At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting fiction and non-fiction projects from manuscript to publication.
- Company: Join the award-winning Little, Brown Book Group, a leader in UK publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, summer hours, and discounts on books.
- Other info: Flexible working with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that opens doors and minds through literature.
- Qualifications: Proven project editing experience and excellent organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Project Editor (12 month FTC) role at Little, Brown Book Group.
Who we are and what we do
Little, Brown's identity is personified by our innovative, dynamic and free‑thinking people. Across our thirteen imprints, you won't find a wider range of titles anywhere in UK publishing. We pride ourselves on quality and diversity. A repeat recipient of the Publisher of the Year award, we’re one of the most successful and dynamic publishers in the UK. Little, Brown 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.
This is an exciting opportunity to join PCR, a division of the Little, Brown Book Group, and work on a huge variety of non‑fiction and fiction titles across the Constable fiction, Piatkus non‑fiction and Robinson lists. The position is due to start in March 2026.
The PCR division combines three successful imprints at the award‑winning Little, Brown Book Group. Across the Piatkus, Constable and Robinson non‑fiction lists, we publish everything from popular psychology, self‑help, business, personal development, health and wellbeing, parenting, history, cookery, humour, biographies, popular culture and how‑to books. Across the fiction lists, we publish compelling crime fiction alongside big‑name women’s fiction authors and romances.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the Managing Editor of PCR, you will deliver a wide range of fiction and often complex non‑fiction titles, from handover of manuscript to publication, with expertise and autonomy. Tasks will include:
- Managing authors through the editorial process
- Commissioning freelance copy‑editors, proofreaders, indexers and illustrators
- Clearing permissions and working on legal reads
- Collating and checking proofs at each stage
- Checking covers
You will be working closely with many other in‑house departments, particularly production and the wider editorial team. The position holder will ensure that allocated projects keep to schedule, budget and quality standards, and other business areas are aware of each book’s progress. Please note that this is a non‑commissioning role.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for candidates with a proven track record of project editing and project managing trade non‑fiction and preferably fiction, who have excellent organisational skills and are great multi‑taskers. Meticulous copy‑editing and proofreading skills are essential. You must be proactive, a good communicator and show confidence dealing with colleagues both internally and externally.
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)
- 2 community days per year
- Summer hours (finishing at 1 pm on Fridays during the summer months)
- Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Wide‑ranging training library
- Development programmes (including mentoring)
- Up to 70 % off book purchases
- A charity bookshelf
- 12 Staff‑led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing 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. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.
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. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org
Project Editor (12 month FTC) employer: Little, Brown Book Group
Join a leading UK publishing house in London, where you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. With generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and exclusive discounts on book purchases, this role as a Hybrid Project Editor offers not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful growth in the publishing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Editor (12 month FTC)
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
In the publishing and media world, your portfolio is your calling card. Make sure it’s up-to-date with your best work. Whether it’s articles, graphics, or multimedia projects, post them on platforms like Behance or your own website, so potential clients can see your style and capability. If you're working with specific styles, tailor your portfolio pieces to match.
✨Join Industry Freelance Platforms
Sign up on platforms like Reedsy, PeoplePerHour, or even MediaBistro that specifically cater to publishing and media gigs. They’re teeming with opportunities and can connect you with clients looking for freelance talent in our field. Keep your profile active and apply to projects regularly to get your foot in the door.
✨Network Through Local Events
Get involved in local writer's meetups, book fairs, and media conferences. These events are perfect for meeting fellow freelancers and potential clients. Bring your business cards (or a digital version) and don’t be shy about showcasing what you do. People are more likely to remember you if they can put a face to your work!
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Utilise social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on industry trends or projects you’re working on. Engaging with publishing-related hashtags can help you gain visibility. Plus, don’t forget to tag companies like Little, Brown Book Group when you share relevant content—it could catch their eye and lead to opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Editor (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Portfolio with Flair:As a freelancer in the publishing and media field, your portfolio is your calling card. Ensure it showcases a variety of your best work that highlights your writing style, versatility, and any published pieces. Think creatively about how to present your work—maybe include a blog, articles, or even multimedia projects!
Show Off Your Industry Knowledge:Let your passion for media shine through your application. Tailor your CV to include relevant experience, such as internships or freelance gigs you've had in the past. Highlight any specific areas of expertise—like content strategy, editorial skills, or knowledge of digital media trends—that make you a perfect fit for Little, Brown Book Group.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Freelancing often revolves around your schedule, so be upfront about your availability in your pitch. Let Little, Brown Book Group know how many hours you can dedicate each week and if you have flexibility with deadlines. This shows professionalism and helps them see how you can fit into their team.
Tailor Your Application for the Role:Make sure each application you send out, especially to Little, Brown Book Group, is custom-crafted. Reference specific projects or initiatives they've undertaken that excite you, and explain how your unique skills can contribute to their success. We want to see that personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little, Brown Book Group
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Creatively
As a freelancer in the publishing-media sector, your portfolio is your calling card! Make sure to not only present your work but also tell the story behind each piece. Highlight your creative process and the impact your projects had, especially if they involved collaboration with others.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
Keep your ear to the ground about current trends in publishing and media. Be ready to discuss how they might influence your work and the projects you'd like to pursue at Little, Brown Book Group. This shows you're not only prepared but also passionate about the industry.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates
Freelance work means you're essentially selling yourself, so be upfront about your rates and what they include. Understand the value you bring to the table and be prepared to negotiate, ensuring you come across as professional and confident.
✨Prepare to Pitch on the Spot
In freelance interviews for publishing-media, you might be asked to come up with ideas or a quick pitch. Have a few concepts ready that align with their vision at Little, Brown Book Group. It could be a potential article, campaign idea, or even a content strategy that showcases your creativity and strategic thinking.
