Publishing Assistant, Tundra Book Group (12-Month Contract)

Location: 320 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario. In office (minimum three days per week).

Posting Type: This posting is for an existing vacancy, and we are actively accepting applications.

Expected Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $47,745 and will be determined based on experience.

Changing the world, one book at a time.

As a team of dedicated book-loving professionals, we discover, shape, and share content that nurtures thoughts, dreams, and conversations around the globe, ensuring that both new and established voices are heard.

We're looking for an organized, collaborative, and children’s book--loving Publishing Assistant to join Tundra Book Group on a 12-month contract.

Do you love children's books - from books for the youngest readers through to stories for teens? Do you have a sharp editorial eye and enjoy copyediting and proofreading? Are you highly organized and comfortable juggling different priorities and deadlines while keeping track of the details?

If this sounds like you, consider joining Tundra Book Group as our Publishing Assistant.

Your contribution to the story:

Tundra Book Group is made up of four children’s book imprints: Tundra, Swift Water Books, Puffin Canada, and Penguin Teen Canda. We are a leading North American publisher, home to some of the world’s most accomplished authors and illustrators as well as exciting new voices. We publish beautifully made books with outstanding illustration and striking design across all categories and ages.

We encourage you to explore the Tundra Book Group website and check our Instagram channel @tundrabooks to learn more about the books, creators, and stories we champion and get a sense of the work of our team.

The Publishing Assistant plays an important role in the day-to-day operational life of Tundra Book Group, supporting the publishing team across both administrative and editorial work.

In this role, you'll help keep the team organized and publishing processes moving while gaining hands-on exposure to many stages of the editorial process - from submissions and acquisitions through manuscript development and publication.

You'll work closely with the Tundra publishing team and collaborate with colleagues across Penguin Random House Canada and our publishing partners. This position will report to the Co-Publisher of Tundra Book Group.

What you'll do:

• Support the day-to-day administrative needs of the Tundra team, including scheduling meetings, taking minutes as needed, processing receipts and invoices, and other administrative tasks.
• Create launch presentation decks and prepare title information copy and other pitch documents.
• Copyedit and proofread various book material such as interior pages, jacket copy, marketing materials.
• Read and evaluate manuscript and proposal submissions, writing reading reports as requested.
• Read contracted manuscripts and provide thoughtful editorial feedback.
• Support the acquisitions process by researching comparison titles and sales data, and compiling and inputting contract paperwork.
• Input metadata including key words, revising online copy (bios, descriptions, awards, review quotes), and uploading catalogue material.
• Support the awards coordinators with submissions, filling out required forms and ordering/shipping books as needed.
• Submit titles for leveling.
• Apply for copyright information and Canadian/U.S. library registration.

Experience and knowledge you'll bring (qualifications):

• A combination of relevant work experience and/or education in publishing or a related field.
• Knowledge of and a genuine passion for children's books, from board books for babies through to books for young adults.
• Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills, with superior attention to detail.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects on tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• An inclusive approach to your work, supported by cultural competency and an ability to collaborate with people from a wide range of diverse backgrounds.
• Enhanced knowledge, awareness, and experience with the culture and history of any community that has faced marginalization is considered a plus.[EK3] [AK4]
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences, and an interest in supporting authentic Indigenous storytelling, is considered an asset, particularly in relation to the work of our Swift Water Books imprint.
• And, of course, a love for books!

This role is expected to work at least three days per week from our office located at 320 Front Street West, Toronto, ON. Candidates should therefore reside within commuting distance of our office.

Interested candidates should apply through this link with a resume and tailored cover letter, and list of favorite children’s books by Friday October 9, 2026. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are actively seeking to add team members from communities with lived experiences of marginalization and underrepresentation. We respect and value each individual and their lived experiences and are committed to creating a more diverse team and establishing a culture of belonging. If you self-identify as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community or another marginalized group, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 416-364-4449 if you need accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information on our accommodation policies.

We do not use artificial intelligence to screen or assess applicants. However, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as supporting administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment at any part of the process. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.