At a Glance
- Tasks: Edit and publish expert-led non-fiction titles, collaborating with authors and agents.
- Company: Hodder Press is a boutique imprint of Hachette, focusing on high-quality narrative non-fiction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28+ annual leave days, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team shaping impactful narratives and work with renowned authors.
- Qualifications: Experience in editing expert-led non-fiction and a strong network in the publishing industry.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; based in London, Sheffield, or Bristol.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hodder Press is the home of authoritative narrative non-fiction at Hodder & Stoughton. Our imprint celebrates expert thinking and distinctive voices. We love high quality non-fiction that asks big questions, challenges perspectives and brings an expert view to essential topics. We are a boutique list within one of the world’s biggest publishing groups, Hachette.
Our team are highly experienced in working with authors who are looking to share their ideas with a truly broad audience, from providing close editorial support to creative publicity and marketing campaigns. With an international outlook and an emphasis on beautiful design, Hodder Press publishes experts from around the world in science and psychology, cultural and natural history, current affairs and social sciences as well as the very best of nature writing and memoir.
What you will be doing:
- Edit and publish the Editorial Director’s non-fiction list of expert-led non-fiction on subjects like history, science and nature, as well as acquiring select new titles in line with the list's strategic aims.
- Reporting to the Non-Fiction Executive Publisher, contribute significantly to the overall Hodder Press and Hodder Non-Fiction strategy.
- Oversee, edit and publish the Editorial Director’s non-fiction list of 6-8 new titles a year.
- Champion and retain ownership of those books through publication, collaborating effectively with authors, agents and key departments across the company.
- Opportunity to commission a select number of new titles, focusing on international, expert-driven non-fiction and according to the agreed Hodder Press strategy.
- Deliver superb author- and agent-care and communication.
- Market research and development of innovative ideas for the list.
- Develop and maintain strong market awareness in home and international territories to identify publishing opportunities.
- Work with the Executive Publisher to develop and deliver a strategy to grow the front and core list for Hodder Press.
Who we are looking for:
You will be an experienced and commercially focused editor of expert-led / literary non-fiction with a strong network of industry contacts. You will be comfortable working closely with a range of authors and agents and leading on the publishing strategy for high-profile publications.
What we offer:
- 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays).
- Private medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Generous pension schemes.
- Rent deposit loans.
- 2 community days per year.
- Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months).
- Retail discounts through Hachette rewards.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Eye care vouchers.
- Wide-ranging training library.
- Development programmes (including mentoring).
- Up to 70% off book purchases.
- A charity bookshelf.
- 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks.
- Season ticket loans.
- And much more!
This role can be based at our London, Sheffield or Bristol office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Our commitment:
Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.
The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org.
Editorial Director / Publishing Director (12 month FTC) employer: JobFlurry
Contact Detail:
JobFlurry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Director / Publishing Director (12 month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the publishing industry. Attend literary events, book fairs, and author signings to meet potential collaborators and gain insights into current trends in non-fiction publishing.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Hodder Press's recent publications and their authors. Understanding their style and focus will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their strategic aims during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for new titles that fit within the expert-led non-fiction genre. Showcasing your market awareness and creativity can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your editorial experience by sharing specific examples of successful projects you've led. Highlight your ability to collaborate with authors and agents, as well as your strategic thinking in growing a non-fiction list.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Director / Publishing Director (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Editorial Director position. Familiarise yourself with Hodder Press's publishing style and their focus on expert-led non-fiction.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in editing and publishing non-fiction. Emphasise your network of industry contacts and any previous work with authors and agents that aligns with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for non-fiction and your vision for the Editorial Director role. Mention specific titles or authors you admire from Hodder Press and how you can contribute to their strategy.
Showcase Your Market Awareness: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of current trends in non-fiction publishing. Discuss potential opportunities for new titles and how you would approach market research to identify these.
How to prepare for a job interview at JobFlurry
✨Know Your Authors
Familiarise yourself with the authors published by Hodder Press. Understanding their styles and themes will help you discuss how you can contribute to their vision and the overall strategy of the imprint.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous editorial work, especially with expert-led non-fiction. Highlight specific projects where you successfully collaborated with authors and agents, demonstrating your ability to manage a list effectively.
✨Demonstrate Market Awareness
Research current trends in non-fiction publishing, particularly in the areas of history, science, and nature. Be ready to share innovative ideas for potential titles that align with Hodder Press's strategic aims.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've maintained strong relationships with authors and agents, and how you’ve handled any challenges in those communications.