Commissioning Editor - Books

We are looking for an innovative and market-driven Commissioning Editor to join the thriving Books team of Edinburgh University Press. Our client is an established press producing around 250 new books each year with an emphasis on the Humanities and Social Sciences, and they are looking to appoint a Commissioning Editor for an initial 18 months period to work on their Islamic & Middle Eastern History and either Classics & Ancient History or Philosophy lists (depending on the strengths of the successful candidate). The role can be based in Edinburgh or remotely.

These are some of their most established lists and there are ambitious plans to grow them further. You will work alongside the Head of Editorial to develop profitable books at introductory, graduate and research levels, including a range of textbooks, reference, critical editions and monographs, using your excellent commissioning experience and strong market knowledge.

Responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the development of editorial strategy and building of the lists
• Commissioning new and existing authors, working towards an agreed signing target, investigating and developing new book ideas
• Creating and managing budgets and publication schedules, P&L statements and related material for the Head of Editorial, while monitoring expenses and ensuring gross margin is achieved on new book signings, printings, reprints and new editions
• Supervising book proposals and reviews, and submitting proposals to the board
• Working closely with authors to advise and negotiate proposals and series
• Keeping abreast of latest trends and competitors titles in the assigned subjects to maintain awareness of the national and international market

The ideal candidate will be able to bring enthusiasm and a market-led approach to a commissioning role, and demonstrate a good understanding of the HSS academic market. They will have a good sense of innovation, and be able to implement change according to market trends and international tastes to develop new ideas and improve existing titles.

Inspired Search and Selection is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.