Editor, Children's in London

At Penguin Random House, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. At Penguin Random House Children’s, by entertaining and educating, we aim to publish for every child everywhere and take young people on an incredible journey from their first independent reading experiences right through to their teen years and beyond.

At Puffin, from Jeff Kinney to Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman to Jennifer Lynn Barnes, our fiction team works with some of the biggest names and brightest new authors and illustrators to bring stories to life.

The Role:

Do you have experience working on major publications and growing author brands, helping to manage large publishing programs, year-round? Are you experienced at editing children’s/YA fiction? Do you have a keen eye for detail, enjoy analysing data and understand what makes a successful creative business?

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take up a key role in the Penguin Random House Children’s Division, the biggest children’s publisher in the UK, and join the Puffin 6+ Fiction team to work across some of the best-selling global children’s and YA fiction book brands. These are the authors and books that are often some of the first that young readers encounter; they are the books that create readers and are gateways to reading for many children and young people around the world.

Key responsibilities:

• This role will report into and work closely with the 6+ Editorial Director (Brands) and the 6+ Publisher (Brands) in the Puffin team, to help drive long term growth on some of our biggest 6+ fiction properties and key emerging brands on the list, taking responsibility for some of the day-to-day management across many of our biggest books and authors/illustrators.
• The Editor will also support across specific allocated YA authors & titles, delivering best-in-class management of every aspect of their publishing.
• Managing the internal book process of designated books (frontlist and backlist reissues), working closely with the commissioner of the book, as a team. This includes writing editorial notes, scheduling, compiling jacket and cover copy + cover briefs, arranging and working through legal reads (if needed), populating Advanced Title Information, liaising with the author/external stakeholders, agreeing materials’ delivery dates and file fees, liaising with Production, typesetters and designers and agreeing and managing a budget for the book.
• Contributing to brand vision and publishing initiatives – across frontlist and backlist, reissue programmes and ancillary publishing ideas.
• Acting as an internal champion for designated authors and brands, and a key internal contact.
• Meta-data management across designated 6+ key brands: writing online copy and subtitles, and ensuring all metadata is created and entered on the system in good time, to have a positive impact on the success of the book; updating copy and metadata in order to continue this impact as the market changes.
• Acting as coordinator/administrative support across designated 6+ Top Brands: managing brand sheets’ process, key brand meetings (Agenda setting, recording actions), and publishing schedules.
• Reading submissions / manuscripts when allocated and sharing thoughts on their publishing potential.
• Support on the non-trade publishing strategy for key brands on the list, working closely with the dedicated non-trade team (across sales, design, managing editorial) to improve ways of working, establish best-practise and drive growth across this area of the business.

What you’ll bring:

• Passion for, and experience in, kids and YA/Crossover publishing.
• An eagerness to work on books that are already loved by many thousands of readers, across age groups, around the world, with a drive to reach more; an understanding of the legacy of best-loved series and authors.
• Brimming with ideas, insight and energy for market-leading publishing.
• Ability to operate as a trusted internal and external ambassador for the Puffin 6+ fiction brands and books.
• A proven track‑record and confidence in editing and editorial support work.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of people and to influence others.
• Initiative, confidence and creative motivation.
• Able to prioritise, multitask and work under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Strong skills in Power BI are preferable, and strong market awareness is essential.
• Flair for good copy, design, and brand messaging.
• A strong team player with interpersonal sensitivity.
• Calm and resilient under pressure.
• Curious and inquisitive.

Circa £35,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days a week, including Tuesday as a mandatory in-office day.