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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Acquire and develop 8-10 inspiring non-fiction titles each year.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Ebury Self, part of a leading publishing house.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and a creative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of self-help publishing and empower authors.
- Qualifications: Experience in publishing, strong communication, and relationship management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
The role
We are looking for an ambitious self-starter excited about the idea of building their own list of titles that inform, empower and spark new directions within the Self hub. You might be an Editor with experience in taking an idea and turning it into a book with flair or a Commissioner looking for a new challenge. You will join a collaborative and supportive team and be tasked with identifying, acquiring and showcasing a clear publishing vision for around 8-10 books a year. With confident commercial instincts and a clear understanding of audiences you will be a proud advocate for your authors and a regular contributor to team meetings shaping the future of our publishing programme.
The role is focused on developing and delivering high-quality non-fiction for the Self hub, building relationships with authors and agents, and contributing to the overall strategy of the Self publishing list.
Key responsibilities
- Acquiring 8-10 titles per year with clear commercial proposition and compelling vision
- Staying abreast of trends in health, personal development and wellbeing around the world, able to identify and act on new ideas and opportunities
- Using your market knowledge and research to contribute to meetings, guide commissioning decisions and ensure our list stays ahead of the curve
- Developing strong internal relationships across departments to champion the Self Hub and its authors
- Maintaining and developing relationships with authors and agents with a view to future acquisitions
- Writing first class copy
- Dealing with negotiations around the book within agreed tactics and values before and after acquisitions meetings
What you’ll bring
- A commercial mindset: engaged with market trends within our core areas of publishing
- Good at spotting opportunities for improvement and growth
- Strong internal and external relationship management skills
- A confident negotiator who is not afraid to constructively challenge when required
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of people
- The ability to multitask and handle competing priorities
Preferred criteria
- Publishing experience
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role along with a short paragraph about a book you wish you had commissioned and why by 11:59pm on 8th October 2025
Salary and working arrangements
Circa, £40,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will spend a minimum of two days in the office and flexibility to be in the office as needed on a third day for occasional focus work as a team. During your probation period you will be expected to be in the office for 3 days a week.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Writing/Editing
Industries
- Book and Periodical Publishing
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Commissioning Editor, Ebury Self employer: Penguin Random House UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Random House UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, Ebury Self
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the publishing industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to authors and agents. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the Self hub! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your excitement about the genre and share your ideas for titles. Let them see your vision and how you can contribute to their list.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss market trends! Brush up on the latest in health, personal development, and wellbeing. Being able to talk knowledgeably about what’s hot will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a valuable asset to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to include that killer paragraph about a book you wish you had commissioned!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, Ebury Self
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for the Self hub and how your experience aligns with our vision. Don’t forget to include that short paragraph about a book you wish you had commissioned – it shows us your creativity and insight!
Tailor Your CV: We want to see how your skills fit the role, so tailor your CV to showcase relevant experience in publishing and relationship management. Highlight any previous successes in acquiring titles or working with authors that demonstrate your commercial mindset.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a Commissioning Editor, communication is key! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively. Whether it’s through your writing style or how you present your experiences, make sure we can see your strong communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into current trends in health, personal development, and wellbeing. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence your commissioning decisions and how you can spot opportunities for new titles.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate a clear publishing vision for the Self hub. Think about the types of books you would want to acquire and why they would resonate with audiences. This will demonstrate your commercial mindset and understanding of the market.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in relationship management. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with authors, agents, and internal teams. This will show that you can champion the Self Hub and its authors effectively.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your communication skills ahead of time. You’ll need to convey your ideas clearly and confidently during the interview. Consider how you would negotiate book deals and constructively challenge ideas while maintaining a positive dialogue.