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About the Role

We are seeking an experienced fiction editor for the Century Fiction imprint of Cornerstone, on a fixed-term contract to cover parental leave. This role involves editing, managing, and publishing commercial fiction titles, leading the publishing process, and aligning cross-functional teams for launches. It's an opportunity to expand publishing skills and gain strategic and managerial experience within a high-performing team known for publishing bestselling titles and brand authors.

Responsibilities

Take responsibility for the publishing of a portfolio of bestselling commercial fiction across every stage of the publishing process from acquisition through to publication.
Lead the publication of two exciting break-out crime authors, and publish key repeating brand authors, Tom Hindle, Paige Toon and Katie Flynn.
Lead structural and primary editing where appropriate, bringing strong editorial judgement alongside excellent publishing expertise.
Maintain outstanding author care and build strong, long-term relationships with authors and agents.
Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Publicity, Rights and other departments to develop ambitious and effective publishing campaigns.
Shape and deliver publishing strategy for your list, contributing to longer-term planning, annual objectives and commercial growth.
Act as an internal and external ambassador for Century Fiction and represent the imprint across the publishing industry.

Requirements

Significant commercial fiction publishing experience with a track record of best-in-class publishing.
Sound commercial judgement, creativity and editorial flair, combined with a proven ability to prioritise work effectively, run a team and keep books on schedule and within budget.
Highly organised, proactive, with strong attention to detail, excellent communication and time-management skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
An in-depth understanding of publishing processes, with experience of structural and primary editing, as well as overseeing books from acquisition to publication, alongside a commitment to maintaining a high level of author care.
Curiosity and passion for a broad range of genre fiction, including crime, thriller, romance and saga, with the editorial expertise and judgement to contribute to every aspect of Century Fiction's publishing list.
Confidence working with high-profile authors, with strong relationships with authors and agents across the industry.
Comfort acting as an internal and external ambassador for Century Fiction and working closely with other departments to develop energetic and effective campaigns.
A deep understanding of the publishing landscape and marketplace, including retailers, media, audiences and competitors.
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Sunday 16th August.
Ensure you include a cover letter (in pdf format), as it is a crucial part of our assessment process.
The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements.
Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.

Skills

Editorial judgement
Publishing expertise
Author care
Relationship building
Sales
Marketing
Publicity
Rights management
Publishing strategy
Commercial growth
Ambassadorial skills
Commercial fiction publishing
Prioritization
Team management
Budget management
Attention to detail
Communication
Time-management
Structural editing
Primary editing
Genre fiction knowledge (crime, thriller, romance, saga)
Working with high-profile authors
Industry networking
Marketplace understanding

Location

Work Type

Fixed term contract
Hybrid working (in office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays)

Experience Level

Experienced

Salary/Compensations

c. £55,000 dependent on skills and experience, plus bonus and benefits

Benefits

Bonus
Benefits

About the Company

Century is one of the most successful and well-regarded commercial imprints in the UK.
Cornerstone is a goal-orientated division with a clear commitment to high performance at every level.
Penguin believes in the power of authenticity and human creativity.
As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Equal Opportunity

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form.