At a Glance
- Tasks: Commission and manage exciting commercial titles in audiobooks and digital formats.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Bonnier Books UK, a leader in digital-first publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the publishing world with innovative titles and talented authors.
- Qualifications: At least two years in trade publishing, strong project management, and a passion for storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 39000 € per year.
Reporting to: Managing Editor
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
Build and manage a list of commercial titles across genres including thrillers, adventure, military and true crime, publishing in both audiobook and digital formats. 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
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented in the creative industries.
Commissioning editor, Digital First employer: Hachette UK
At Bonnier Books UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our comprehensive benefits package, including private health insurance and generous holiday allowances, ensures our employees feel valued and supported. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to diversity, we provide a dynamic environment where passionate individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world of digital publishing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning editor, Digital First
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for digital publishing and audiobooks shine through. We want to see that spark that makes you the perfect fit for our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching our latest titles and trends in the market. We love candidates who come in with fresh ideas and insights about what’s hot in commercial fiction and non-fiction.
✨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, we’re always on the lookout for talent that aligns with our vision at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning editor, Digital First
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for commercial fiction and audiobooks shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the stories and authors you'll be working with.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in trade publishing. We’re looking for someone with at least two years under their belt, so don’t be shy about showcasing your project management skills and any successful titles you've worked on.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We value attention to detail, so ensure your application is polished and free of errors. A well-structured application reflects your organisational skills, which are crucial for this role. Show us you can manage multiple tasks effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Genres
As a commissioning editor, you'll be working across various genres like thrillers and true crime. Make sure you research these genres thoroughly before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular titles, and emerging authors to show your passion and knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Network
Having a strong network of authors, agents, and industry figures is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss your connections and how they can benefit the company. Highlight any previous collaborations or successful acquisitions you've made in your career.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
This position requires excellent project management abilities. Come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed projects from acquisition to publication. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure timely delivery.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
The role emphasises collaboration within a closely-knit team. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for teamwork and share experiences where you've worked effectively with others. Show that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a collaborative environment.
