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- Tasks: Lead and rebrand the Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction imprint, acquiring diverse non-fiction titles.
- Company: Headline is a dynamic publisher known for creating bestsellers and nurturing new talent since 1986.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28+ annual leave days, private medical insurance, summer hours, and generous discounts on books.
- Why this job: Join a creative team where your ideas can shape the future of non-fiction publishing.
- Qualifications: Seeking an experienced commissioner with a strong network and a passion for bestsellers in non-fiction.
- Other info: Flexible work arrangement: 3 days in-office, 2 days remote; plus, a supportive and inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Who we are and what we do
‘One of the best things about working at Headline is there is ample opportunity to flex your creative streak as part of your commissioning. If you enjoy a challenge and are keen to work with an open and dynamic team, look no further!’
Holly Purdham, Assistant Editor, Non-Fiction
‘Working at Headline inspires me every day. New ideas are encouraged, and our depth of experience and creativity means we can make the best books happen. Join us!’
Zoe Blanc, Senior Commissioning Editor, Non-Fiction
Headline was founded in 1986 with a single promise at its heart: to publish the books people want to read. Headline has spent over three decades creating bestsellers and our passion for the commercial means we are home to some of the UK’s biggest-selling authors and continue to invest in new talent with stellar sales potential. The Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction list sits within the Headline Non-Fiction team and publishes a range of genres, including popular and military history, male-focused personal development, sport, and true crime.
What you’ll be doing
Are you a successful, ambitious, and experienced non-fiction commissioner looking to rebrand and run your very own list?
Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction is seeking a Senior Commissioning Editor/Editorial Director to lead its future and acquire across a range of subject areas. You will be responsible for the Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction imprint, rebranding the list, and implementing your vision. You will develop an imprint identity and colophon, and sign fresh talent. This is a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to reframe the mission and future strategy for the imprint.
We are looking for a creative self-starter who can make a tangible impact on our non-fiction publishing, adding breadth and depth to the team. The job title will be shaped around the right person, and the role will report to Headline Non-Fiction’s Deputy Publishing Director.
Within your cover letter, please give details of one specific book you would like to commission. It could be a sports memoir, a smart-thinking podcast, or a trivia book, business or popular history idea.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an ideas-focused commissioner with expertise in the male-skewing end of the non-fiction market to build, rebrand, and run their own list publishing in a broad range of areas including true crime, popular history, business, sport, personal development, memoir, gift, humour, and pop culture. We are looking for someone who is motivated by success, has a reputation for driving their books onto the bestseller lists, has an impeccable network of contacts to attract the very best agent submissions, and can develop and execute IP ideas of their own.
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
- 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!
The role will be based at our London office, Carmelite House, 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
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Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director employer: Alexgrayauthor
Contact Detail:
Alexgrayauthor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current trends in non-fiction publishing, especially in areas like true crime and personal development. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with authors and agents who specialize in male-focused non-fiction. Building these connections can provide you with valuable insights and potential submissions that align with Headline's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific ideas for books you would like to commission. Having a well-thought-out proposal ready will show your initiative and creativity, which are key qualities for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your past successes in driving books to bestseller lists. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully developed and executed IP ideas, as this aligns with Headline's core priorities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Commissioning Editor/Editorial Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and the type of non-fiction genres they are focusing on, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, be sure to include details about a specific book you would like to commission. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and understanding of the market, so choose a title that reflects your vision and aligns with Headline's focus.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When writing your CV, emphasize your experience in non-fiction publishing, particularly in areas like personal development, true crime, or popular history. Include any successful projects or authors you've worked with that demonstrate your ability to drive books onto bestseller lists.
Showcase Your Network: Mention your network of contacts within the publishing industry in your application. Highlight how these connections can benefit Headline in attracting the best agent submissions and developing new IP ideas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexgrayauthor
✨Showcase Your Creative Vision
As a Senior Commissioning Editor, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to rebrand and develop an imprint identity. Prepare to discuss specific ideas for books you would like to commission, highlighting how they align with the current market trends and the Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction list.
✨Highlight Your Network
Emphasize your connections within the publishing industry. Be ready to talk about your reputation for attracting top agent submissions and how your network can help bring fresh talent to Headline. This will show that you have the resources to succeed in this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Market Knowledge
Familiarize yourself with the genres Headline publishes, especially in the male-skewing non-fiction market. Discuss recent bestsellers and emerging trends, and be prepared to explain how your expertise can contribute to the profitability of the imprint.
✨Prepare for a Collaborative Discussion
Since the role involves working closely with the Headline Non-Fiction team, be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a dynamic and open team environment. Share examples of past collaborations and how you’ve successfully led projects while fostering teamwork.
