Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in City of Westminster
Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover)

Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in City of Westminster

City of Westminster Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and refine book ideas with authors, managing projects from concept to delivery.
  • Company: Join Thames & Hudson, a leading global publisher of illustrated books.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, competitive salary, and a creative work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of illustrated publishing and work with talented authors.
  • Qualifications: Experience in illustrated-book publishing and strong project management skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Responsibilities include developing and sharpening new book ideas with authors, preparing materials for internal publishing discussions, assessing proposals and new ideas, including audience, positioning and market context, researching content, authors and competing titles, determining production specifications and preparing costings and P&Ls, working with the legal team to prepare draft contracts, acting as primary editorial contact for authors during the development phase, maintaining regular and proactive communication, assessing and developing text submissions to a high editorial standard, managing and organising delivered text and image material, and writing cover copy and advance information.

You will also:

  • Prepare and drive book schedules in collaboration with the Managing Editor.
  • Monitor project progress across editorial, design and production, proactively troubleshooting to keep schedules and budgets on track.
  • Contribute to key meetings, including design, development and book fair presentations.
  • Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality sales material to Communications, Rights and US colleagues.

This is a senior, hands-on editorial role, suited to someone with strong development skills, excellent judgment, and confidence managing complex illustrated projects from early concept through delivery. You will have substantial experience in illustrated-book publishing, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality books to schedule and budget.

Qualifications include strong editorial judgement and a highly developed visual sensibility, a solid understanding of illustrated book production and print processes, full proficiency in software needed to produce illustrated books, e.g., InDesign, excellent organisational and project-management skills, a strong background of working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, authors, photographers and freelancers, on a variety of publications, a strong commercial awareness and interest across the arts and visual culture, heightened visual sense and outstanding attention to detail, balanced with pragmatism, a proactive, diplomatic communication style and exemplary author care.

This is a multifaceted role, requiring excellent organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a friendly but fast-paced working environment. You should be enthusiastic, self-motivated, self-confident and responsible, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work autonomously as well as part of a small team.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

About the Company: Thames & Hudson is the leading global publisher of illustrated books on the visual arts, architecture, design and popular culture. This is a great opportunity for an experienced Senior Editor to join us to cover the development and management of a range of titles, with a particular focus on homes and gardens and illustrated reference.

Benefits include 28 days holiday plus.

Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in City of Westminster employer: THAMES & HUDSON

Thames & Hudson is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of the publishing industry. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a supportive environment where your editorial skills can flourish. Enjoy a generous benefits package, including 28 days of holiday, as you contribute to the creation of high-quality illustrated books that inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
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Contact Detail:

THAMES & HUDSON Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in City of Westminster

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the publishing world, especially those who have experience with illustrated books. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in editorial projects, especially those involving illustrated books. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching Thames & Hudson and their recent titles. Being able to discuss their work and how you can contribute will show you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in City of Westminster

Editorial Judgement
Visual Sensibility
Illustrated Book Production
Print Processes
InDesign Proficiency
Organisational Skills
Project Management
Collaborative Working
Commercial Awareness
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Author Care
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Editorial Skills: When you're crafting your application, make sure to highlight your strong editorial judgement and experience in illustrated book publishing. We want to see how you've developed and managed projects in the past, so share specific examples that showcase your skills!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand what we’re looking for and can demonstrate their fit for the role.

Be Proactive in Communication: Since this role involves maintaining regular communication with authors, show us your proactive communication style in your application. Whether it’s through your writing or how you present your experiences, let us know how you keep everyone in the loop and manage relationships effectively.

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. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thames & Hudson.

How to prepare for a job interview at THAMES & HUDSON

✨Know Your Books

Before the interview, dive deep into Thames & Hudson's catalogue, especially focusing on illustrated books. Familiarise yourself with their recent titles and understand their market positioning. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their publishing goals.

✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills

Prepare examples of your past work that highlight your editorial judgement and project management skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed timelines and budgets, and how you maintained high standards throughout the process. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the multifaceted role they’re looking to fill.

✨Communicate Proactively

During the interview, adopt a proactive communication style. Share how you’ve effectively collaborated with authors, designers, and other stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your diplomatic approach and how you ensure everyone is on the same page, which is crucial for managing complex illustrated projects.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about their current projects, team dynamics, and future publishing strategies. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your working style. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your commercial awareness and interest in the visual arts.

Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in City of Westminster
THAMES & HUDSON
Location: City of Westminster

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