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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and publish captivating picture books for young readers.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a global leader in children's publishing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's reading experiences with an award-winning team.
- Qualifications: Experience in editorial, strong market awareness, and passion for picture books.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with both full-time and part-time roles available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Job Description
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 honors 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. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com .
The Children’s Publishing Division
Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is one of the leading children’s publishers in the UK, dedicated to immersing children of all ages in diverse and creative reading experiences, encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Founded in 1998, it has a record of continuously strong sales, prestigious awards, and numerous high quality and bestselling titles and series. The colour list is industry-leading and internationally renowned. Much-loved authors and illustrators include Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet (Barry the Fish with Fingers, Supertato), Benji Davies (The Storm Whale series), Lu Fraser (Littlest Yak) Smriti Halls and Steve Small (I’m Sticking with You) and Claire Freedman and Ben Cort (the Aliens Love Underpants series). Simon & Schuster Children’s Books won Children’s Publisher of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards.
The Job Profile
In this role you’ll create, shape, champion and publish books that delight and captivate young readers. It is a hands-on role within the picture book team. This is a terrific opportunity to impact a list within an award-winning and ambitious team.
Working closely with the picture book editorial and design teams, you will acquire, manage, and champion picture books at Simon & Schuster, with a focus on UK growth, driving IP and trend-led titles. You will develop, acquire, and manage titles and series for the list, working in close collaboration with internal, external, and international stakeholders.
You will represent and champion Simon & Schuster Children’s Books and act as an ambassador for the company externally.
Candidate Profile
You believe in the life-changing potential of reading for pleasure and have a special passion for picture books that inspire a lifelong love of reading. You have a strong understanding of the children’s media landscape and are attuned to the interests of modern children and families. You are passionate about creating a creative, innovative, and standout range of publishing for picture book-aged children.
You enjoy mentoring and empowering team members. Working closely with both internal and external stakeholders, you have the interpersonal skills to build strong in-house relationships and excel in author, illustrator, and agent care.
Strong market awareness, both in the UK and internationally, is essential. You are likely to have built a successful career in editorial and are deeply passionate about picture book publishing. You are commercially minded and confident in creating and analysing P&Ls. You will be able to demonstrate experience in list-building and managing picture book titles from submission to publication.
Experience in managing or creating IP for children aged 3–5, and/or managing bestselling series publishing (including licensing) in the picture book market, will be advantageous.
We are a small team, so a collaborative approach is key. You will be willing to pitch in across all areas and bring strong communication, project management, and time-management skills.
Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter addressed to Louise Grosart, with details of your current salary and expectations. Both full-time and part-time applicants are encouraged to apply.
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.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including theWorkplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
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Senior Commissioning Editor / Editorial Director, Picture Books (13 months FTC) employer: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Simon & Schuster, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commissioning Editor / Editorial Director, Picture Books (13 months FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those connected to children's books. 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 your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your love for picture books and how they can change lives. Share your ideas on trends and what excites you about the future of children's publishing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Simon & Schuster's recent titles and their impact. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of creating captivating reading experiences for children. Tailor your examples to show you understand their vision.
✨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 Simon & Schuster. Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to highlight your relevant experience in picture book publishing.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commissioning Editor / Editorial Director, Picture Books (13 months FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Commissioning Editor. Highlight your experience in picture book publishing and any relevant achievements that align with what Simon & Schuster is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for children's literature and your understanding of the current market. Share specific examples of how you've championed projects or authors in the past to show us what you can bring to the team.
Showcase Your Creativity: Since this role is all about creating captivating content, don’t hesitate to showcase your creative side. Whether it’s through your writing style or by sharing innovative ideas for picture books, let your personality shine through!
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 and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster, Inc.
✨Know Your Picture Books
Dive deep into the world of picture books before your interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular titles, and key authors in the genre. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about the role.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous editorial roles and how they relate to managing picture book titles. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully built lists or collaborated with authors and illustrators, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since this role requires a collaborative approach, think of examples where you've worked effectively with teams or stakeholders. Be prepared to share how you’ve mentored others or navigated challenges in a team setting, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of the children's media landscape, both in the UK and internationally. Being able to discuss market awareness and how it influences publishing decisions will set you apart as a commercially minded candidate.
