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- Tasks: Manage exciting fiction projects from manuscript to finished copy, collaborating with authors and editors.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leading publisher known for bestselling fiction.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 28 days holiday, private healthcare, and unlimited training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of fiction and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in desk-editing and project management, with a passion for commercial fiction.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong support for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC) HarperCollins Publishers
Employment Type: Contract 12 month FTC
Location: Hybrid · London, UK 3+ days office based
Team: HQ Fiction
Seniority: Mid-level
Closing: 11:55pm, 12th Oct 2025 BST
Job Description
We are looking for a highly organised and energetic Desk Editor to join the HQ Fiction team. HQ is proud to publish an outstanding array of bestselling fiction brands in all formats, including Adele Parks, Erica James and Sarah Morgan.
Reporting to the Publishing Director, the Desk Editor will play a key part in planning and overseeing the delivery of manuscripts into production and through to finished copy stage.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project managing print and digital titles from handover of manuscript through to production/final files
- Full desk-editing responsibilities: seeing titles through from manuscript to finished copies, including digital formats
- Managing freelance copy-editors and proof-readers, and collating author queries
- Liaising with authors over the progress of the book through production, copy approval and day-to-day editorial matters
- Overseeing the production of all special editions and retailer exclusives across the fiction team
- Writing jacket copy (hardback and paperback) and selling copy for external sites
- Managing editorial information and metadata about the titles
- Overseeing the quality and accuracy of editorial standards internally and externally
Experience Required:
- Desk-editing and project management experience
- Direct relevant experience with author care and agent relationships throughout the publishing cycle
- Experience working in a commercially focused team within a major publishing house or within a major group
- Knowledge of the changing fiction market
Skills Required:
- Being a key, energetic and positive member of a busy, creative editorial team
- Flair and passion for commercial fiction books
- Strong interpersonal skills and confidence managing numerous relationships
- Strong organisational skills and self-motivated
- Must be confident, prepared to work on own initiative
- Effective multi-tasker; flexible when required
- High level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail
Benefits
- Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
- Private healthcare cover and life assurance
- Summer Hours
- Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme
- Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
- Relocation Rent Support Loan
- Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. 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 internships or entry level positions.
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Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC) employer: HarperCollins Publishers
Contact Detail:
HarperCollins Publishers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at HarperCollins or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Desk Editor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have a portfolio of your editing work, make sure to bring it along to any interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your desk-editing experience and project management prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the latest trends in the fiction market and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the HQ Fiction team. We want to see your passion for commercial fiction shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the team there, so you can tailor your approach perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Desk Editor role. Highlight your desk-editing and project management experience, and don’t forget to showcase your flair for commercial fiction. We want to see how you fit into our HQ Fiction team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for fiction and your organisational skills. Let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our creative editorial team.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Desk Editor, accuracy is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This is your first chance to demonstrate your meticulous attention to detail, so take the time to proofread everything before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins Publishers
✨Know Your Manuscripts
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with some of the bestselling fiction titles published by HarperCollins. Being able to discuss specific books and their authors will show your passion for commercial fiction and your understanding of the market.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed projects, especially in publishing. Highlight how you coordinated with freelance copy-editors and proof-readers, as well as how you handled author relationships throughout the production process.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Flair
Since the role requires strong organisational skills, come prepared with a plan or system you’ve used in previous roles to manage multiple tasks. This could be a project management tool or a method you developed to keep track of editorial deadlines and communications.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
HarperCollins values energetic and positive team members. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working collaboratively within a creative environment. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to contribute positively to a busy editorial team.