Editorial Director

HarperCollins is one of the UK’s foremost, diverse and innovative multi-platform publishers. We publish a wide range of books, from cutting-edge contemporary fiction, to block-busting thrillers and from fantasy literature to children’s literature and enduring classics. We also publish a great selection of non-fiction titles, including history, celebrity memoirs, biographies, popular science, dictionaries, maps, reference titles and education books, and our digital business is thriving. With nearly 200 years of history, we publish some of the world’s foremost authors, from Nobel prize-winners to worldwide bestsellers. In addition, we also publish the works of Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.
 

HQ is the newest fiction and non-fiction division of HarperCollins, one of the UK’s most diverse and innovative multi-platform publishers. Specialising in commercial fiction and innovative digital publishing, HQ publishes a wide range of fiction titles including crime, women’s fiction and saga, historical and book club, with a curated boutique non-fiction and YA list in print, and a digital first list.   Combining rapid growth with commercial success, in its first year HQ successfully launched the bestselling phenomenon Behind Closed Doors and Sunday Times bestsellers from Tom Daley, Anne O’Brien, Sarah Morgan and Ross Armstrong.  
 

The team are looking for an Editorial Director to join them and commission and establish their own list of authors, as well as providing support to the Publishing Director.   The successful candidate will have full ownership of their own list, in both physical and digital editions. They will create strategies with team members to launch their books successfully, and will have the opportunity to play a key part in building the fiction publishing strategy at HQ.
 

Responsibilities

• Commission, edit and publish commercial fiction for HQ in both print and digital
• Foster strong relationships with authors and agents, with a view to bringing in the best talent to HQ; reading and responding to submissions from the UK and our US teams
• Ensure smooth publication of titles, work with key departments to ensure titles remain on critical path for successful publication, briefing jackets and bound proofs, and overseeing the production of all sell-in material   
• Copywrite and check sales/marketing material, e.g. catalogues, sales presenters, etc.
• Create strategy documents for key titles, and presenting these to authors and agents and the wider team when required
• Work with the Digital Marketing Manager to create innovative digital campaigns that ensure titles reach the top of the digital charts
• Ensure best-in-class metadata at all times
• Maintain a strong awareness of what physical retailers are looking for and supplying sales team with material required for timely sell-in
• Create content for customer presentations
• Ensure that internal stakeholders have all the advance sales information that they require
• Work closely with the in-house Publicity Manager to ensure maximum exposure for authors, according to agreed priority list
• Work in conjunction with the Publicity Manager on author events/launches where necessary
• Attend launches, festivals and workshops as required

Key Skills/Experience

• Demonstrable experience in a senior editorial role, ideally within fiction
• A clear understanding of the fiction market
• The ability to spot trends and publishing opportunities for the list
• Extensive experience managing and maintaining schedules
• Strong knowledge and experience of contractual negotiations, auctions, etc.
• Experience and proven success with commercially successful list
• Calm, mature, energetic and creative
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We’re based in the News Building which we share with our News UK and Dow Jones colleagues in the newly-established London Bridge Quarter, opposite the famous Borough Market.  Our new open-plan office has amazing views across London, and includes a variety of break-out areas to aid inspiration and a collaborative approach, a multi-media suite, and a fabulous canteen floor and book shop.
 

Please apply via the link below with your CV, cover letter and salary expectations. Early applications may be prioritised.
 

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.
 

PUTTING OUR AUTHORS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING. Their success is our first concern.

WORKING TOGETHER. Sharing responsibility, helping colleagues, listening well, embracing difference, and enjoying what we do.

LEARNING & ADAPTING. Taking smart risks, learning from experience without blame and being both curious and willing to change.

LOOKING OUT AS WELL AS IN. Understanding the consumer, the marketplace and the competitive environment.

LEADING NOT FOLLOWING. Staying ahead, looking to the future, being bold and always aiming to be the best.

INTEGRITY IN ALL WE DO. Timely, open and honest communication, being fair, principled and respectful.