Commissioning Editor
London, GB, Wc1X 8Hb
Creative
London
Full-Time
Simon & Schuster UK is one of the leading general book publishing companies in the UK and is named Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards 2023. The group is based in London with sister companies in the United States, Canada, Australia and India. Within the UK division, there are four imprints: Gallery, Scribner, Simon & Schuster; and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, which publish a wide and eclectic mix of authors ranging across commercial fiction, literary fiction, general non-fiction and children’s publications. Home to bestselling authors and award winners, Simon & Schuster UK is a publishing house of quality writing and a proud home to its authors and their exceptional work. It also runs a sales and distribution service for a number of independent and international publishers including Andrews McMeel, Black Library, Boom! Studios, Elliott & Thompson, Gallup Press, Inner Traditions, Rebellion and VIZ Media.
Simon & Schuster International is dedicated to publishing a broad and diverse range of books for everyone, representative of the world around us. They are committed to working with and supporting writers, illustrators, and other creative partners from all walks of life, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, nationality, religion or belief, age, social or economic circumstance.
The role
Simon & Schuster UK is looking for a commercially savvy, creative and strategic editor to build a Fantasy, Romantasy and Science Fiction list within their vibrant and successful commercial fiction list.
Reporting to the Publishing Director, Adult Fiction, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a brand-new list at Simon & Schuster UK, bringing a wealth of new talent to the wider commercial fiction list. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and passion for the Fantasy and Science Fiction genres and will have connections with authors, agents, communities, journalists and booksellers, and will be able to use those connections to build a reputation for S&S UK within this market. They will be aware of reader demands, and will be able to publish into those trends, with an eye to future trends, with a key understanding of social media communities such as TikTok, and insight into subscription box demands. They will ideally have experience of publishing in this area already, complemented by strong negotiating skills, and a commercial and strategic understanding of the market.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to proactively build a new list within an already successful list, and we are encouraging candidates with a broad range of experience to apply.
As Commissioning Editor, you will be responsible for:
• Commissioning new titles in the fantasy, romantasy and science fiction genres and manage backlist to ensure publishing lists meet identified market needs
• Providing authors and agents with the highest standard of care
• Project managing own titles to critical path and liaison with other departments to ensure smooth and effective publishing process
About the Adult Division
Simon & Schuster Fiction is home to a broad range of commercial fiction, and has the aim of publishing a story for everyone. The home of authors such as Philippa Gregory, Chris Carter, Colleen Hoover and Milly Johnson, it is the commercial heart of the adult publishing at S&S UK. The editorial team is a tightknit group of eight editors who work with the creative and commercial teams across the company to ensure we’re getting the very best books into the hands of as many readers as possible.
The Candidate's Profile
The person in this role will have excellent knowledge and understanding of the SFF market within the UK and globally, and will have published widely in this area. They will have connections with authors, agents, communities, journalists and booksellers and will be able to use those connections to build a reputation for S&S UK within this market. They will be able to work across all departments internally to ensure buy-in and engagement for the part of the list and will be able to publish within a busy and collegiate team.
• You should have experience in editing fiction and managing the publishing process
• You should be confident in managing your workload and be a proactive self-starter
• You should be able to work quickly and decisively, taking decisions and putting them into action
• Relevant market knowledge
• Negotiating skills
• High-level editorial competency
Experience:
• A level standard of education, or equivalent
• 3-5 years’ publishing experience in Editorial or Commissioning or Sales/Marketing/Publicity functions
Salary
Starting salary: £38,000 pa
Deadline
Apply with your CV and cover letter by 12th June. Successful applicants will be shortlisted for an initial screening. If your application is progressed, you will then be asked to attend formal competency-based interview.
If you require any adjustments at interview, such as extra time or breaks etc, please let a member of the recruitment team know once they’ve been in touch.
Simon & Schuster UK is an equal opportunities employer committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse workforce. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.