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- Tasks: Commission and edit bestselling Science Fiction and Fantasy titles while collaborating with authors and teams.
- Company: Join HarperVoyager & HarperMagpie, renowned for award-winning publications.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, 28 days holiday, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the publishing world with exciting projects and innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning and a passion for popular fiction is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to attend industry events and build strong relationships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Commissioning Editor at HarperVoyager & HarperMagpie. This is a great opportunity for an editor with some commissioning experience to step up and commission onto award-winning and bestselling Science Fiction and Fantasy imprints. The successful candidate will be commercially savvy, having an extensive knowledge of the market and a passion for the bestselling books that we publish. The role will also involve supporting on one or more of our big brand authors, working with the Publisher to manage brand publishing, internal team comms and brand strategies. This will also include some desk editing.
Responsibilities
- Acquiring titles in line with HarperVoyager & HarperMagpie’s acquisition strategy
- Fantastic publishing vision: taking full ownership of every title you work on, devising a launch strategy and developing the publishing plan with internal stakeholders, then communicating it consistently to authors and agents
- Excellent author care: supporting authors from acquisition to publication with excellent communication, sales data, industry and market context and editorial support
- Structural and line-edits, discussing new ideas and developing projects with your authors
- Launching and presenting titles at International, sales and marketing meetings
- Negotiating deals with agents for the best possible outcome, in line with HC best practice and guidelines, preparing deal memos and progressing contracts for all acquisitions
- Putting books through production, liaising with the production team in line with critical path
- Briefing market-informed jackets and liaising with designers; writing market-informed copy and ensuring covers meet all deadlines for retailer sell-in
- Ownership of metadata and AIs, ensuring these fit with emerging trends in the market
- Building strong and dynamic relationships with agents, ensuring GF sees the best talent and best debuts in this area as well as being a first port of call for existing authors looking to move
- Building great relationships with internal colleagues across the business
- Attending launches, industry events and festivals
Experience Required
- Previous experience of working on a commercially focused, popular Science fiction and Fantasy list or on SFF within a non-genre list
- Experience of owning, devising and implementing publishing strategy
- Experience working at an editor level or above
- Sound market knowledge of popular fiction, and especially crime, thriller and historical authors and trends
- Full knowledge of desk editing and publishing processes
- Experience of working directly with authors and agents
Skills Required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a keen eye for detail
- Digital skills -- able to drive digital and audio initiatives and innovation
- Ability to own and drive own workload
- Ability to work in a very fast-paced environment across multiple titles with multiple stakeholders
- Quick-thinking and extremely organised
- Creative
- Ability to work individually and collaboratively as part of a cross-divisional team
- Strong awareness of market trends
- Computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Benefits
- Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
- 28 days holiday plus
Commissioning Editor, HarperMagpie & HarperVoyager in London employer: HarperCollins Publishers
Contact Detail:
HarperCollins Publishers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, HarperMagpie & HarperVoyager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, book fairs, and author signings. It's all about making connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for the genre! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite titles and what excites you about the current market trends.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits, don’t wait around. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent titles and their authors. Bring ideas to the table on how you can contribute to their success!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, HarperMagpie & HarperVoyager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for Science Fiction and Fantasy shine through! We want to see that you’re not just familiar with the genre but that you genuinely care about the books we publish.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your commissioning experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership of titles, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills in this area.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application. Keep your writing clear and to the point, showcasing your excellent communication skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with authors and agents!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at HarperVoyager & HarperMagpie.
How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins Publishers
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Familiarise yourself with bestselling titles and authors, especially those published by HarperVoyager & HarperMagpie. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the genre.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous commissioning experience and how you've successfully managed projects from acquisition to publication. Bring examples of your work, including any strategies you've devised or implemented, and be ready to talk about how you’ve supported authors through the editing process.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would explain your publishing vision or a complex idea to an author or agent. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and convey important information effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity. Think of potential challenges you might encounter in the role, such as negotiating deals or managing multiple titles, and prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your quick-thinking and organisational abilities.
