Senior Editor, Miles Kelly

Location: Hybrid · London, UK (3+ days office based) Seniority: Mid-level Closing: 12:55am, 29th Apr 2025 BST 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 An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Editor to join Farshore’s newest imprint, Miles Kelly. Working with internal editorial, design, production and sales colleagues; and with authors and illustrators, the Senior Editor will have a pivotal role in planning, writing and editing books across the Miles Kelly frontlist for children aged from 3–12 years old. Miles Kelly has a reputation for publishing great value, high quality children’s books, with an extensive backlist of more than 700 titles; from non-fiction books packed with awesome facts and dramatic photography to large collections of classics illustrated with specially commissioned artwork. The range covers various subject areas and formats including children’s encyclopedias, quiz books, dictionaries, atlases, handbooks, poetry, fairy tale books and novelty books. Among the bestsellers are the hugely successful 100 Facts series, now with over 80 titles available, the great value 384-page fiction and non-fiction books, and the much-loved Convertible books – playmat books that fold out into vehicles. Miles Kelly also boasts a global fan base, with their books for kids being enjoyed all over the world in 48 different languages across 79 countries. This Senior Editor role will take the lead on creating all new frontlist titles for the Miles Kelly list, acting as a driver of innovation by commissioning new texts and working with design to commission new illustrations where necessary as well as reimagining the extensive library of content and assets already available to ensure every customer and publishing opportunity is fulfilled. Key Tasks and Accountabilities Proposing, commissioning and editing new titles for the Miles Kelly list in line with market opportunities and customer expectations Understanding the extensive Miles Kelly backlist and maximising opportunities to reuse texts and illustrations wherever possible Writing content for use in frontlist titles as required Maintaining strong relationships with agents to ensure ready access to available talent Commissioning and accurately briefing external contributors; making sure that their work is delivered on time and to the expected standards Demonstrating strong market knowledge and helping to develop market-focused new titles Pitching new titles at Publishing Strategy Meetings Managing P&Ls and budgets for individual titles Working closely with Production and Pub Ops teams to keep all titles on critical path Writing cover and sales copy, and checking sales/marketing material, e.g. catalogues, sales presenters, etc. Updating company systems, completing Advance Information sheets and inputting and managing metadata as required in line with critical path to ensure that title information is always accurate and accessible Presenting titles at sales conferences, and other internal meetings Negotiating freelancer agreements as required and onboarding new suppliers in line with all HarperCollins systems and processes Adherence to all statutory and internal policies including but not limited to IT, confidentiality and GDPR Skills Required Passionate about non-fiction, picture and novelty books for children of all ages Extremely organised and efficient, able to juggle a large, varied workload Outstanding editorial skills, including structural editing, copyediting, copywriting and proofreading An ability to meet deadlines and a precise eye for detail Confident communication skills both internally and externally A creative and proactive approach Additional Information Hybrid working model (3 days in the office) 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 Summer Hours Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme Relocation Rent Support Loan Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers Onsite physiotherapy (London only) Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice) With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books Subsidised canteen and retail discounts Onsite prayer room At HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities. This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks. If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days. Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr