Commissioning Editor

Jaicobooks; Mumbai; On-site; INR 700,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

A publishing company is seeking a Commissioning Editor to identify and evaluate book proposals, manage author relationships, and negotiate contracts. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or a related field and possess excellent negotiation and communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing projects from manuscript to publication and conducting market research. Prior experience in publishing is advantageous but not mandatory. This position is crucial for driving acquisitions and collaborating with various teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market trends and project viability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market trends and project viability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with publishing software

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate high-sales potential book proposals that align with publishing goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with authors and agents.
• Negotiate terms with authors and agents regarding advances and royalties.
• Oversee projects from manuscript submission to publication.
• Stay informed about market trends to identify new opportunities.
• Collaborate with editorial, design, marketing, and sales teams.
• Manage budgets for individual projects ensuring profitability.
• Ensure content meets editorial standards and aligns with audience expectations.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Publishing software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Publishing software

Job description

Spot the next great idea and turn it into a published success. We’re looking for a Commissioning Editor with a sharp editorial eye and a passion for discovering new voices, shaping strong ideas, and turning them into compelling published titles.

Responsibilities

• Acquisition: Identify and evaluate high-sales potential book proposals, manuscripts, and authors that align with the company’s publishing goals.
• Author Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with authors, agents, and other stakeholders.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate terms and conditions with authors and agents, including advances, royalties, and rights.
• Project Management: Oversee the development of projects from manuscript submission to final publication, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Market Research: Stay informed about market trends, competitor activity, and reader preferences to identify new opportunities.
• Collaboration: Work closely with editorial, design, marketing, and sales teams to ensure the successful launch and promotion of titles.
• Budget Management: Manage budgets for individual projects, ensuring profitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Quality Control: Ensure all content meets the company’s editorial standards and aligns with the target audience’s expectations.

Basic Qualifications and Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred) or any relevant degree.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market trends and project viability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with publishing software.

Kindly Note: Prior experience in publishing or commissioning is a plus, but more importantly, the ability to rapidly establish and expand a strong network of authors, with persistent follow-ups to drive acquisitions, is highly valued.