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- Tasks: Lead and grow our fiction publishing, overseeing a high-performing editorial team.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a global leader in publishing with renowned authors and diverse imprints.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for creativity and strategic leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fiction publishing while driving impactful campaigns and nurturing talent.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fiction publishing with strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills required.
- Other info: Simon & Schuster UK is committed to equal opportunity and inclusion in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction 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 honours and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories.
The Job Profile Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial will lead and grow our fiction publishing. This is a senior strategic leadership role, ideal for a dynamic individual with a proven track record in acquiring bestselling fiction, nurturing talent, and delivering market-leading results. The Executive Publisher will oversee our fiction portfolio—spanning commercial, genre, and debut fiction—and drive our publishing programme to the next level. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our fiction list with creativity, bold thinking, and strategic leadership.
The Job Role The successful applicant will lead the strategic direction and execution of a dynamic publishing programme aligned with company goals. They will oversee a high-performing editorial team, drive data-informed acquisition strategies, and champion standout fiction across genres. They will foster strong relationships with authors and agents, providing career guidance and strategic support. Working closely with Sales and Marketing & Publicity, they will deliver impactful campaigns and maximize commercial success. With full P&L ownership, they will manage budgets, set pricing strategies, and ensure profitability through informed, market-driven decisions.
The Candidate Profile You will demonstrate strategic leadership skills with extensive experience of managing and developing editorial teams, complemented by strong negotiation and communication skills so that you are able to collaborate, be confident, and be capable of influencing at senior levels. With significant senior-level experience in fiction publishing, you will have a proven track record of acquiring bestselling and award-winning titles and demonstrate a passion for storytelling with a deep understanding of the publishing process, the book market, distribution channels, and consumer trends. Your expertise includes excellent commercial acumen including being au fait with data analysis and market insights driving business growth, creating cross-format strategies, managing author and series brands, and leading strategic projects while meeting complex goals and deadlines. Your genuine enthusiasm for our publishing will inspire and generate enthusiasm in others.
Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter with details of your current salary and expectations. 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.
Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial employer: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Simon & Schuster, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals and attend publishing events to connect with key players in the fiction publishing world. Building relationships with authors, agents, and other publishers can give you insights into the market and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends in commercial fiction by reading widely and following industry news. Understanding what genres are gaining popularity and which authors are making waves will help you demonstrate your market knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in acquiring bestselling titles and how you've nurtured talent in your editorial teams. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic leadership and negotiation skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Simon & Schuster's imprints and their unique offerings. Tailoring your approach to align with their specific goals and demonstrating your understanding of their brand will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Publisher, Commercial Fiction, Adult Editorial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Executive Publisher position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your strategic vision for fiction publishing. Include specific examples of your past successes in acquiring bestselling titles and leading editorial teams.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your senior-level experience in fiction publishing. Emphasise your achievements in managing editorial teams, negotiating deals, and driving successful marketing campaigns. Use metrics where possible to showcase your impact.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your genuine enthusiasm for storytelling and the publishing industry shine through in both your CV and cover letter. Mention any personal projects or initiatives that reflect your commitment to the craft and your understanding of market trends.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster, Inc.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As an Executive Publisher, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss your vision for the future of commercial fiction and how you plan to lead the editorial team towards achieving that vision.
✨Highlight Your Track Record
Be ready to share specific examples of bestselling titles you've acquired and how you've nurtured authors. This will showcase your experience and ability to drive results in a competitive market.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and data analysis techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you would use this information to inform acquisition strategies and maximise profitability.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with sales, marketing, and publicity teams in the past to deliver impactful campaigns.
