At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and publish exciting digital fiction while collaborating with authors and creative teams.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a global leader in publishing with a rich author roster.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital-first publishing and make an impact on readers worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital publishing and a passion for commercial fiction are essential.
- Other info: Work in a start-up-style team that values creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards.
Simon & Schuster UK is seeking a Commissioning Editor to join its new Digital-First Publishing team, playing a central role in shaping a high-growth, commercially focused fiction list.
The Commissioning Editor will acquire and publish commercial fiction across the digital and audio imprints, focusing on commercially compelling fiction across high-readership genres such as romance, SFF, crime & thriller, and historical fiction. They will scout emerging writers, use data to inform acquisitions, and work closely with authors to shape manuscripts for digital audiences. The role combines editorial vision with commercial awareness, requiring collaboration with design, audio, marketing, sales, and operations to deliver high-frequency, impactful publishing.
This hands-on, creative role offers the chance to work in a dynamic, start-up-style team within a global publisher, where innovation and new ideas are encouraged.
The ideal candidate will have experience in a digital-first publishing environment or similar, using consumer data, platform behaviour, and commercial instincts to inform commissioning and editorial decisions. They will have a strong understanding of the indie author landscape, including content trends, metadata, release strategies, and what makes stories or series bingeable.
We are looking for a proactive, curious, and collaborative editor with a passion for genre and commercial fiction, a keen eye for commercial design, and the ability to work confidently with authors to bring out the best in their books. They should have strong communication skills, the ability to prioritise under pressure, and enthusiasm for experimentation and rapid learning in digital-first publishing are essential.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a data-savvy editor and thrives in fast-moving settings, who is energised by innovation and reaching readers across digital platforms such as Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and other mobile-first channels.
Salary Competitive and Benefits.
Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.
Commission Editor, Digital-First employer: Simon and Schuster Books
Contact Detail:
Simon and Schuster Books Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commission Editor, Digital-First
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at Simon & Schuster or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for digital-first publishing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of trends in commercial fiction and your understanding of the indie author landscape. Let them see your enthusiasm for the role and the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Be data-savvy! Brush up on how to use consumer data and platform behaviour to inform your editorial decisions. If you can demonstrate that you understand what makes stories bingeable and how to reach readers effectively, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
✨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 the team at Simon & Schuster. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Commission Editor, Digital-First
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commissioning Editor. Highlight your experience in digital-first publishing and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for commercial fiction and your understanding of the indie author landscape. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our innovative team.
Show Off Your Data Savvy: Since we're looking for someone who can use data to inform decisions, make sure to include examples of how you've used consumer insights or market trends in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are data-savvy and can think commercially!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our dynamic team at Simon & Schuster UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon and Schuster Books
✨Know Your Genres
Familiarise yourself with the high-readership genres mentioned in the job description, like romance, SFF, crime & thriller, and historical fiction. Be ready to discuss current trends and popular titles in these areas, as this will show your passion and understanding of the market.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since the role requires a data-savvy approach, come prepared with examples of how you've used consumer data or platform behaviour to inform editorial decisions in the past. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial awareness.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
The job involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight any projects where you worked with authors, design, marketing, or sales to bring a book to life.
✨Be Ready to Experiment
This role encourages innovation, so think of some creative ideas or strategies you would implement if hired. Discussing your enthusiasm for experimentation and rapid learning in digital-first publishing will resonate well with the interviewers.