At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape commercial fiction across three exciting imprints.
- Company: Join the John Murray Publishing Group, part of Hachette UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28+ days leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working with a blend of office and home-based days.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the publishing world with bestselling authors.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in publishing and strong commercial instincts required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Return Division John Murray Group
Department: Editorial
Location: Carmelite House, 50 Victoria Embankment, London, United Kingdom, EC4Y 0DZ
Salary: £80,000+ dependent on experience and location (+bonus +benefits)
Contact type: Full Time Permanent
Publishing division: John Murray Group
Closing date: Friday, 13th November 2026
Who We Are And What We Do
At the John Murray Publishing Group, we publish books of excellence and lasting value written by authors with passion and expertise. Our fiction imprints include John Murray, Quercus, Baskerville, Dialogue, Riverrun and MacLehose. From Navessa Allen, Mick Herron and Lucy Steeds to David Attenborough we're home to popular fiction and non-fiction writers alongside some of the most progressive new voices. John Murray Publishing Group is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.
As Publisher of Quercus Fiction, Arcadia and Renegade, you will be responsible for:
- Creating and delivering an ambitious plan to lead our thriving commercial fiction hub, publishing some of our most successful brands and acquiring bestselling talent.
- Overseeing Arcadia, our science fiction, fantasy and horror list.
- Responsible for the continued growth of our newest imprint, Renegade, a list with a remit to break rules in how it discovers and publishes writers.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and experienced publisher with:
- A knowledge and love of commercial fiction, in all its glorious variety, excluding crime.
- A proven track record and endless curiosity.
- The ability to enjoy working collaboratively and creatively.
- The capability to empower the team to anticipate the market, jump on trends and build brands.
What you'll be doing:
An incredible opportunity to acquire, lead and shape Quercus's commercial fiction, publisher of multi-million bestsellers from Navessa Allen to Ken Follett, Beth O'Leary and Lyla Sage. In addition, you will be overseeing Arcadia and Renegade, our science fiction, fantasy and romantasy lists, home to award-winners and sub box favourites. With a track record in building brands and launching book club fiction, we're looking for a bold, creative publisher to lead a brilliant team.
Who we are looking for:
- Experienced publisher with a proven critical and commercial track record.
- Passionate and informed awareness of the market.
- Creative in their approach to IP, digital strategy, special editions and book adjacent products.
- Excellent relationships within the wider romance, sci-fi, fantasy and sub-box community.
- Excellent inter-personal skills.
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.
- 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, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks.
- Season ticket loans.
- And much more!
The role will be based at our London office, 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.
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.
Publisher, Quercus Fiction, Arcadia and Renegade employer: Hodder & Stoughton
Hodder & Stoughton, as part of Hachette UK, is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that prioritises quality and excellence in delivering SAP solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Publisher, Quercus Fiction, Arcadia and Renegade
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Hodder & Stoughton.
✨Make Your Passion Visible
If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Hodder & Stoughton. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Publisher, Quercus Fiction, Arcadia and Renegade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Hodder & Stoughton. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Hodder & Stoughton.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hodder & Stoughton
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Hodder & Stoughton. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Hodder & Stoughton. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
