two pages.
CV Format
Choose a clean, professional template with good typography — your CV should reflect the editorial standards you would bring to the role. Ensure there are no typos, inconsistencies, or formatting errors, as these will undermine your credibility for an editorial position. Save as a PDF.
CV Profile Examples
Publishing Editorial Assistant
Organised editorial assistant with three years of experience supporting commissioning editors at a leading UK academic publisher, managing manuscripts from submission through to production across humanities and social sciences lists. Proficient in manuscript tracking systems, proofreading to house style, and author correspondence. Handles a workload of 40 active titles simultaneously whilst maintaining meticulous attention to detail and meeting every production deadline.
Magazine Editorial Assistant
Enthusiastic editorial assistant with two years of experience at a national lifestyle magazine, supporting the features and commissioning teams with copy editing, fact-checking, and content scheduling. Skilled in WordPress CMS, social media content planning, and sub-editing to AP style. Passionate about long-form journalism and building a career in magazine publishing with a growing portfolio of published features and interviews.
Graduate Editorial Assistant
Motivated publishing graduate from Oxford Brookes University seeking an editorial assistant role to begin a career in trade or academic publishing. Completed a six-month internship at a London literary agency, gaining experience in manuscript assessment, reader reports, and submission management. Combines strong proofreading and research skills with genuine enthusiasm for books and a well-developed understanding of the UK publishing landscape.
State your publishing experience, the types of content you have worked with, and your key editorial skills in three sentences. Mention notable publishers or publications to establish your industry credentials.
Key Skills for Your Editorial Assistant CV
Proofreading
Checking text for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typographical errors to ensure accuracy before publication.
Copy Editing
Editing manuscripts for clarity, consistency, style, and factual accuracy while preserving the author's voice and intent.
Manuscript Processing
Managing manuscripts through editorial stages from submission to production, tracking progress and coordinating with departments.
Research Skills
Conducting research to verify facts, source images, and compile background information for editorial content.
Content Management Systems
Using CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, or publisher-specific systems to manage and publish digital content.
Author Liaison
Communicating professionally with authors regarding editorial feedback, contracts, schedules, and publication processes.
Scheduling
Managing editorial calendars and production schedules to ensure content is delivered on time across multiple simultaneous projects.
Attention to Detail
Maintaining meticulous accuracy across all editorial tasks, from proofreading to metadata entry and catalogue preparation.
Style Guide Application
Applying house styles, industry style guides, and citation conventions consistently across editorial content.
Work Experience Examples
Describe the publisher, the types of lists or content you supported, and the volume of titles or articles you managed. Detail your editorial contributions including proofreading, copy editing, and author correspondence. Mention any initiatives that improved editorial processes. Quantify with numbers of titles managed or deadlines met.
Editorial Assistant
Oxford University Press
Supported commissioning editors on humanities and social sciences academic book lists, managing manuscripts through the editorial and production process.
Responsibilities
- Managed manuscript workflows from submission to production handover, tracking progress in the publisher's editorial management system.
- Copyedited and proofread manuscripts, blurbs, and marketing copy to Oxford house style and academic publishing conventions.
- Corresponded with authors regarding contracts, manuscript preparation guidelines, peer review timelines, and production queries.
- Prepared peer review packages, sending manuscripts to academic reviewers and collating their feedback for commissioning editors.
- Coordinated with production, marketing, and design departments to ensure titles progressed on schedule through the publishing process.
Achievements
- Managed the editorial workflow for 38 titles in a single publishing cycle, meeting all production handover deadlines without exception.
- Identified and corrected a recurring citation formatting issue across multiple manuscripts, improving consistency and reducing production corrections by 15%.
- Took on additional responsibility for managing the digital first programme for three open-access titles, gaining experience in digital publishing workflows.
Editorial Intern
Penguin Random House UK
Supported the editorial team on the fiction list during a six-month internship, gaining hands-on experience across the full publishing process.
Responsibilities
- Read and assessed unsolicited manuscript submissions, writing reader reports with recommendations for the commissioning editors.
- Proofread jacket copy, catalogue entries, and promotional materials for spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy.
- Assisted with preparation of title information sheets and sales materials for seasonal catalogues.
- Attended editorial meetings, author events, and industry talks to develop knowledge of the UK publishing market.
Achievements
- Wrote a reader report that contributed to the acquisition of a debut novel subsequently shortlisted for a literary prize.
- Created a streamlined template for title information sheets that was adopted by the editorial team for future use.
Education & Qualifications
List your degree first, noting any publishing-related modules or dissertation topics. Include postgraduate publishing courses such as those offered by Oxford Brookes or City University. Mention any proofreading or copy editing certifications.
MA / PgDip Publishing
Postgraduate qualification providing industry-specific training in editorial, production, and marketing aspects of publishing.
BA English / Creative Writing
Undergraduate degree providing the literary knowledge and writing skills that underpin editorial work.
SfEP Proofreading Certification
Society for Editors and Proofreaders qualification demonstrating professional-level proofreading competence.
Publishing Training Centre Courses
Short courses in copy editing, proofreading, or digital publishing from the industry's leading training provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into publishing as an editorial assistant?
What skills does an editorial assistant need?
Should I mention the types of books I read on my CV?
How important is a publishing qualification for an editorial assistant role?
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