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

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA; London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publishing company seeks a passionate Commissioning Editor to cover an editor’s list during parental leave. This role involves overseeing the internal book process, collaborating with various teams, and acquiring new titles for successful launches. Ideal for candidates with a strong interest in commercial fiction and excellent relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in commercial fiction.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Curiosity about the commercial fiction market.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the internal book process including editing and scheduling.
• Collaborating with Sales, Rights, Marketing, and Publicity teams.
• Evaluating proposals and developing ideas for new books.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Time Management

Negotiation

Commercial Taste

Education

Editing experience

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, Harlen 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 as they pass through the publishing process. You should have a hunger to seek out new publishing opportunities and knowledge about what audiences want to read and how to reach them. Generating buzz for your books and your list is also key.

Key responsibilities include:

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

What you’ll bring

This role suits a Commissioning Editor looking to move up or an Assistant Editor or Editor with acquiring experience eager to step into a more senior role. We are open to candidates from outside publishing. Critical is a truly commercial taste and a genuine 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 who can constructively challenge when needed.

Preferred criteria:

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

Application instructions

Please submit your CV and cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role by Sunday, 6th July. The cover letter should be no more than one or two pages and is crucial for our assessment.

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

Our offices are places to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. We expect attendance in person 3 days a week, with flexibility discussed during recruitment.

The recruitment process

Learn more about our recruitment process at [link or additional info]. We are a Disability Confident Committed organization and encourage applicants with disabilities to request reasonable adjustments by contacting us via email.