Associate Poetry Editor

British Book Publishing is seeking an Associate Poetry Editor to join our growing poetry publishing programme. The Associate Poetry Editor is responsible for evaluating poetry submissions with clear, constructive feedback; maintaining a steady reading load and meeting editorial deadlines; and supporting the Poetry Editor in coordinating readers and managing the submission pipeline from first read to publication.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of contemporary poetry, an eye for voice and craft, and a genuine commitment to supporting UK poets at every stage of poetry publishing, from manuscript to finished collection. They should be reliable, organized, and comfortable collaborating with editors, designers, and authors as part of a small, author-focused team. Prior editorial experience, a degree in Creative Writing or English Literature, or a publication history is preferred but not required.

This role also connects closely with our wider publishing process, working alongside our production, distribution, and book marketing service teams to help selected poets reach the right readers once their work is ready for the world.

We're looking for someone who:

• Reads widely and critically in contemporary poetry, with a genuine eye for voice, form, and craft

• Can give clear, constructive feedback on submissions without losing a writer's confidence

• Stays organized under a steady reading load and never misses an editorial deadline

• Works well as part of a small team, supporting the Poetry Editor across reading, selection, and the wider publishing pipeline

• Understands that poetry publishing doesn't end at acceptance, and is comfortable coordinating with our production and book marketing service teams to help each collection find its readers

• Brings reliability, discretion, and a collaborative attitude to every manuscript they touch

Nice to have, not required:

• Editorial experience with a literary press, magazine, or journal

• A degree in Creative Writing, English Literature, or a related field

• A personal publication history in poetry or literary criticism

Not what we're looking for:

• Someone who wants to shape poetry to fit a single narrow aesthetic, rather than read each submission on its own terms

• Someone who can't commit to a consistent weekly reading load