At a Glance
- Tasks: Spot and develop the next bestselling novels while managing exciting author relationships.
- Company: Join Wildfire Books, a dynamic imprint of Headline Publishing Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, collaborative environment await you.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fiction and work with brilliant authors in a creative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and a strong vision for unique publications.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Salary: £34,000 - £45,000 dependent on experience and location (+bonus +benefits)
Could you spot next year’s bestselling novel? Do you love working with an author to shape their manuscript to fulfil its potential? We are looking for an energetic senior commissioning editor to build and manage an exciting and eclectic fiction list and make it their own.
Who we are and what we do
Wildfire Books is a boutique imprint of Headline Publishing Group that launched in 2016. Our aim is to publish forward‑thinking, agenda‑setting fiction and non‑fiction that spark conversation and spread like wildfire – books, as we like to say, that have a bit of soul. The results speak for themselves: we’re proud to have had many Sunday Times bestsellers and our books have been nominated for various prestigious awards.
Our fiction list comprises everything from must‑read crime and thriller novels to big‑scale historical fiction, imaginative concept‑led narratives and immersive translated fiction from around the globe. We are so proud to publish a range of brilliant, unique and dynamic storytellers.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the editorial director, you will focus on acquiring general commercial fiction for the book club/reading group space, but with a wide remit to acquire distinctive, high‑quality fiction across genres (including but not limited to uplit, horror, historical, romance, women’s fiction, fantasy and crime and thriller) as well as fiction in translation. Supported by our brilliant publishing team, your job will be to find the bestsellers of the future, manage relationships with those authors and help them develop their careers, and project manage each publication with a keen eye on finding the widest possible audience.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for someone with commissioning experience as well as a strong sense of their own distinct taste and clear vision of what they’d like to publish. You’ll be full of creative energy, thriving on working with brilliant authors and amazing ideas. A few other qualities will also be important:
- You’ll be brimming with awareness of what the fiction market is looking for
- You’ll be a confident communicator, able to pitch a book in a way that hooks a reader
- You’ll be energised by building and spearheading innovative publication campaigns
- You’ll love coming up with ideas for new, trend‑led projects
- You’ll have great relationships with literary agents and scouts
- You’ll want to work in a close‑knit and supportive team
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and cover letter (addressed to Rachel and Alex), by 11:59pm on Sunday 31st May. As part of your cover letter, please write 200 words on one author in the book club/reading group space that you think would be a brilliant addition to the Wildfire Fiction list and why.
What we offer
Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:
- 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
- An active range of staff‑led employee networks
- Season ticket loans
- And much more!
This role can be based at our London office, or at any of our regional offices in Sheffield, or Edinburgh, 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.
Please note: Please make sure that you state in your application that you found this role via Creative Access.
Senior commissioning editor in Sheffield employer: Hachette UK
Wildfire Books is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the publishing industry. With generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and extensive development programmes, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Located in London, Sheffield, or Edinburgh, the company provides a unique opportunity to work closely with established authors and contribute to a diverse and eclectic fiction list, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in literature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior commissioning editor in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, book fairs, and author signings. It's all about making connections with authors, agents, and fellow editors. You never know who might lead you to your next big opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for books and storytelling shine through. Share your ideas on what makes a great manuscript and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to publishers or imprints you admire, like Wildfire Books. Express your interest in working with them and share your unique perspective on the fiction market.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent publications and trends in the fiction market. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their goals. This shows you’re not just a fan, but someone who can actively contribute to their success!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior commissioning editor in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Commissioning Editor. Highlight your commissioning experience and any relevant projects that showcase your unique taste and vision in fiction.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Address it to Rachel and Alex, and don’t forget to include that 200-word piece on an author you think would fit perfectly with our Wildfire Fiction list. Show us your passion!
Showcase Your Market Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your awareness of current trends in the fiction market. We want to see how you can spot the next bestseller and what innovative ideas you have for publication campaigns.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Authors
Before the interview, do your homework on authors that align with Wildfire's vision. Be ready to discuss specific books and why you think they would fit well within their eclectic fiction list. This shows your passion for literature and your understanding of the market.
✨Pitch Perfectly
Practice your pitching skills! You’ll need to communicate your ideas clearly and compellingly. Prepare a few pitches for books you believe could be bestsellers, focusing on what makes them unique and how they can engage readers. This will demonstrate your confidence and creativity.
✨Show Your Market Awareness
Stay updated on current trends in the fiction market. Be prepared to discuss what genres are gaining traction and how you can contribute to innovative publication campaigns. This will highlight your proactive approach and understanding of the industry.
✨Emphasise Team Spirit
Wildfire values collaboration, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for working in a close-knit team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, especially in creative environments. This will show that you’re not just a great editor, but also a great teammate.
