Project Editor, 4th Estate & William Collins

Job description / person spec.

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.

Fourth Estate & William Collins is looking for a Project Editor to join the team. The successful candidate will be reporting to the Publishing Director (Operations), the Project Editor will oversee the publishing process for selected titles across the William Collins and 4th Estate lists (including new editions, digital products, paperbacks and reprints) and assist the Publishing Director (Operations) in various tasks, as and when required. This is not a commissioning role.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring a variety of titles are scheduled and edited in accordance with divisional critical path and budget
• Project managing titles from handover of manuscript through to production
• Ensuring there is good communication between all design, production and editorial teams
• Manage all aspects of the progress and commissioning of editorial work (in-house and freelance) on each project, including briefing, booking, contracting, budgeting and quality control
• Work closely with production and editorial to see projects through to completion and delivery
• Driving the day-to-day project development
• Responsible for all freelancers

Key Skills/Experience

• Proven desk-editing/project-managing experience in a publishing environment
• Excellent command of English language and excellent editing, proofreading and writing skills
• Must be reliable
• Have the ability to use own initiative
• Cope well in pressured environment
• Effective multi-tasker
• Excellent time management skills
• Cost conscious and able to work within budget
• Effective communicator at all levels
• Advanced MS Word
• High level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail
• Diplomatic and tactful
• The ability to work calmly under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Flexibility; happy to ‘muck-in’ when required
• Team player
• Confidence
• Good negotiator when dealing with external suppliers

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.

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.

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.