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- Tasks: Manage authors and oversee the publication process for exciting fiction titles.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leading global publisher with a passion for storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, wellness programmes, enhanced leave, and unlimited training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, shaping the future of commercial fiction and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in editing, strong market knowledge, and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: 28 days holiday, private healthcare, and discounts on books await you!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
HarperCollins Publishers
Employment Type: Full time
Location: Hybrid · London, UK (3+ days office based)
Seniority: Mid-level
Closing: 11:55pm, 8th Jan 2025 GMT
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:
Editorial Responsibilities:
- Ownership of and main point of contact for own stable of authors, working across women’s fiction, historical and crime/thriller, seeing them through from acquisition to publication for both physical and digital editions.
- Work on all edits for authors, taking books through from delivery to publication.
- Working on desk edits, liaising closely with the production team and pub ops director to keep them in line with the critical path.
- Understanding and wider reading of UK commercial women’s fiction and crime/thriller market, resulting in strong market knowledge and market-focused publishing strategies across the board.
- Briefing jackets and liaising with designers, seeing covers through from start to finish based on thorough market interrogation.
- Commissioning, overseeing and checking sales/marketing material as necessary.
- Building and fostering relationships with agents, acting as an ambassador for Avon within the industry.
- Acquiring titles in line with Avon’s acquisition strategy.
- Negotiating deal memos and progressing contracts for all acquisitions.
- Writing cover/catalogue copy as required.
Digital Responsibilities:
- Overseeing metadata/AIs for authors/titles, ensuring readiness in line with critical path.
- Liaising with the pricing/analytics team to optimize titles.
- Regularly checking Amazon feeds for glitches/problems.
- Working on backlist reissues and agreeing on strategy with the digital team.
- Supporting the Marketing Manager to create innovative digital campaigns.
- Attending weekly pricing and metadata sessions.
- Highlighting key titles needing focus in digital.
- Liaising with teams regarding HC sales events.
- Creating content for customer presentations.
- Ensuring Sales, International Sales, Audio, Digital Sales, and Rights teams have all advance sales information.
- Working closely with Avon publicists for maximum exposure for authors.
- Attending launches, industry events, and festivals.
Experience:
- Experience working at editor level or above.
- Demonstrable sound market knowledge of commercial fiction.
- Experience of desk editing processes.
- Full knowledge of publishing processes.
- Experience of working directly with authors.
- A range of industry contacts, including agents.
- Demonstrable commissioning experience (desirable).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Strong awareness of market trends and digital innovations.
Disposition:
- Passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic.
- Enjoys a challenge and remains calm under pressure.
- Dynamic team member, flexible to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Passionate about books and commercial fiction.
Additional Information:
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days).
- Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.
- Private healthcare cover and life assurance.
- Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal.
- Charitable donation matching and volunteering days.
- Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions, and discounts on books.
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application, please reach out directly to stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title. Please note, applications must be submitted via Applied; email applications are not accepted.
Commissioning / Senior Commissioning Editor, Avon employer: Be Applied Ltd
Contact Detail:
Be Applied Ltd Recruiting Team
stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning / Senior Commissioning Editor, Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in women's fiction and crime/thriller genres. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with industry professionals, especially those who have connections with Avon or HarperCollins. Attend literary events, book fairs, and workshops to meet authors, agents, and other editors, which can provide valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous editorial experiences in detail, particularly any commissioning work you've done. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed author relationships and contributed to the publication process.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your digital savvy by being aware of current digital marketing strategies in publishing. Discuss how you can leverage social media and online platforms to enhance visibility for authors and titles, demonstrating your forward-thinking approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning / Senior Commissioning Editor, Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Commissioning / Senior Commissioning Editor position. Familiarise yourself with the types of books you'll be working on, such as women's fiction and crime/thriller.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in editorial roles, particularly any work with authors and knowledge of the commercial fiction market. Emphasise your desk editing experience and any commissioning work you've done.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for books and the publishing industry. Discuss your understanding of market trends and how your skills align with the role's requirements. Mention specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your fit for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free from typos and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in an editorial role. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Be Applied Ltd
✨Know Your Authors
Familiarise yourself with the authors you will be working with, especially in women’s fiction and crime/thriller genres. Be prepared to discuss their works and how you can support them from acquisition to publication.
✨Showcase Your Market Knowledge
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the UK commercial fiction market. Bring insights about current trends and how they could influence Avon’s publishing strategies during your interview.
✨Highlight Your Editing Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous editing roles and experiences. Share specific examples of desk editing processes you've managed and how you’ve successfully guided authors through the publication journey.
✨Prepare for Digital Discussions
Since digital responsibilities are key, brush up on your knowledge of metadata, pricing strategies, and digital marketing campaigns. Be prepared to suggest innovative ideas that could enhance Avon’s digital presence.
