At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive fiction IP projects and nurture new talent from idea to publication.
- Company: Join Zaffre Fiction, home to bestselling authors and a vibrant editorial team.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a lively culture with regular events and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the publishing world with exciting projects and a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade publishing and a passion for fiction are essential.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 45000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Publisher, Zaffre Fiction
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: Zaffre
Salary: £39,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience
General Summary
Are you an editor brimming with fresh fiction ideas that you can’t wait to bring to life? Zaffre Fiction, the home of bestselling and award-winning commercial fiction at Bonnier Books UK, is looking for a passionate, highly organised and proactive IP development editor to work alongside the Publisher to drive in-house fiction IP projects, launch new talent and deliver exceptional publishing. The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to our fiction IP generation, nurturing ideas from conception to publication while attracting the brightest new talent to the Zaffre list. This is a perfect next step for an experienced, hard-working editor or commissioning editor with a demonstrable passion for fiction IP and a history of delivering successful projects of their own - publishing across key genres, including commercial crime and thriller, romance, romcom and science fiction / fantasy.
Key responsibilities
- Shaping and driving our fiction IP publishing strategy to deliver growth year-on-year.
- Working with the Zaffre Publisher and the entire editorial team on existing fiction IP pipeline, unblocking and aiding editors to drive from ideation to publication.
- Ensure impeccable author care and supporting on project-managing and desk-editing – including taking sole responsibility for your own titles.
- Commissioning 6-8 IP projects a year with a particular focus on trend-leading commercial fiction with broad appeal, both in terms of sales and rights.
- Add to an already strong network of authors, agents and scouts, working to make Zaffre Fiction a destination imprint.
- Being part of a closely-knit team and contributing to the wider IP strategy.
- Managing relationships with other departments, including sales, marketing, publicity, design and production.
Qualifications and Experience
- You will have seen through multiple fiction IP projects from ideation to publication.
- You will be a passionate reader with exceptional taste and strong commercial acumen.
- You will have at least two years’ experience within a trade publishing team.
- Excellent project management skills 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 print and digital 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.
Senior IP Commissioning Editor, Zaffre Fiction employer: Bonnier Books
Bonnier Books UK Children’s Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and creative work environment, perfect for those passionate about children's literature and brand management. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and the chance to work with renowned licenses like Disney, ensuring that your contributions have a meaningful impact in the industry. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for individuals looking to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IP Commissioning Editor, Zaffre Fiction
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Bonnier Books.
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If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Bonnier Books. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IP Commissioning Editor, Zaffre Fiction
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Bonnier Books. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Bonnier Books.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Bonnier Books. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Bonnier Books. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
