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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction imprint and commission across diverse genres.
- Company: Headline Non-Fiction publishes bestsellers and nurtures new talent in a dynamic team environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28+ annual leave days, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a creative team where your ideas can shape the future of non-fiction publishing.
- Qualifications: Seeking an experienced commissioner with a strong network and a passion for bestsellers.
- Other info: Opportunity to rebrand and redefine the imprint's identity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Who we are and what we do
‘One of the best things about working at Headline is there is ample opportunity to flex your creative streak as part of your commissioning. If you enjoy a challenge and are keen to work with an open and dynamic team, look no further!’
Holly Purdham, Assistant Editor, Non-Fiction
‘Working at Headline inspires me every day. New ideas are encouraged, and our depth of experience and creativity means we can make the best books happen. Join us!’
Zoe Blanc, Senior Commissioning Editor, Non-Fiction
Headline was founded in 1986 with a single promise at its heart: to publish the books people want to read. Sometimes, the simplest ideas are best.
Headline has spent over three decades creating bestsellers and our passion for the commercial means we are home to some of the UK’s biggest-selling authors and continue to invest in new talent with stellar sales potential. The Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction list sits within the Headline Non-Fiction team and publishes a range of genres, including popular and military history, male-focused personal development, sport and true crime. Our authors include Paul McKenna, Robert Verkaik and Otto English. We are a close-knit, ambitious team with a reputation for outstanding author care and a mission to make our list as profitable as possible.
What you’ll be doing
Are you a successful, ambitious, and experienced non-fiction commissioner looking to rebrand and run your very own list?
Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction is seeking a Senior Commissioning Editor/Editorial Director to lead its future and acquire across a range of subject areas.
With the support of the Headline Non-Fiction team, you will be responsible for the Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction imprint. You will have the opportunity to rebrand the list and fully implement your vision, developing an imprint identity and colophon, and signing fresh talent. You will be someone who can spot the next personal development podcast star, business maverick, or exciting commercial historian, or perhaps you have several brilliant new IP ideas and need to find the perfect authors to write them. This is a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to reframe the mission – and future strategy for – the imprint, leading it into its future.
We are looking for a creative self-starter who can make a tangible impact on our non-fiction publishing, adding breadth and depth to the team. The job title will be shaped around the right person, and the role will be reporting into Headline Non-Fiction’s Deputy Publishing Director.
Within your cover letter, please give details of one specific book you would like to commission. It could be a sports memoir, a smart-thinking podcast, or a trivia book, business or popular history idea.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an ideas-focused commissioner with expertise in the male-skewing end of the non-fiction market to build, rebrand and run their own list publishing in a broad range of areas including true crime, popular history, business, sport, personal development, memoir, gift, humour and pop culture. We are looking for someone who is motivated by success, has a reputation for driving their books onto the bestseller lists, has an impeccable network of contacts to attract the very best agent submissions, and can develop and execute IP ideas of their own. IP development is a core priority for Headline, and we are excited to hear your ideas and help you find the right authors to deliver them.
What we offer
- 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
- 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 Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
- Season ticket loans
- And much more!
The role will be based at our London office, Carmelite House, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Our commitment
Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.
If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.
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 and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit
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Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director employer: Hachette UK
Contact Detail:
Hachette UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current trends in non-fiction publishing, especially in the genres mentioned in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, particularly those who have experience in commissioning. Attend industry events or join relevant online communities to make connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a list of potential authors and book ideas that align with Headline Welbeck's vision. This proactive approach will show your creativity and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Headline's existing non-fiction titles and think critically about how you could enhance their list. Being able to discuss specific books and how they could be improved or expanded upon will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Senior Commissioning Editor/Editorial Director position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, be sure to include details about one specific book you would like to commission. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and understanding of the non-fiction market, so choose a title that reflects your vision and expertise.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work experience, focus on your achievements in commissioning non-fiction titles. Mention any bestsellers you've worked on, your network of contacts, and how you've successfully driven books onto bestseller lists.
Showcase Your Ideas: Since IP development is a core priority for Headline, use your application to present innovative ideas you have for new projects. This could include potential authors or unique concepts that align with the genres they are interested in, such as true crime, popular history, or personal development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Show Your Creative Side
As a Senior Commissioning Editor, creativity is key. Be prepared to discuss your ideas for new books and how you would approach commissioning across various genres. Highlight any unique concepts you have in mind, especially those that align with the company's focus on true crime, popular history, and personal development.
✨Demonstrate Your Network
Having an impeccable network of contacts is crucial for this role. During the interview, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with authors, agents, or industry professionals in the past. This will showcase your ability to attract top talent and drive books onto bestseller lists.
✨Prepare a Specific Book Proposal
In your cover letter, you were asked to detail a specific book you'd like to commission. Be ready to elaborate on this idea during the interview. Discuss why you believe it would be successful and how it fits within the Headline Welbeck Non-Fiction imprint's vision.
✨Emphasize Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong focus on commercial success. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in driving sales and profitability for your projects. Share metrics or examples that demonstrate your impact on the bottom line, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
