Senior Audio Editor
Role closes - 10:00am, 2nd Dec 2020 GMT (Europe/London)
Permanent
London, UK
HarperCollins is one of the UK’s foremost, diverse and innovative multi-platform publishers. With nearly 200 years of history, we publish some of the world’s foremost authors, from Nobel prize-winners to worldwide bestsellers.
With this illustrious heritage, at HarperCollins we are always looking forward. Key to our continual innovation is our industry-leading, award-winning audio team, who are now looking for a Senior Audio Editor to join them to deliver their ambitious publishing programme for William Collins, 4th Estate, and Collins Reference.
The role ensures that all audiobooks for these lists are managed and produced to the highest quality, on time and to budget; to advocate for the audio format in the publication process, with a large team of internal and external stakeholders; and to deliver the highest quality author care.
HarperCollins prides itself on its Total Audio Policy, our commitment to release an audiobook edition of every narrative print book we publish. The day-to-day task will be to oversee a distinct part of the audio publishing programme across multiple publishing divisions and to ensure all audiobooks and products for this area are managed and produced to the highest quality and delivered on time.
This role is a perfect opportunity for an experienced audiophile who loves books. The ideal candidate will know the audio space inside out, with great ideas on what makes an award-winning audiobook and good knowledge of the latest developments in the wider audio industry.
Responsibilities
-
Leads and champions audio among divisional colleagues with the aim of delivering best-in-class audio
-
Manages the critical path to ensure all titles are cast, assigned, and delivered on time
-
Leads audio product development for assigned divisions – including audio originals and podcasting
-
Works closely with assigned divisions to promote audio and advise on new opportunities and audio products, from identifying backlist opportunities to producing original material
-
Big name talent management, including in-studio directing and production
-
Liaising with in-house colleagues on all aspects of publishing – including acquisitions, pitches, marketing, publicity, sales and production – to ensure smooth running of the division’s audio schedule and promote the catalogue
-
Oversees audio-only rights queries and pitches
-
Sales analysis
-
Delivers excellent author care on every project
Experience
-
Demonstrable experience in an audio editorial role
-
Your love of audio is only rivalled by your love of books
-
An in-depth knowledge of, and passion for, literary fiction and a broad range of non-fiction
-
Knowledge of the audiobook market and experience working in the audio industry – this can include audio publishing, podcasting, radio, or other areas of the audio industry
-
Knowledge of the podcast market, and experience of working with producers to create original content is desirable but not essential
-
Experience of in-studio directing and audio production is desirable but not essential
-
Experience in dealing with literary and/or theatrical agents and booking talent
-
Understanding of in-studio producing, recording, and editing
-
Can work with studios and producers to bring audiobooks to life with innovative and exciting production techniques
Skills
-
Strong project management skills and ability to calmly oversee multiple projects at once
-
Ability to work creatively to specific briefs
-
Collaborative team player who can work with many colleagues across diverse functions
-
Highly organised with great time management skills
-
Attention to detail and ability to apply this to the close reading and preparation of manuscripts, precise casting briefs, and intricate productions
-
Commercial acumen – particularly in how to produce audio content that will drive sales and reach new consumers
-
Proven interpersonal, relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills
-
Adept at coping with fast-paced agendas, changing schedules, and tight deadlines
Earlier applications may be prioritised.
Please note: We consider all applicants based on their skills, experience and ability to do the job. We do not unfairly discriminate on the basis of convictions or other personal information. We do require candidates to undergo employment screening in accordance with the relevant local legislation. This will only happen at the point an offer of employment is made.
Overview of HarperCollins
Our mission at HarperCollins is to harness the power of great publishing and to amplify it through world class marketing, global strength, and relentless innovation. We are all working towards the same goal, and we do it guided by what matters most to us. The culture at HarperCollins is defined by our six values, which inform our everyday actions and the way we behave. From Finance to Editorial, our values shape the way we work.