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Publisher Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ExtensisHR

Membership & Operations Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Create and distribute journal mailing lists to the publisher. * Assist with donor acknowledgment letters, award documentation, and review processes. * Manage the association's online member community ...

Finch Computing

Proposal Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

Support color team review logistics and desktop publishing. * Assist with RFP/RFI analysis and compliance matrix development. Requirements * Experience supporting proposal development in a federal ...

Finch AI

Proposal Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

Support color team review logistics and desktop publishing. * Assist with RFP/RFI analysis and compliance matrix development. Requirements * Experience supporting proposal development in a federal ...

Bloomsbury Publishing

Editorial Assistant

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$24.01/hr

Bloomsbury's Academic department is looking for an Editorial Assistant to support two Acquisitions ... Keeping the publishing program on schedule through regular liaison with authors, and by maintaining ...

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All JobsPublisher JobsPublisher Assistant JobsPublisher Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Publisher Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.4K

$48.5K

$86.9K

How much do publisher assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for publisher assistant in Reston, VA is $48,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $42,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a publisher assistant?

A Publisher Assistant is a professional who supports the operations of a publishing house or department. Their duties often include assisting with manuscript preparation, coordinating between authors and editors, managing schedules, handling correspondence, and performing various administrative tasks. Publisher Assistants help ensure that publishing projects run smoothly and are completed on time. They play a key role in the production process and may also help with marketing or distribution tasks, depending on the size of the publisher.

What does a publisher assistant do?

A publisher assistant performs tasks in support of editors and publishers. In this career, your duties may include reviewing documents and compiling files in preparation for publication, organizing financial or publishing data into a weekly or monthly report, and proofreading documents before they go into the print press. Depending on your employer, your responsibilities could include working in reception or handling communication with different departments, writers, or editors within the company. In some cases, you may also be involved in the promotional aspects of the publishing operation.

What are some typical challenges publisher assistants face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Publisher Assistants often juggle several projects at once, such as coordinating with authors, tracking manuscript deadlines, and ensuring smooth communication between editorial, design, and marketing teams. This multitasking can be challenging, especially during busy publishing cycles or tight deadlines. Effective organization, prioritization, and clear communication are essential for managing these demands and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. Working closely with experienced editors and project managers can help Publisher Assistants develop these critical skills and thrive in a fast-paced publishing environment.

How much do publishing assistants make?

Publishing assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in larger firms can earn higher salaries. Some positions also offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

How to get hired by a publisher assistant?

To become a publisher assistant, candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills, familiarity with publishing software, and a basic understanding of the publishing process. Relevant experience or internships in publishing or related fields can improve chances, and a high school diploma or higher education is typically required. Applying through company websites or job boards and tailoring your resume to highlight relevant skills can help secure an interview.

How to get into publishing with no experience?

To become a publisher assistant with no experience, focus on developing strong organizational and communication skills, and gain familiarity with publishing tools like Microsoft Office or Adobe InDesign. Entry-level roles often require a high school diploma or equivalent, and internships or volunteering can provide relevant experience and industry insight.
More about Publisher Assistant jobs

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Publisher Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Publisher Assistant job openings:

Publisher Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Publisher Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,504 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Research Assistant, Test Assembly & Desktop Publishing

Center for Applied Linguistics

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Company Description
***Please submit Resume and Cover Letter when applying***
The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.
The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.
CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.
Job Description
The Test Assembly Research Assistant reports to the Test Assembly Manager and works collaboratively across functional teams to support the assembly, layout, and quality control of large-scale online and print-based English language proficiency tests. This role also provides assistance in formatting test materials, ensuring alignment with CAL's style guide, WCAG requirements, and print specifications. This role is responsible for accurately transferring test content into InDesign templates, performing quality control reviews, and supporting the production of error-free, accessible test forms and ancillary materials.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Test Form Assembly and Layout
  • Transfer and lay out test content (text and graphics) in Adobe InDesign, following established templates, the CAL style guide, WCAG requirements, and print specifications.
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of test booklets, administration scripts, and other ancillary test materials in both print and computer-based formats.
  • Assist in preparing and reviewing test blueprints and item inventories to support test form construction.
  • Collaborate with the Desktop Publishing Graphic Designer to implement layout adjustments and minor graphic edits in Adobe InDesign.

Quality Control and Review
  • Perform systematic quality control reviews of print-based and computer-based test materials to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with test specifications, content standards, WCAG requirements, and formatting requirements.
  • Review assessment materials using screen reader software to verify the accuracy of alternate text and document accessibility.
  • Support the Test Assembly Manager in maintaining, documenting, and improving quality control procedures and checklists.
  • Track stakeholder feedback, implement approved revisions, and maintain complete, auditable revision histories.
  • Support mock test administrations and revise materials based on findings and user feedback.

Documentation, Data, and Process Support
  • Maintain test item databases and item banks, ensuring records remain accurate, current, and complete.
  • Assist with the maintenance of the internal style guide and the documentation of test assembly procedures.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to test security protocols in the handling of secure assessment content.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The Test Assembly Research Assistant must have:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Education, Applied Linguistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • At least two years of experience contributing to the production of educational or assessment materials.
  • A high degree of proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) gained in a professional or academic setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The Test Assembly Research Assistant must be able to:
  • Follow established procedures, templates, and style guides with precision.
  • Apply quality control standards for print and digital production.
  • Sustain close attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture in a high-stakes production environment.
  • Manage competing and shifting priorities, prioritize tasks appropriately, and meet firm production deadlines.
  • Work collaboratively and communicate effectively across functional teams.
  • Work accurately with databases and test item banks

An ideal candidate for the Test Assembly Research Assistant position also has:
  • Experience with standardized educational assessments or operational test production.
  • Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills.
  • Familiarity with screen reader technologies such as JAWS and NVDA.
  • Familiarity with accessibility standards for print and digital materials (e.g., Section 508, WCAG).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information
COMPENSATION:
Minimum Salary: $61,285 ; Benefits eligible
Full-time
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.
ADDITIONALINFORMATION
This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
AFFIRMATIVEACTION/EQUALOPPORTUNITYEMPLOYMENTSTATEMENT
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

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