Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor

Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
55 Redefined Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Commission and publish impactful non-fiction titles that inspire personal development and smart-thinking.
  • Company: Join Orion Ignite, a dynamic new imprint of one of the UK's leading publishers.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28+ days annual leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts on books.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of publishing while working with renowned authors and thought-leaders.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commissioning non-fiction and a passion for self-help and personal development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

Launching in 2026, Orion Ignite is a new imprint dedicated to publishing agenda-setting non-fiction that makes a lasting impact: timeless books that help us strive for more in the way we live and work. We are home to dynamic innovators, cutting-edge experts and bold thought-leaders. Our titles span smart-thinking, self-improvement, psychology, business & business narrative, finance, economics, health and life-optimisation.

Orion Spring was founded in 2016 to publish the best in personal wellbeing, health and inspiration. Our authors are experts, thinkers, healers, and paradigm-shifters, and together our mission is to help our readers live happier and healthier lives, full of self-belief. We’re home to major names including Dr Nicole LePera, Jillian Turecki, Davinia Taylor, Lydia Millen, Dr Sarah Hill, Louise Glazebrook, Kelly and Juliet Starrett, John and Julie Gottman, Professor Emily Oster, Elissa Epel and many more.

The Orion Publishing Group is one of the UK’s leading publishers. Our mission is to bring the best publishing to the greatest variety of people. Open, agile, passionate and innovative – we believe that everyone will find something they love at Orion.

What you’ll be doing

  • We are looking for a confident and entrepreneurial commissioner with a passion for personal development, smart-thinking and self-help to join the rapidly expanding Orion Ignite and Orion Spring imprints.
  • This is a unique opportunity to join and help shape a new imprint in its foundational years.
  • Reporting to the Publishing Director of Orion Ignite, you will be responsible for commissioning and publishing around 10-12 new non-fiction titles a year, with your focus split evenly across Orion Ignite and Orion Spring.
  • This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to make their mark, with a particular focus on titles that have strong potential for international markets, foreign rights and the growing audio market.
  • You can also expect to:
    • Proactively acquire books through direct approaches and IP development, based on trend insight and identifying opportunities in the market.
    • Establish and maintain strong relationships with authors and agents, in the UK and internationally.
    • Retain ownership of your books from acquisition through to publication, liaising with authors, agents and key departments across the company.
    • Be a champion for your books and the Orion Ignite and Orion Spring lists, internally and externally.
    • Be an engaged member of the wider Commercial Non-Fiction editorial team, reading submissions and feeding back in editorial meetings.

Who we are looking for

  • We are looking for a dynamic and ambitious individual who can thrive as part of a fast-paced and commercially minded team.
  • You might be a Commissioning Editor excited for a new challenge and the opportunity to help shape the future of a list, or an Editor with experience acquiring and publishing titles looking to take the next step within a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
  • You will already have experience commissioning profitable non-fiction titles and market knowledge of personal development, smart-thinking and self-help markets.
  • This role is perfect for someone with a strong commercial mindset, excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, and a keen passion for self-improvement trends.

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 AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
  • Season ticket loans
  • And much more!

This role can be based at our London or Sheffield 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 your interview, please let us know.

Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor employer: 55 Redefined Ltd

At Orion Publishing Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and innovation in the publishing industry. With a strong focus on personal development and employee well-being, we offer generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and extensive training opportunities. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and growth, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of non-fiction publishing.

55 Redefined Ltd

Contact Details:

55 Redefined Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor

Dive Into the Publishing Community

Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like 55 Redefined Ltd.

Make Your Passion Visible

If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.

Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites

While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like 55 Redefined Ltd. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor

Commissioning Non-Fiction Titles
Market Knowledge of Personal Development
Trend Insight
Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Commercial Mindset
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!

Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at 55 Redefined Ltd. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!

Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at 55 Redefined Ltd.

How to prepare for a job interview at 55 Redefined Ltd

Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends

Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!

Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at 55 Redefined Ltd. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.

Brush Up on Editing Techniques

Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!

Express Your Passion for Storytelling

In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at 55 Redefined Ltd. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!