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Commissioning Editor (Non-fiction)

We are so excited to be working with the prestigious University of Wales Press who are looking for a passionate and creative Commissioning Editor to develop a new Non-Fiction list of trade titles across History, Art, Literature, Culture, and more, for a national audience.

This is an incredible opportunity to play a pivotal role in the imprint development, lead the commissioning of new books and contribute to the growth and success of the Press!

This role reports into the Press Director, and will have the following key responsibilities:

  • Developing a new portfolio of intelligent non-fiction titles, in line with the Press values and history
  • Actively commissioning of new books with new and existing authors, including subject specialists, and prepare all necessary paperwork such as new publication proposals, author briefs, and publishing contracts
  • Collaborating with colleagues in other teams to better develop an understanding and a strategy to approach trade markets in and outside of Wales
  • Building and developing successful relationships with business partners including Councils and other local community organisations
  • Assessing proposals and work with the wider Press team to review and assess backlist titles
  • Setting and monitoring a schedule for new titles, liaising with Production to ensure agreed deadlines are met
  • Engaging and discover new authors and agents to create a professional network

The successful candidate will have a strong editorial eye and commissioning skills, a good commercial sense and the ability to identify interesting opportunities for a wider trade non-fiction readership. The role will ideally be based in Wales, though remote working is possible and candidates from other locations are encouraged to apply. We are looking for someone who can really engage with the rich Welsh History and Culture and help bring those stories into a bigger market. This is an incredible opportunity to join a friendly and passionate team, in a time of exciting growth for the Press.

This post is supported by the Books Council of Wales.

For a full description of the role, please send your CV with a brief paragraph outlining your relevant skills.

Closing Date: Early applications may be prioritised.

** Inspired Search & Selection are a publishing recruitment specialist who operate an Equal Opportunities policy. We treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or union membership status.

In May 2019, Inspired Search & Selection pledged to promote The Book Trade Charity. As a charity, BTBS offer financial help to people (particularly those under the age of 30) looking for jobs in the book trade, including help with interview costs, to help support paid internships and work experience and for other opportunities for development. Please follow this link to check eligibility and further support.

Commissioning Editor (Non-fiction)

Full-time, Home Working, Permanent
Academic, Trade
Acquisitions, Commissioning Editor, Editor, Editorial, Fiction, Non Fiction, Publishing, Trade

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