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- Tasks: Lead the launch of a new fiction imprint and curate a diverse author list.
- Company: Join William Collins, a dynamic part of HarperCollins Publishers, known for its innovative publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, wellness programmes, enhanced parental leave, and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fiction publishing, shaping stories that resonate with readers everywhere.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commissioning, strong communication skills, and a passion for storytelling are essential.
- Other info: This is a mid-level role with significant growth potential in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
William Collins is looking for a dynamic, experienced Fiction Editorial Director to launch and run a new fiction imprint within William Collins. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starting editor to curate a list of their own and complement William Collins’ strength in non-fiction publishing with a best-selling and prize-winning fiction list.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record in discovering and championing top authors and their work, with an eye for great storytelling and commercial relevance. We envision the successful candidate as someone who is comfortable with up-market commercial publishing from political thrillers to historical fiction, stories which will appeal across male and female readerships.
You would be a senior member of the William Collins publishing team and would be instrumental in launching this new list, one that we are looking to invest in and grow in the years to come. The precise editorial scope of the list is open for discussion, but editorial acumen, ambition, and energy are key attributes we’re looking for.
Key Accountabilities:- Nurture strong contacts with agents so we are first to consider key, commercial projects.
- Make author care a priority so we are the first choice for authors and agents.
- Develop strong awareness of market trends and competition in order to make informed decisions and to identify new publishing opportunities.
- Cost all projects accurately and negotiate the best deals possible with agents and authors.
- Ensure all deadlines are met and costs controlled.
- Share information/communicate with editorial managers, production, design, sales (home/export/special/rights), and marketing.
- Assist in successfully positioning and promoting all titles.
- Communicate key selling points of all titles to maximise sales performance.
- Contribute to overall profile and brand development.
- Significant successful commissioning experience.
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial publishing talent.
- Self-motivated worker, able to spur themselves on to achieve company goals without micro-managing.
- Global thinker – someone able to think ‘beyond the book’ and help us develop digital, e-book and audio.
- Cross-company thinker: someone who can work across News Corp when possible, to best effect.
- Excellent communicator (presentations) and writer (catalogue, cover copy).
- Comfortable with taking responsibility and owning decisions.
- Organised multi-tasker, who delivers briefs, edits and so on to schedule.
- Detail-oriented and cost-aware.
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to recruitment@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.
Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.
Editorial Director, William Collins employer: News Corporation
Contact Detail:
News Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Director, William Collins
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals, especially agents and authors. Attend literary events, book fairs, and workshops to build relationships that could lead to discovering new talent and projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on market trends and emerging genres in fiction. Follow industry news, subscribe to relevant publications, and engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your knowledge and insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your editorial vision by curating a mock list of potential titles or authors you would consider for the new imprint. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to express your understanding of the market.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous commissioning successes in detail during interviews. Highlight specific examples where your decisions led to commercial success or critical acclaim, showcasing your editorial acumen.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Director, William Collins
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Editorial Director position at William Collins. Familiarise yourself with their current fiction offerings and think about how you can contribute to launching a new imprint.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in fiction publishing, especially any successful commissioning or editorial roles you've held. Emphasise your entrepreneurial spirit and ability to identify market trends, as these are key attributes for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for fiction and your vision for the new imprint. Discuss your track record in discovering authors and your approach to author care, as well as how you plan to navigate the competitive landscape of publishing.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure that your application materials are well-written and free of errors. Consider including examples of your writing, such as catalogue entries or cover copy, to demonstrate your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at News Corporation
✨Showcase Your Editorial Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous editorial roles in detail. Highlight specific projects where you discovered and championed authors, and how your decisions led to successful publications.
✨Demonstrate Market Awareness
Research current trends in the fiction market, especially in genres relevant to William Collins. Be ready to share insights on what makes a story commercially viable and how you would position new titles.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Articulate your vision for the new fiction imprint clearly. Discuss the types of stories you want to publish and how they can complement the existing non-fiction strengths of William Collins.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Since the role involves working across various departments, think about how you would foster collaboration. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked with marketing, sales, and design teams in the past.
