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- Tasks: Commission and publish exciting digital books across various genres.
- 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 development.
- 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 nonfiction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 39000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: May 27, 2026
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
If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Commissioning Editor, Digital First in London employer: Bonnier Books UK
Contact Detail:
Bonnier Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, Digital First in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage with authors and agents. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for digital-first publishing shine through. Share your ideas and insights about the market!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity or a project that excites you, don’t wait for it to come to you. Pitch your ideas directly to the team and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨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 dynamic team at Bonnier Books UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, Digital First in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for digital-first publishing shine through. We want to see your love for commercial fiction and non-fiction, so share what excites you about the industry!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in trade publishing. We’re looking for specific skills like project management and editorial work, so don’t be shy about showcasing those!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Be creative, share your ideas, and explain how your background aligns with our vision at 12Point Audio and Embla Books.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you and see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK
✨Know Your Digital First Imprints
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of 12Point Audio and Embla Books. Familiarise yourself with their recent titles, authors, and the unique aspects that set them apart in the digital-first market. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in project management, especially in steering books from acquisition to publication. Prepare examples that highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are crucial for a commissioning editor role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Commercial Fiction
Bring your love for commercial fiction and non-fiction to the forefront. Share your favourite genres, authors, and trends you've noticed in the market. This will not only reflect your enthusiasm but also your understanding of what resonates with readers.
✨Prepare Questions About Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, prepare thoughtful questions about collaboration within the team. Ask about their approach to author care and how they manage relationships with sales and marketing. This shows you're a team player who values communication and synergy.