At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a dynamic fiction list by acquiring and developing digital-first content.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a global leader in innovative publishing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital publishing and work with emerging writers.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital publishing and a passion for genre fiction.
- Other info: Collaborative environment that encourages creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 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 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.
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.
Commissioning Editor, Digital-First employer: Simon & Schuster
Contact Detail:
Simon & Schuster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning 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 hiring managers or during interviews, share your insights on current trends in digital fiction and how you can contribute to their vision. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Simon & Schuster’s recent digital projects. Familiarise yourself with their imprints and the types of authors they work with. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨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 wanting to join the team. Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to highlight your experience in digital-first publishing!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning 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 what we're looking for. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for genre 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.
Showcase Your Data Savvy: Since we’re all about data-driven decisions, make sure to mention any experience you have with using consumer data or platform behaviour in your previous roles. We love candidates who can blend creativity with commercial awareness!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Simon & Schuster UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster
✨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 authors, designers, or marketing teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you can bring out the best in others.
✨Embrace Innovation
This role is all about creativity and new ideas. Think of examples where you've experimented with different publishing strategies or formats. Showing your enthusiasm for innovation will resonate well with the dynamic, start-up-style environment they’re looking for.