Job Description for Publishing and Editorial Support

What a good one includes

• Clearly state the genre, target audience, and current word count or project phase so candidates know exactly what kind of creative sandbox they are playing in.
• Define the exact tasks required, distinguishing clearly between developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading, or promotional outreach to avoid scope creep.
• Outline key dates, including the manuscript delivery date, draft feedback loops, and the ultimate publication or launch deadline.
• Specify how you prefer to collaborate, whether that means weekly video check-ins, tracking changes in Microsoft Word, or sharing visual assets on Google Drive.
• State your budget transparently, clarifying if you are offering a flat project rate, an hourly fee, or a milestone-based payment structure.
• Give applicants clear instructions on what to submit, such as a portfolio link, a short sample edit, or a brief pitch explaining their interest in your genre.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Combining wildly different roles, like expecting a proofreader to also act as a full-time book publicist or research assistant, dilutes the quality of applicants.
• Withholding basic information about your book's genre or concept out of secrecy makes it impossible for creative professionals to judge if they are a good fit.
• Listing a project as ready for polishing when it actually requires extensive structural rewriting leads to budget overruns and frustration on both sides.
• Expecting a quality developmental edit or intricate cover illustrations in a matter of days alienates top-tier talent who maintain realistic production schedules.

Frequently asked questions