Job Description
Jonathan Ball Publishers has a vacancy for Digital Book Production & eBook Coordinator in its Cape Town offices. This position will report directly to the Production Manager and requires a detail-oriented individual with strong organisational skills and the ability to work accurately under pressure.
The ideal candidate has some experience in print or ebook production, or is a graduate with a lively interest in digital book production and sees a future for themselves in this field.
Key responsibilities:
Ebook production: Coordinate the complete digital (ebook) production process, from proof stage to final eBook files.
Quality Assurance: Proof, test, and troubleshoot eBooks on various devices and platforms (Kindle, Apple, Kobo, Bluefire).'
Quality Control: Use of eBook validation tools (e.g. EPUBCheck) and device emulators.
Digital Asset Coordination: Effective organisation, archiving, and version control of digital files.
Technical skills:
Computer literate: Basic understanding of MS Word, Outlook and Excel and Adobe Acrobat
eBook Formats: A good understanding of the different digital book formats and applicability (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and fixed-layout versus reflowable layout).
Metadata: A basic understanding of best practices for metadata to optimise discoverability and sales.
Language skills: Fluency in both English and Afrikaans, as the role requires checking ebooks in both these languages
Bonus Skills
DRM: Basic knowledge of digital rights management (DRM)
HTML & CSS: Intermediate skills for editing and troubleshooting eBook files.
XML: An understanding of XML for metadata and content structure.
Soft skills:
Excellent organisational abilities
Time management/scheduling; ability to coordinate multiple projects and different deadlines at the same time.
Meticulous; will ensure accuracy in formatting, metadata, and file quality.
Problemsolver; will proactively identify and resolve technical, production, and workflow issues.
Good communicator; clear and professional communication with different team members (publishers, designers, IT, etc.) and vendors.
Customer focus; understands the needs of readers and internal stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience
A tertiary qualification in publishing or a relevant field, or
Experience working in a similar or related role in the production team of a publishing house
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICANTS: 10 APRIL 2026