Editor, What on Earth Books

What on Earth Publishing is a dynamic young publishing house based in London, Kent, and Washington, D.C.

We publish beautiful, award-winning non-fiction books that engage children's natural curiosity and passion for learning. We offer our readers diverse perspectives on the world and help them connect the dots to build a lifetime of general knowledge.

We are looking for a creative, meticulous Editor with experience of children’s non-fiction and a passion for doing innovative and meaningful work that inspires, entertains and informs. We are a small team, so strong communication skills, the willingness to go above and beyond when necessary, and a friendly, open and positive attitude are absolute musts.

This role will be based in a co-working office in London.

Reporting to the Publisher and collaborating closely with design, you will…

• Project manage 8-15 children’s non-fiction titles from initial concept through to bound book, including scheduling, recruiting and managing freelance contributors, liaising with licensors and licensees, managing metadata, and managing the book team to deliver high-quality product on time and on budget;
• Research and propose ideas for the future publishing list, recruit authors, develop concepts with awareness of marketplace, and present at acquisitions meetings;
• Prepare contracts for review and liaise with agents;
• Edit content, working closely with colleagues, authors, and illustrators;
• Edit text for style, level and felicity;
• Present titles to Sales and Marketing and to outside groups;
• Other duties as required.

Requirements for this role:

• 3–5 years’ experience in children’s non-fiction
• Experience of concept development
• Excellent people-management skills and the ability to function as part of a collaborative team
• Strong ability to juggle moving pieces, anticipate problems and solve them efficiently
• A strong understanding of all aspects of written language, including narrative flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, reading level, style and tone
• Creative and market-driven approach to generating Ideas, editing and general problem solving
• Excellent and flexible communication skills
• Awareness of market trends in the children’s non-fiction and wider publishing industry
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign. Willingness to learn other software programs as necessary

How to Apply

• Please send your CV and cover letter to info@whatonearthbooks.com with the subject line, ‘Editor’
• We’re afraid we can only get back to successful applicants. No agencies, please.
• Thank you and good luck!