Senior Development Editor (Maternity Cover) in London

Fixed-term (maternity cover)

London / Hybrid (3 days a week in the office)

Salary: £35,000–£37,000 per annum, depending on experience

Start date – mid-March

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.

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.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Publishing and Digital, you will play a key role in developing, shaping and managing illustrated book projects, working closely with authors, designers, photographers and internal teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and sharpening new book ideas with authors, and 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
• 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

About you

You will have substantial experience in illustrated-book publishing, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality books to schedule and budget.

• 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.

Contract note

This is a fixed-term maternity cover role, expected to run for approximately 12 months, subject to the post-holder’s return.

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

At Thames & Hudson, we believe that employing a diverse workforce is essential to succeed and selection decisions are based on applicants’ experience and skills. We welcome applications from everyone, irrespective of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion or belief.

To apply please send your CV with a cover letter to Sophie Castle at [email]. Use the cover letter to address how you meet the requirements listed in the About you section above. The deadline for applications is 23 February 2026.

Some of the benefits of working with us: Apart from working with a highly talented and creative bunch of people, we offer: 28 days holiday plus...