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- Tasks: Manage exciting illustrated book projects from concept to print, collaborating with top authors and illustrators.
- Company: Join DK, a leading illustrated publisher passionate about inspiring curiosity through books for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, discounts on books, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping children's literature with award-winning partners and innovative ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and children's publishing, with strong communication and editorial skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to contribute to the 2027 publishing programme and flexible working arrangements available.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Do you enjoy thinking of new and creative ways to explain non-fiction to children? Are you on top of the latest trends in children’s books? Are you an experienced project manager with a background in illustrated books? If so, DK is recruiting for a project editor to help shape our list with exciting partners. During this 12-month contract, you will get to work on lists with award-winning books, which publish for today’s kids, in a talented and motivated team.
As Project Editor in the Culture team, you will work with partners such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the European Space Agency and Rebel Girls and with top tier illustrators including Owen Davey and Rose Blake to create beautifully illustrated books for children. We’re looking for a resourceful, versatile editor who is highly organised, with a strong visual eye and with proven experience managing multiple illustrated books from concept to completion. You will be working with authors, licensors and internal and external creative teams to produce brilliant books that are delivered both on time and on budget.
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Managing books from concept stage to print
- Liaising with authors, illustrators, and licensors
- Collaborating with other departments, including design and production
- Scouting for new authors, illustrators, and partnerships
You should be comfortable:
- Managing simultaneous projects at different stages of development
- Shaping editorial content from outline stage and working with designers in a collaborative way to produce books of the highest standard
- Commissioning and managing external freelancers, authors, illustrators and consultants
- Keeping up with trends in the children’s culture and book space
- Scouting new freelance talent, or drawing on your existing database of authors, freelancers, agents, and illustrators.
Ideally you will have strong project management skills, great interpersonal abilities, and excellent editorial expertise. You will be a strong communicator with a background in children's publishing. We are looking for someone who is full of ideas, willing to try new things, and open-minded. You should have some commercial awareness and a growth mindset. You are the type of person who is flexible and adaptable to changes.
This temporary position offers a great opportunity for an enterprising self-starter who is confident in their abilities to work independently. In addition to managing your titles, if you are interested in IP commissioning and idea generation, there’s also the opportunity to help build the 2027 publishing programme, though this is optional and no commissioning experience is required. This is a career opportunity for an ambitious and experienced project editor interested in working in a commercial team.
To apply, please submit your most recent CV and cover letter by 1st June 2025. As part of your cover letter, please can you include the following:
- Books that you have worked on
- Books that you wish you have worked on and why.
Closing date for applications: 1st June 2025
Salary: starting from £35,000, plus bonus and benefits
We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:
- 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
- Volunteering policy and charity matching
- Employee assistance programme
- 60% discount on company books
- Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
- Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)
- Up to 30 days remote working from abroad*
- And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business
DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code. DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office.
The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org *Subject to certain criteria being met.
About our Company: We believe in the power of discovery. That’s why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. We are the world’s leading illustrated publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann, creating cutting-edge design and stunning visual books for the whole family. We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and bring people to books through their thirst for knowledge. With a global book loving community of over 800 colleagues in the UK, US, Germany, India, China, Spain and Australia, we produce books in over 100 countries and over 60 languages. Find out more on dk.com.
(12 month Parental leave cover) Project Editor - DK Plus employer: DK
Contact Detail:
DK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land (12 month Parental leave cover) Project Editor - DK Plus
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with DK's recent publications and their approach to children's books. This will help you understand their style and vision, allowing you to tailor your discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the children's publishing industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with authors, illustrators, and other project editors who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in children's literature and culture. Being knowledgeable about what's popular can help you contribute fresh ideas during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace (12 month Parental leave cover) Project Editor - DK Plus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in project management and children's publishing. Include specific examples of illustrated books you've worked on, showcasing your ability to manage projects from concept to completion.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly express your passion for children's literature and your understanding of current trends. Be sure to include the books you have worked on and those you wish you had worked on, explaining why they resonate with you.
Showcase Your Creativity: Since the role requires thinking creatively about non-fiction for children, consider including a brief section in your application that outlines any innovative ideas you have for future projects or partnerships in children's publishing.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Emphasise your experience working with authors, illustrators, and other creative teams. Provide examples of successful collaborations and how they contributed to the quality of the final product.
How to prepare for a job interview at DK
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing multiple illustrated books. Highlight specific projects where you successfully coordinated with authors, illustrators, and other teams to deliver on time and within budget.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Children's Publishing
Stay updated on the latest trends in children's books and be ready to share your insights during the interview. Mention any recent titles or authors that have inspired you and how they relate to the role.
✨Prepare Creative Ideas
Think of innovative ways to explain non-fiction topics to children. Bring a few ideas to the interview that showcase your creativity and understanding of the target audience, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Communicate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Emphasise your ability to adapt to changes and manage simultaneous projects at different stages. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges and adjusted your approach.
