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- Tasks: Acquire and publish exciting fiction for digital and audio platforms.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster UK, a leading global publisher with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital-first publishing and work with emerging writers.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital publishing and a passion for commercial fiction.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up-style team environment with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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. Reporting to the Publishing Director, Digital First, the role will acquire and publish commercial fiction across the digital and audio imprints.
The Commissioning Editor will acquire content for our digital-first 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.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a data-savvy editor and thrives in fast-moving settings, who is energized by innovation and reaching readers across digital platforms such as Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and other mobile-first channels.
Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter. 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 & Schuster, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Simon & Schuster, Inc. 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 industry contacts, attend events, and engage with authors and publishers on social media. Building relationships can open doors that a CV alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for digital-first publishing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on trends and what excites you about the future of fiction in the digital space.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you spot an emerging writer or a trend that aligns with the role, don’t hesitate to mention it during interviews. It shows you're already thinking like a Commissioning Editor.
✨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 innovative team at Simon & Schuster UK.
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 role 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, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with consumer data or platform behaviour. We love a candidate who can blend creativity with analytical thinking!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and get you into our system. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster, Inc.
✨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 your favourite 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 your editorial decisions. This could be insights from previous roles or even personal projects that demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
The job involves working closely with various teams, so think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Whether it’s design, marketing, or authors, being able to articulate your teamwork experiences will highlight your fit for this dynamic role.
✨Be Ready to Experiment
This position encourages innovation, so be prepared to discuss any creative ideas you have for digital-first publishing. Whether it's unique acquisition strategies or fresh marketing concepts, showing your enthusiasm for experimentation will set you apart from other candidates.
