Commissioning Editor 12-month FTC – Non-Fiction Books

Redwood Publishing Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An award-winning independent publisher seeks a proactive Commissioning Editor for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This innovative firm focuses on natural history and science, working with expert authors and illustrators to create thoughtfully designed books. The role involves researching new concepts, managing authors, and overseeing projects with a dedicated team. If you have a passion for well-crafted narratives and a keen eye for market trends, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful storytelling. Join a collaborative environment where your skills can flourish and make a difference.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commissioning and working with top authors.
• Understanding of design and production in illustrated publishing.

Responsibilities

• Identify and commission top authors in core subject areas.
• Research and develop book concepts integrating design and illustration.
• Set budgets and schedules, coordinating with live book teams.

Skills

Sourcing high-caliber authors

Developmental editing

Budgeting

Market trend analysis

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaboration across departments

Job description

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Direct message the job poster from Redwood Publishing Recruitment

Managing Director at Redwood Publishing Recruitment

We are working with a lovely award-winning independent publisher of world-class non-fiction, to find an experienced and proactive Commissioning Editor, with a passion for well-written, thoughtfully designed books to join their team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role can be worked on a hybrid basis. Our client works with expert authors, illustrators, and photographers to visualize stories about life on our planet and our relationship with the world.

They seek a Commissioning Editor capable of consolidating and building on the company’s strengths in natural history and science, and expanding their range of trade titles. Candidates from senior commissioning backgrounds or those seeking more responsibility and development opportunities are encouraged to apply.

Working with a small, dedicated team, you will be responsible for researching and developing new book concepts, sourcing and managing authors, developmental editing, budgeting, scheduling, briefing designers and illustrators, liaising with co-publishers, and overseeing projects with their live book teams.

Key Responsibilities include:

1. Identify, commission, and work closely with top authors in the company’s core subject areas.
2. Research and develop book concepts, integrating design and illustration to complement texts.
3. Proactively identify trends and market opportunities.
4. Set budgets and schedules, and coordinate start-up meetings.
5. Collaborate with live book teams to ensure quality and timely delivery.
6. Work with co-publishers to manage reviews and approvals.
7. Build on the success of the publishing program, demonstrating a solid understanding of the business model.

Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience sourcing and working with high-caliber authors and contributors.
• Understanding of design and production in illustrated publishing.
• Passion for topics related to nature, natural history, science, history, and culture.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments for international market success.

Our client offers an attractive salary and benefits package. To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover note outlining your salary expectations and availability to: [e-mail].

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Contract
• Job functions: Writing/Editing and Others
• Industry: Book and Periodical Publishing