Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor, Century Fiction (9-month FTC)

The Random House Group Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in commercial publishing is seeking a Commissioning Editor or Senior Commissioning Editor to manage a list during parental leave. The role involves working with top-tier authors, acquiring new titles, and driving project success in a vibrant team environment focused on women's fiction.

Qualifications

• Interest in commercial fiction is essential.
• Proven experience in editing or related roles.
• Ability to manage projects and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the internal book process including scheduling and liaising with teams.
• Collaborate with Sales, Rights, Marketing, and Publicity for book launches.
• Solicit and evaluate proposals for new book acquisitions.

Skills

Excellent communication

Relationship-building skills

Self-starter

Entrepreneurial mindset

Negotiation skills

Strong personal organization

Time management skills

Education

Experience up to Assistant Editor level

Job description

We're seeking a passionate and innovative Commissioning Editor or Senior Commissioning Editor to work on Century’s women’s fiction publishing, on a 9-month fixed-term basis. This role offers a unique opportunity to cover an editor’s list during their parental leave, working closely with top-tier authors and agents, as well as acquiring new projects. If you have a keen interest in commercial fiction, an in-depth understanding of the market, and a hunger for generating ideas and turning them into bestselling books, we want to hear from you.

About the team

Century is one of the most successful and well-regarded commercial imprints in the UK and part of the Cornerstone division. We publish some of the biggest brand authors in the UK, including James Patterson, Lisa Jewell, Harlan Coben, Paige Toon, Phillipa Ashley, Tom Hindle, Katie Flynn, Diana Gabaldon, and Rob Rinder. We are a collaborative, creative, and supportive team of passionate commercial fiction experts.

The role

Reporting to the Publishing Director, this role involves publishing fiction across a varied commercial list, acquiring within a collaborative and entrepreneurial team. You will oversee and champion titles internally and externally through the publishing process, seek out new publishing opportunities, and understand audience preferences. You will also generate buzz for your books and list.

Key responsibilities:

• Overseeing the internal book process, including editing, scheduling, cover design, and liaising with Editorial Management, Production, and Text Design.
• Writing and updating high-quality copy and metadata to ensure book success.
• Collaborating with Sales, Rights, Marketing, and Publicity teams for successful book launches.
• Soliciting, evaluating proposals, developing ideas for new books, and acquiring a set number of titles.
• Staying informed about market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities.
• Building and maintaining relationships with authors and agents.
• Evaluating the viability and profitability of potential acquisitions.
• Handling negotiations and managing the editorial process for acquired titles.

What you’ll bring

This role is suitable for a Commissioning Editor looking to move up, an Assistant Editor or Editor with acquiring experience eager to advance, or candidates from outside publishing with a strong commercial taste and passion for female-led storytelling.

• Genuine interest in commercial fiction.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong personal organization and time management skills.
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Confident negotiator willing to constructively challenge when needed.

Preferred criteria:

• Established network of agents and/or talent managers.
• Editing experience up to Assistant Editor level.
• Curiosity and an optimistic outlook on the commercial fiction market.
• Experience managing projects and delivering results.

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate by Sunday 6th July. Include a cover letter of no more than one or two pages to showcase your experience and interest.

Salary ranges from £34,545 to £42,650 annually, depending on skills and experience, plus bonus and benefits.

Our offices support flexible working; attendance in person is expected 3 days a week. We are happy to discuss further during the recruitment process.

The recruitment process

We encourage applicants to inform us of any reasonable adjustments needed by emailing us. We value diversity and are a Disability Confident Committed organization, offering interviews to qualified candidates who meet the essential criteria and opt-in on their application.