At a Glance
- Tasks: Commission and publish exciting digital fiction and non-fiction titles.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Bonnier Books UK, a leader in digital publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the fast-paced world of digital publishing and work with bestselling authors.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in trade publishing and a passion for commercial fiction and non-fiction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 39000 € per year.
Reporting to: Managing Editor
Location: 5th Floor, HYLO, 105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8LZ
Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home
Department: Digital First
Imprint: 12Point Audio and Embla Books
Salary: £36,000 - £39,000 per annum, depending on experience
General Summary
12Point Audio and Embla Books, the home of digital first commercial fiction and nonfiction at Bonnier Books UK, are looking for a passionate, highly-organised and proactive digital commissioning editor with an emphasis on commercial titles to work alongside the Audio Managing Editor of Digital First and the Senior Commissioning Editor of Embla Books to spot, attract and seek out new and existing talent as well as deliver exceptional publishing.
The Digital First department of BBUK is newly found but is already making a splash in the market. Embla Books launched in Autumn 2021 and quickly established itself as a highly innovative and leading digital-first imprint, with a strong track record of creating bestsellers and establishing author brands with authors like Dandy Smith, Patricia Wolf and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett. 12Point Audio launched in 2021 as well, becoming the home of innovative and compelling audio content across all genres, from children’s classics and educational non-fiction to true crime stories and thrilling fiction.
We’re looking for a creative and driven commissioning editor to acquire books across a range of fiction and non-fiction genres, including thrillers, adventure, military and exploration. The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to the development of both lists at this key stage of their growth, nurturing and confidently publishing our existing authors, acquiring stand-out titles, developing trend-led IP and contributing towards making the Digital First department a destination for all things digital.
This is a perfect next step for an experienced, hard-working assistant editor, editor or commissioning editor with a demonstrable passion for audiobooks, commercial fiction and nonfiction as well as a network of agents, authors and key industry figures. They would be a collaborative team player and combine a keen eye for detail with high editorial standards along with plenty of ideas, enthusiasm and energy. They will enjoy working closely editorially with authors, leading the publishing of their books and inspiring the broader team.
Key Responsibilities
- Commissioning 6-8 books a year for 12Point Audio.
- Commissioning 10-12 books a year with a particular focus on trend-leading commercial fiction with broad appeal for Embla Books.
- Working with the Embla editorial team on the publication of existing Embla authors - from author care and administrative duties to editing, project-managing and desk-editing - including taking sole responsibility for a number of titles.
- Adding to an existing network of authors, agents and scouts.
- Being part of a closely-knit team and contributing to list strategy.
- Managing relationships with other departments, including sales, marketing, publicity, rights, design and production.
Qualifications and Experience
- You will be a passionate reader of commercial fiction and nonfiction with exceptional taste and strong commercial instinct.
- You will have at least two years’ experience within a trade publishing team.
- Excellent project management skills, ideally with experience of desk editing and successfully steering books from acquisition to publication.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload to meet multiple deadlines.
- Exemplary attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- An interest in learning and developing skills within a fast-paced, energetic and outward-looking department.
- A keen understanding of the digital and mass markets.
Company Benefits
- Private health insurance
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Lively social committee hosting regular events
- Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service
- Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff
- Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes
- Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment
- Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK
- Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents
- Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families
- Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure
- Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ
- Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office
Commissioning Editor, Digital First employer: Bonnier Books UK group
At Bonnier Books UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture. Located in the heart of London, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth through comprehensive training and mentorship programmes. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to nurturing talent, we offer a range of benefits including private health insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a lively social committee that ensures a rewarding and engaging workplace experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, Digital First
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for digital publishing shine through! Share your ideas about trends in commercial fiction and nonfiction, and how you can contribute to their vision. We want to see that spark!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before any interview. Know the company’s recent projects, their authors, and what makes them tick. We love candidates who come prepared with thoughtful questions and insights about our imprints like 12Point Audio and Embla Books.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, Digital First
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for commercial fiction and non-fiction shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the stories and authors you'll be working with.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in trade publishing. Focus on your project management skills and any relevant editorial work you've done. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK group
✨Know Your Digital First Market
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital-first publishing, especially in commercial fiction and non-fiction. Research successful titles from 12Point Audio and Embla Books to understand what makes them stand out.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Storytelling
Be ready to discuss your favourite books and authors, particularly those that align with the genres you'll be working with. Share your insights on what makes a compelling story and how you can contribute to nurturing author brands.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past, especially in a publishing context. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple deadlines and ensure high editorial standards throughout the process.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Emphasise your collaborative nature and how you thrive in a team environment. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to the list strategy and work closely with other departments like marketing and sales.
