Senior Editor/ Editorial Director Crime and Thrillers (12 month FTC)

News Corporation; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in publishing is seeking a Senior Editor/ Editorial Director for Crime and Thrillers on a fixed-term contract. The role involves managing the publishing process, developing strategies, and maintaining author relationships. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in crime and thriller publishing, excellent editing skills, and a passion for commercial fiction.

Benefits

Work from home option

Wellness programs

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Mentoring/coaching

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in crime and thriller publishing with a successful track record.
• Strong editing and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the publishing process from acquisition to publication.
• Develop effective strategies and build long-term sales.
• Represent HQ at trade events and maintain strong agent relationships.

Skills

Editing

Relationship Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Commercial Fiction Knowledge

Job description

Senior Editor/ Editorial Director Crime and Thrillers (12 month FTC) - News Corp

Senior Editor/ Editorial Director Crime and Thrillers (12 month FTC) HarperCollins Publishers

Employment Type: Full time

Location: Hybrid · London, UK 3+ days office based

Team: HQ

Seniority: Senior

Perks and Benefits

• Work from home option
• Wellness programs
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Mentoring/coaching
• Cycle to work scheme

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

Specialising in commercial fiction and innovative digital publishing, HQ publishes a wide range of fiction titles including contemporary fiction, historical, crime, thrillers, and book club, alongside our bestselling non-fiction list and thriving digital-first imprint. HQ has a stellar record in launching fiction debuts and producing Sunday Times bestsellers.

Reporting to the Crime and Thriller Publisher, this fixed-term role is ideal for commercially astute, highly organized candidates with initiative and energy. You will manage the publishing process from acquisition to publication, develop effective strategies, and build long-term sales. You will represent HQ at trade events, maintain strong agent relationships, and have experience managing projects and developing market-aware publishing strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Publishing Strategy

• Ownership and superb author care of the Publishing Director’s stable of authors
• Managing acquisitions and responding to submissions
• Structural editing and strategic planning for each title
• Building and maintaining relationships with authors and agents
• Market analysis and trend spotting
• Collaborating with production, design, and sales teams

Digital

• Coordinating digital strategies and promotions
• Optimizing metadata and digital front-list strategies
• Supporting author marketing and events

Skills and Experience

• Experience in crime and thriller publishing with successful track record
• Strong editing and relationship management skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Passion for commercial fiction and ability to work under pressure

Additional Benefits

• Hybrid working model
• Holiday entitlement and options to buy/sell
• Healthcare, life assurance, and wellness benefits
• Training, development, and mentoring programs
• Various employee networks and wellbeing initiatives

To discuss this position, contact [e-mail] with subject 'Vacancy Query'. Applications must be submitted via Applied platform. We do not accept email applications.