Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial

Simon & Schuster, Inc.; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in publishing seeks an Executive Publisher for Commercial Fiction. This senior role involves leading strategic initiatives in fiction, managing editorial teams, and driving market success through creative and data-informed approaches. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in acquiring bestselling titles and demonstrate strong leadership skills to inspire the editorial team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing and developing editorial teams.
• Experience in acquiring bestselling fiction with a track record in the publishing process.
• Understanding of market insights and distribution channels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of the fiction publishing program.
• Oversee a high-performing editorial team and manage budgets.
• Foster relationships with authors and drive data-informed acquisition strategies.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Commercial Acumen

Data Analysis

Job description

Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial

Job Description

Posted Sunday 22 June 2025 at 23:00 | Expires Monday 7 July 2025 at 22:59

Company

Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honours and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website atwww.simonandschuster.com .

The Job Profile

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial will lead and grow our fiction publishing. This is a senior strategic leadership role, ideal for a dynamic individual with a proven track record in acquiring bestselling fiction, nurturing talent, and delivering market-leading results.

The Executive Publisher will oversee our fiction portfolio—spanning commercial, genre, and debut fiction—and drive our publishing programme to the next level. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our fiction list with creativity, bold thinking, and strategic leadership.

The Job Role

The successful applicant will lead the strategic direction and execution of a dynamic publishing programme aligned with company goals. They will oversee a high-performing editorial team, drive data-informed acquisition strategies, and champion standout fiction across genres. They will foster strong relationships with authors and agents, providing career guidance and strategic support. Working closely with Sales and Marketing & Publicity, they will deliver impactful campaigns and maximize commercial success. With full P&L ownership, they will manage budgets, set pricing strategies, and ensure profitability through informed, market-driven decisions.

The Candidate Profile

You will demonstrate strategic leadership skills with extensive experience of managing and developing editorial teams, complemented by strong negotiation and communication skills so that you are able to collaborate, be confident, and be capable of influencing at senior levels.

With significant senior-level experience in fiction publishing, you will have a proven track record of acquiring bestselling and award-winning titles and demonstrate a passion for storytelling with a deep understanding of the publishing process, the book market, distribution channels, and consumer trends.

Your expertise includes excellent commercial acumen including being au fait with data analysis and market insights driving business growth, creating cross-format strategies, managing author and series brands, and leading strategic projects while meeting complex goals and deadlines.

Your genuine enthusiasm for our publishing will inspire and generate enthusiasm in others.

Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter with details of your current salary and expectations.

Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including theWorkplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.