At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the non-fiction publishing team and oversee high-priority book projects.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster, a global leader in publishing with a diverse author roster.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to work with renowned authors.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the publishing world while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive editorial experience in trade publishing and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Reporting to the Managing Director, Adult Publishing Division, the Publishing Director will be responsible for overseeing the S&S non-fiction list and team, and publishing high priority books.
The Job Role
Although not a commissioning role, the Publishing Director will oversee the teams acquiring of projects aligned with the strategic goals of the Simon & Schuster Adult Non-fiction list, identifying commercially and editorially strong opportunities in line with market demand. The role will lead a high-performing non-fiction publishing list from acquisition through publication, with responsibility for editorial quality, commercial performance, budgeting and profitability.
Working closely with authors, agents and internal teams across Editorial, Production, Design, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Contracts, the role will drive successful publishing outcomes, negotiate new agreements, oversee the author list and contribute to divisional strategy. They will also lead and develop the team, support the Publishing Director in overseeing the non-fiction division, build strong domestic and international industry relationships, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, and represent the division at senior leadership level.
The Publishing Director will be strategic and commercially minded with extensive editorial experience in trade publishing, ideally at a senior level within upmarket non-fiction. You will have a strong track record of developing and delivering robust plans, managing multiple books and projects simultaneously, and building effective relationships with agents in the UK and internationally. A proactive, creative and self-starting approach, combined with strong leadership or team management experience and a deep understanding of the market, is essential.
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 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.
Publishing Director, Non-fiction, Adult (6 months FTC) employer: Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the dynamic Children's Division. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth while working alongside renowned authors in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of the publishing industry, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to impactful children's literature and be part of a team that celebrates ambition and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing Director, Non-fiction, Adult (6 months FTC)
✨Get Your Portfolio Sorted
As a publishing-media temporary position, having a well-curated portfolio of your work is key. Gather your best writing samples, layouts, or projects you’ve been involved in, and make sure they're easily accessible online. This’ll give potential employers like Simon & Schuster immediate insight into what you can bring to the table.
✨Tap into Publishing Networks
Don’t underestimate the power of industry connections! Join platforms like PublishingPerspectives or attend local publishing events. Engaging with others in the field can not only provide job leads but also valuable insights into temporary roles, like the one at Simon & Schuster. Plus, you might just snag that insider info that helps you land the job!
✨Utilise your University Resources
If you're currently studying or recently graduated, your university's career services are a treasure trove! They often have connections with publishing agencies or temporary roles available in the industry. Make a visit or reach out to see if there are opportunities with companies like Simon & Schuster that you can jump on.
✨Be Ready for Short Notice
In the world of temporary publishing roles, flexibility is your best friend. Be prepared to jump in at short notice! Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for opportunities at places like Simon & Schuster. The more proactive you are, the better your chances will be!
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing Director, Non-fiction, Adult (6 months FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Portfolio:When you're applying for a temporary role in publishing-media, it's crucial to include samples of your writing. Whether it’s articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage readers. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV shines with skills that are essential for the publishing-media world. Highlight your experience with editing, content creation, or even specific software like InDesign or Photoshop. The more relevant experience you flaunt, the better your chances at catching our eye!
Show Us Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention your adaptability and your willingness to tackle various tasks or changes in workflow. This kind of attitude is gold in the fast-paced publishing world.
Make It Personal and Engaging:Your cover letter is your chance to connect with us at Simon & Schuster—don't hold back! Share why you're passionate about publishing-media and what excites you about joining our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application memorable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster
✨Know Your Digital Tools
In the publishing-media world, being savvy with digital tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems can really set you apart. We should brush up on our skills with these tools, as many interviewers might throw in some technical questions or scenario-based tasks to see how you’d handle real projects.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Since we're looking at a temporary role, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running. Make sure your portfolio is up to date with a variety of your best work! Talk us through your projects, highlighting your involvement and the impact of your contributions.
✨Be Ready for Creative Discussions
Interviews in publishing-media often dive deep into creative discussions. We should be prepared to chat about our favourite pieces of media, current trends, or even pitches for new ideas. This is our time to shine and show our enthusiasm for the industry!
✨Flexibility is Key
Temporary roles can sometimes involve ever-changing tasks and priorities. Let’s showcase our adaptability by sharing examples of times we’ve successfully handled last-minute changes or embraced new challenges. This will show them we’re not just committed but also capable of thriving in a dynamic environment!
