Books Commissioning Editor (news)

The Guardian; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in journalism as a Books Commissioning Editor. You will be responsible for day-to-day news coverage on the books site, ensuring engaging and timely content. We seek a collaborative journalist with a strong understanding of book-related topics and a proven ability to lead in a digital environment.

Benefits

30 days of annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Private healthcare

Life cover

Enhanced parental leave policies

Access to wellbeing tools

Free yoga and pilates classes

Qualifications

• Experience commissioning and writing for a respected news publication.
• Strong understanding of digital journalism and audience engagement.
• Wide network of contacts within books and publishing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and edit the books site focusing on breaking news.
• Write and edit books news and comment pieces.
• Commission and maintain relationships with contributors.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Digital journalism

Audience engagement

Job description

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account.

Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are now looking for a Books Commissioning Editor (News) to be responsible for the day-to-day news coverage on the books site. You'll work closely with colleagues across the Guardian to ensure our books journalism is topical, engaging and timely.

About the role

• Oversee and edit the books site with a strong focus on breaking and up to date news
• Write and edit books news and comment pieces
• Secure exclusive interviews, extracts and written features for both digital and print
• Commission and nurture relationships with a wide range of contributors, including established voices and exciting new talent
• Maintain strong relationships with authors, agents and publishers to ensure a pipeline of high-profile contributions
• Support a positive working relationship with our regular columnists and internal editorial teams

About you

We're looking for a collaborative journalist with a wide interest in and deep knowledge of book-related topics. You'll bring compelling and inventive ideas, with a clear understanding of our books content.

Key criteria:

• Significant experience commissioning and writing for a national or international news publication, respected magazine or website
• A strong understanding of digital journalism and audience engagement
• A wide network of commercial contacts within the books and publishing industry
• Knowledge and appreciation of the Guardian's values and style
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
• The ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
• Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role.

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian, minority ethnic or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 12th June 2025.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Sean on [e-mail] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

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Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.