At a Glance
- Tasks: Acquire and develop exciting fiction manuscripts while managing author relationships.
- Company: Join Wildfire Books, a dynamic boutique imprint of Headline Publishing Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28+ days of leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Shape the future of bestselling novels in a creative, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning with a strong vision for unique fiction.
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.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the editorial director, you will have a 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 with its extensive track record of success, 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, but also present yourself as a perfect partner for authors and agents
- You’ll be energised by building and spearheading innovative publication campaigns – working closely with our sales, marketing and PR teams
- 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 that are voluntary
- 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. We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application. We’ll make sure you’re supported throughout the process.
Please note: Please make sure that you state in your application that you found this role via Creative Access.
Senior Fiction Acquisition Editor — Boutique, High‑Impact Publishing 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 heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive environment for diverse voices, Wildfire empowers its team to thrive while shaping the future of fiction publishing. Join us to work closely with talented authors and be part of a boutique imprint backed by a leading publishing group, where your ideas can truly make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fiction Acquisition Editor — Boutique, High‑Impact Publishing 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 for fiction! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your favourite books and why they inspire you. This will help them see your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you spot a manuscript that excites you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the author or their agent. Expressing interest can set you apart and show that you're ready to dive into the role headfirst.
✨Tip Number 4
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 our creative team at Wildfire Books!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fiction Acquisition Editor — Boutique, High‑Impact Publishing in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fiction:When you're writing your cover letter, let your love for fiction shine through! Talk about your favourite genres and authors, and why you think they resonate with readers. This is your chance to show us that you’re not just an editor, but a true book lover.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your commissioning experience and any specific projects that align with our vision at Wildfire Books. We want to see how your unique taste can contribute to our eclectic fiction list!
Pitch an Author:Don’t forget to include that 200-word pitch about an author you think would fit perfectly with our list. Be creative and persuasive! This is your moment to showcase your editorial eye and understanding of the book club/reading group space.
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 team at Wildfire!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Fiction
Dive deep into the current trends in fiction and be ready to discuss them. Familiarise yourself with the authors and titles that are making waves in the book club space, as well as those that align with Wildfire's unique vision. This will show your passion and understanding of the market.
✨Pitch Perfect
Prepare a compelling pitch for a book you believe would fit perfectly within the Wildfire Fiction list. Think about how you would present it to an author or agent, highlighting its potential and why it resonates with readers. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and your keen eye for talent.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Be ready to share innovative ideas for publication campaigns or new projects. Think outside the box and consider how you can engage readers and build excitement around your acquisitions. This will highlight your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, which are key for this role.
✨Build Connections
Discuss your relationships with literary agents and scouts during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with them in the past. This will illustrate your networking skills and your ability to foster strong partnerships, which is crucial for acquiring the bestsellers of tomorrow.
