Personal & Publishing Assistant to an Author

Personal & Publishing Assistant to an Author Full-time | Hastings-based (Hybrid Working) Competitive Salary Start Date: ASAP An established and successful author is seeking a highly capable Personal & Publishing Assistant to become a key part of a growing creative and publishing business. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of a writing life and an ambitious independent press. The role combines personal assistance, publishing coordination, project management, and event support, helping to ensure that both the author and the business operate smoothly and effectively. The successful candidate will become a trusted partner, supporting book launches, publishing projects, reader events, and the day-to-day administration that allows a busy creative professional to focus on their work. The Role The position spans three core areas: Personal Support Managing diaries, schedules, and appointments Protecting and organising writing and working time Inbox management and correspondence Coordinating travel arrangements and logistics Handling general administrative tasks across work and personal commitments Acting as a trusted gatekeeper and point of organisation Publishing & Project Coordination Supporting book publication schedules and production timelines Assisting with Kickstarter campaigns and related administration Coordinating marketing, publicity, and promotional activity Liaising with freelancers, suppliers, and publishing contacts Tracking projects and ensuring deadlines are met Maintaining systems, records, and documentation Events & Community Supporting the planning and delivery of reader and author events Assisting with online and in-person events Coordinating logistics, communications, and attendee information Helping build and maintain engagement with readers and the wider community About You This role will suit someone who sees personal assistance as a profession and takes genuine satisfaction from helping someone else's work and life run smoothly. You are highly organised by instinct, naturally proactive, and enjoy creating order, anticipating needs, solving problems before they arise, and ensuring that details never fall through the cracks. You may have experience as a PA, Executive Assistant, project coordinator, operations coordinator, office manager, or in another role where organisation, discretion, and managing competing priorities were central to your success. You will be: Exceptionally organised and detail-oriented An excellent written communicator Discreet, trustworthy, and able to handle confidential information Technologically confident and quick to learn new systems Calm under pressure and capable of managing multiple priorities Energetic, positive, and resourceful Naturally intuitive, with strong judgement and common sense Publishing experience would be welcomed but is not essential. If this role sounds exciting to you and you would like to find out more please send your CV to apply to hannah.keighley@handle.co.uk

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