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- Tasks: Acquire and edit exciting SFF novels, collaborating with a talented editorial team.
- Company: Join Orbit, a leading UK publisher known for its dynamic and diverse SFF titles.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts on books.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that discovers and publishes future bestsellers in fantasy and horror.
- Qualifications: Experience in editorial roles with a strong eye for commercial success in SFF.
- Other info: Flexible working with a blend of office and homeworking, plus excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Commissioning Editor or Senior Commissioning Editor (dependent on level of experience) to join the Orbit editorial team. You will be publishing around 14 to 18 books a year on the Orbit and Run For It lists, across a broad range of SFF with a particular focus on fantasy, romantasy, cosy fantasy and horror. You will be acquiring, editing and shepherding novels through the entire publication process, collaborating closely with our sales, marketing and publicity teams to ensure we are publishing the highest potential authors in the most commercial way.
Qualifications
- Experience in an editorial commissioning role, a brilliant commercial eye and a strong proven track record in acquiring and publishing SFF titles profitably
- A great knowledge of the SFF and horror market, as well as good awareness of the special edition market
- Superb communication and author care skills
- Excellent structural editing, copywriting and proofreading skills
- A great eye for fantastic cover design and knowledge of what makes a strong commercial package
- A proactive, quality‑orientated and consumer‑focused outlook
- A can‑do attitude, a creative approach to problem‑solving and an aptitude to work well as part of a large team
- Fantastic administrative and organisational skills, and great computer literacy (Microsoft Office, able to pick up new digital skills as required)
An exciting opportunity to publish SFF at one of the most successful and dynamic genre imprints in the UK. You’ll be discovering talented new authors, publishing stand‑out books and collaborating with one of the most talented teams in publishing. We’re looking for someone who is creative, proactive and passionate about SFF, with a great commercial eye for future bestsellers.
The role will be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Benefits
- 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
- Private medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Generous pension schemes
- Rent deposit loans
- 2 community days per year
- Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
- Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Wide-ranging training library
- Development programmes (including mentoring)
- Up to 70% off book purchases
- A charity bookshelf
- 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
- Season ticket loans
- And much more!
Commissioning Editor/ Senior Commissioning Editor, Orbit employer: Hachette UK Limited
Contact Detail:
Hachette UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor/ Senior Commissioning Editor, Orbit
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at Orbit or similar imprints. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for SFF! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to share your love for the genre. Talk about your favourite books, authors, and trends in the market. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Orbit’s recent publications and their authors. Be ready to discuss what makes a book successful in the SFF market. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but you’re also invested in the company’s mission and vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 the team at Orbit. So, get your application in and let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor/ Senior Commissioning Editor, Orbit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SFF: When writing your application, let your love for science fiction and fantasy shine through! Share your favourite titles or authors and explain how they inspire you. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the genre.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in editorial roles. Be specific about your achievements in acquiring and publishing SFF titles. We’re looking for a brilliant commercial eye, so don’t hold back on showcasing your successes!
Communicate Clearly: Your written application is a chance to demonstrate your superb communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging. Remember, we value great author care skills, so show us how you can connect with authors through your writing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our fantastic team at Orbit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK Limited
✨Know Your SFF Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and key authors in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Being able to discuss recent publications and what makes them successful will show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work in editorial roles, especially any experience with structural editing or acquiring titles. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully shepherded books through the publication process and collaborated with other teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Eye
Think about what makes a book commercially viable. Be prepared to talk about cover designs that catch your eye and why certain titles have succeeded in the market. This will highlight your understanding of the commercial aspects of publishing.
✨Bring Your Creative Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you creatively solved them. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and ability to work well within a team, which is crucial for this role.
