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- Tasks: Commission and edit exciting children's fiction titles while managing creative projects.
- Company: Join a vibrant publishing house dedicated to children's literature.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young readers' lives through engaging storytelling.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning successful children's fiction and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 36000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Reporting to: Executive Publisher
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: Editorial
Imprint: Children's Fiction
Salary: £36,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience
General Summary
An exciting opportunity to join the Children's Fiction team to commission, edit and project-manage titles primarily across young fiction and middle-grade.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities
- As part of the Children's Fiction editorial team to acquire books that support the vision and ethos of the Piccadilly Press list, Bonnier's young fiction and middle-grade imprint.
- Be familiar with successes in the children's fiction market and use that knowledge when commissioning.
- Proactively reach out to and create relationships with authors and agents.
- Negotiate commercial terms directly with authors/agents with support from senior team as necessary.
- Review submissions brought by other members of the editorial team to editorial meetings.
- Play an active part within the team in new idea discussions.
- Be part of pitches for hotly contested titles, working with the Design, Sales, and Marketing teams.
- Be aware of the different needs and schedules for books where and when world rights are acquired.
- Work closely with the Design team and/or freelance designers to brief artwork for cover and inside illustrations.
- Write AI copy, cover copy and sales copy as required.
List and Project Management
- Project manage your books closely, working with the Editorial, Design and Production teams, ensuring key milestones, including sales materials, are maintained and final files are supplied on time.
- Speak passionately about your books to the wider Sales, Marketing, Publicity and Rights teams, from acquisition stage and throughout the book's publishing life.
- As required, liaise with, negotiate fees and manage 3rd party contributors, for example freelance designers.
- Problem-solve and/or elevate problems in the correct manner and in good time.
- Fulfil additional ad hoc duties related to commissioned titles, including maintaining Biblio information and writing information sheets.
- Work with the wider teams to produce appropriate sales material including cover copy, marketing material and material for bookfairs.
Qualifications and Experience
- A track record of commissioning profitable, successful titles in the children's young fiction and middle grade arena, both illustrated and non-illustrated, is essential.
- A good understanding of formats, age-ranges and subject matters.
- A good understanding of the editorial process.
- A good understanding of the marketplace and our target audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.
- A good communicator.
- A commercial thinker.
- An insightful organiser.
- A flexible and cooperative team player.
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.
If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Commissioning Editor/Senior Commissioning Editor, Children\'s Fiction employer: Bonnier Books UK
Contact Detail:
Bonnier Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor/Senior Commissioning Editor, Children\'s Fiction
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with authors and agents. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get an interview, be ready to talk about your favourite children's books and why they matter. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your ideas! Think about what titles you'd want to commission and how they fit into the current market. This shows you're not just a fan, but a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor/Senior Commissioning Editor, Children\'s Fiction
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Children's Fiction: When writing your application, let your love for children's fiction shine through! Share specific examples of books or authors that inspire you and how they align with our vision at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in commissioning and project management, and how it relates to the Children's Fiction market. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK
✨Know Your Children's Fiction
Dive deep into the children's fiction market before your interview. Familiarise yourself with recent successes and trends, especially in young fiction and middle-grade categories. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and understanding of what makes a book successful.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves creating relationships with authors and agents, think about how you can showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated or negotiated in the past, as this will highlight your ability to connect with others in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in project management. Think of specific instances where you managed timelines, coordinated with different teams, and ensured that projects were delivered on time. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of managing multiple titles effectively.
✨Communicate Your Vision
During the interview, articulate your vision for the types of books you would like to commission. Be prepared to discuss how you would pitch these ideas to the wider team, including Sales and Marketing. This will demonstrate your commercial thinking and your ability to advocate for your projects.