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- Tasks: Manage exciting fiction projects from manuscript to publication and collaborate with creative teams.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leading publisher known for bestselling fiction.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, wellness programmes, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team producing beautiful, bestselling titles that readers love.
- Qualifications: Experience in desk editing and project management within publishing.
- Other info: Access unlimited training, employee networks, and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC) – News Corp
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
Perks and benefits
Work from home option
Wellness programs
Employee Assistance Programme
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Mentoring/coaching
Cycle to work scheme
Candidate happiness
8.66 (31515)
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. Combining rapid growth with commercial success, we have launchedSundayTimesbestsellers including Briar Boleyn and Georgina Moore.
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. They will also have desk editorial responsibility for the growing range of special editions and bespoke titles which feature in subscription boxes.
This is not a commissioning role, but the position offers a unique opportunity for a diligent, organised, efficient and creative team player to step into an exciting new role, and work with a growing, ambitious collaborative team, to produce beautiful, bestselling titles.
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, ensuring bespoke specifications are delivered to schedule
+ Writing jacket copy (hardback and paperback) and selling copy for external sites, drafting jacket briefs and delivering covers to critical path
+ Managing editorial information and metadata about the titles (AIS, Plan G Acquisitions, Metadata) to ensure accurate and up-to-date title/list information is available internally and externally
+ Overseeing the quality and accuracy of editorial standards internally and externally, checking jackets and covers, and text corrections
+ Act as a key point of contact for internal and external teams and stakeholders in each title
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, including romantasy titles; the ability to work calmly under pressure to meet tight deadlines
+ Strong interpersonal skills and confidence managing numerous relationships involved in each title both within HQ as well as wider teams such as Sales, Marketing, Production and PR
+ Strong organisational skills and self-motivated
+ Must be confident, prepared to work on own initiative, be able to present solutions to senior editorial team, liaise effectively and decisively with design and production and capable of working efficiently to tight deadlines
+ Effective multi-tasker; flexible when required
+ High level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail
+ Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
+ 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)
+ 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 (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal
+ Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme
+ Relocation Rent Support Loan
+ Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work
+ Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes
+ Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers
+ Onsite physiotherapy (London only)
+ Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days
+ Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)
+ With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire
+ Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books
+ Subsidised canteen and retail discounts
+ Onsite prayer room
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. For more information visit https://www.btbs.org/ (recruitment@harpercollins.co.uk)
At HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities. This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks.
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly tostephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.ukwith subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.
Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.
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Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC) employer: News Corporation
Contact Detail:
News Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research HarperCollins and their HQ Fiction team. Understanding their bestselling authors and recent titles will help you connect during interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to desk editing and project management. Think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and how you handle tight deadlines.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at HarperCollins.
We think you need these skills to ace Desk Editor, HQ Fiction (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills: As a Desk Editor, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your project management experience and how you keep things running smoothly. We want to see that you can juggle multiple tasks without breaking a sweat!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Fiction: Let your love for commercial fiction shine through in your application. Mention any relevant experience with authors or your knowledge of the fiction market. We’re looking for someone who’s as excited about books as we are!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Desk Editor role. Highlight specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We appreciate when candidates put in the effort!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit yours there. It’s the best way for us to keep track of everything and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at News Corporation
✨Know Your Manuscripts
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with some of the bestselling titles published by HQ Fiction. Being able to discuss specific books and their themes will show your passion for the genre and your understanding of the market.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed editorial projects in the past. Highlight your ability to oversee a manuscript from start to finish, as this role requires strong project management skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position is all about collaboration. Be ready to share experiences where you worked effectively within a team, especially in a creative environment. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and how you handle relationships with authors and other stakeholders.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Since the role demands high accuracy and attention to detail, prepare to discuss how you ensure quality in your work. Bring up specific instances where your meticulous nature made a difference in a project or publication.
