Development Editor

Development Editor

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Development Editor, overseeing content from concept to publication.
  • Company: Macmillan Education delivers engaging learning materials for students and educators worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for personal development and training.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company that impacts education globally while honing your editorial skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education, ELT/TEFL qualification, and teaching experience are essential.
  • Other info: This role is based in London or Madrid, with a deadline for applications on March 9, 2025.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Title: Development Editor

Organisation: Macmillan Education

Location(s): London and Madrid

Application Deadline: 9th March 2025

About Springer Nature Group

Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians, and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms, and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 180 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood, and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow. Visit group.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature / @SpringerNatureGroup.

About The Brand

Macmillan Education provides world-class content in the most relevant, engaging, and flexible formats to support students, teachers, and institutions in lifelong learning. Visit macmillaneducation.com and follow @MacmillanEducation / @MacmillanELT.

About The Role

Working within the Publishing Content Development team, the Development Editor has day-to-day responsibility for content development from initial writing brief to publication, ensuring that all material is of appropriate quality and fully aligned to the publishing vision of the Commissioning Editor and Publisher. The Development Editor may also commission ancillary items under the guidance of the Commissioning or Senior Development Editor. The role involves extensive cross-functional liaison with the concept development and content delivery teams to create material which meets the needs of the key audience and is published on schedule and within budget.

Role Responsibilities:

Market awareness/research

  • Work with the project team to understand/establish specific market or segment needs.
  • Carry out desk and market research, i.e. competition, segment, market analysis; attend classroom observations where possible.
  • Understand the publishing vision in the context of the publishing plan and Macmillan Education’s business needs.

Content/manuscript development

  • Understand and contribute to the Investment Approval (IA) process and support the Commissioning Editor in concept development, sample materials, market/research feedback.
  • Work with the Commissioning Editor and/or Senior Development Editor to prepare author briefs for specific projects, in light of market research.
  • Support in the identification of potential authors, contributors, and external content creators.
  • Understand contract terms and budget for external contributors, ensuring correct procedures are followed.
  • Work with authors to develop material which follows the brief and is aligned to different output formats.
  • Take responsibility for overseeing external content creators and ensuring the content meets the required standard.
  • Provide feedback to authors/contributors, suggesting appropriate action to ensure content meets the brief, with the support of the Commissioning Editor/Senior Development Editor where necessary.
  • Alert the project team to any content development issues to ensure delivery is on time and within budget.
  • Understand the budgeting process and financial implications of making changes.
  • Attend audio recordings, video/photo shoots, and photo selection meetings to ensure outputs adhere to the brief/project specification.
  • Create artwork, design, and digital specification briefs, as well as style sheets, page plans, and asset briefs.
  • Deal with overmatter (print and digital), commenting on issues and feeding back appropriately.
  • Understand the processes involved in rights clearance.

Personal development

  • Keep up to date on ELT/EFL issues, undertake background reading and attend conferences as appropriate.
  • Use and develop existing skills and participate in in-house/external training sessions.

Key relationships:

  • Role reports to Senior Development Editor.
  • Key interface:
  • Content Development Manager
  • Commissioning Editor
  • Senior Development Editor
  • Managing Editor – close co-operation during life of project
  • Collaborate with other internal departments – Operations, Production, Sales, and Marketing
  • Management of external contributors.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent.
  • Formal ELT/TEFL qualification.
  • Demonstrable ELT/EFL teaching experience, in a primary, secondary, or adult setting.
  • Excellent written English.
  • An ability to work to tight deadlines and to manage numerous tasks.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A positive attitude and commitment to aims of the company.
  • Excellent team-working and organisational skills.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of ELT markets and segments.
  • Appreciation for a wide international range of teaching and learning situations.
  • Understanding of publishing technologies.
  • Knowledge of a second language.
  • A working understanding of content management systems.

Job Posting End Date: 10-03-2025

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

Book and Periodical Publishing

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Development Editor employer: Macmillan Publishers Ltd

At Macmillan Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London and Madrid. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Join us to be part of a team that not only values your contributions but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.
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Contact Detail:

Macmillan Publishers Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Editor

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in ELT/EFL by attending relevant conferences and workshops. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also show your commitment to professional development, which is crucial for a Development Editor role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who work in educational content. Engaging with others can provide insights into the company culture at Macmillan Education and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Gain hands-on experience with content management systems and publishing technologies. Being proficient in these tools will set you apart as a candidate who can hit the ground running in the Development Editor position.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on market research techniques and tools. Understanding how to analyze competition and segment needs will be essential in your role, and demonstrating this knowledge during interviews can significantly boost your chances.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Editor

Content Development
Market Research
Project Management
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Time Management
Budgeting and Financial Awareness
Author Collaboration
Editing and Proofreading
Understanding of ELT/EFL
Knowledge of Publishing Technologies
Teamwork
Organizational Skills
Attention to Detail
Familiarity with Content Management Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Development Editor position. Familiarize yourself with Macmillan Education's mission and how this role fits into their publishing vision.

Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in ELT/EFL teaching and content development. Emphasize your skills in managing projects, working with authors, and understanding market needs, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and publishing. Discuss your experience in content development and how it aligns with the goals of Macmillan Education. Be sure to mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.

Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free from grammatical errors and typos. Given the emphasis on excellent written English in the job description, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter carefully before submitting.

How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Publishers Ltd

✨Show Your Market Awareness

Demonstrate your understanding of the ELT/EFL market by discussing recent trends or challenges. Be prepared to share insights from your research and how they could influence content development.

✨Highlight Your Communication Skills

As a Development Editor, you'll need excellent interpersonal skills. Use the interview to showcase your ability to communicate effectively with authors and team members, perhaps by sharing examples of past collaborations.

✨Discuss Your Content Development Experience

Prepare to talk about your previous experience in content development. Highlight specific projects where you managed timelines, budgets, and collaborated with external contributors to meet publishing standards.

✨Emphasize Your Teamwork Abilities

Since the role involves extensive cross-functional collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked within teams in the past. Share examples that illustrate your organizational skills and positive attitude.

Development Editor
Macmillan Publishers Ltd
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