Biteback Publishing: Commissioning Editor/Senior Commissioning Editor (six-month maternity cover)

BookBrunch Limited; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publisher of political and current affairs books in the UK seeks a Commissioning Editor/Senior Commissioning Editor for a six-month maternity cover. The role involves overseeing publishing processes, commissioning titles in various genres, and collaborating closely with marketing and sales teams. The successful candidate will have experience in non-fiction commissioning and excellent communication skills, contributing to a friendly, collaborative publishing environment.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in commissioning non-fiction.
• In-depth knowledge of the non-fiction market.
• Experience managing libel risks.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning serious non-fiction across various subjects.
• Negotiate contracts and oversee publishing processes.
• Support junior editors and provide editorial feedback.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Job description

Biteback Publishing: Commissioning Editor/Senior Commissioning Editor (six-month maternity cover)

Britain’s leading publisher of political and current affairs titles is seeking an energetic, agile acquiring editor to steer the team through a period of maternity leave

The successful candidate will play a central role within our close, friendly company, collaborating with sales, marketing and publicity departments and providing oversight and guidance for junior editors.

The role will include:
– Commissioning serious non-fiction, ranging from politics and current affairs to history, memoir and sport
– Negotiating contracts
– Steering titles through the publishing process, including a list of inherited titles due to be published in 2024, and managing their schedules
– Structural and line-editing
– Providing first-class author care
– Supporting junior editors’ workflow

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
– Solid experience in commissioning non-fiction; a strong interest in politics and current affairs would be an advantage
– In-depth knowledge of the non-fiction market, with good contacts and commercial awareness
– Excellent communication skills, with the expertise, tact and confidence to provide editorial feedback to authors and junior editors
– Experience of managing libel risks
– Impeccable proofreading and attention to detail
– The ability to work to tight deadlines, with great teamwork and prioritisation skills

Details: full-time temporary role for six months

Location: London, working three days a week in our Westminster office and two days a week from home (or fully office-based if preferred)

Closing date: 14 July 2023

How to apply: send a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the role, and including current salary and notice period, addressed to Olivia Beattie at [e-mail]

Biteback welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, particularly those who are under-represented in the publishing industry. Just let us know if there are any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during the recruitment process.