HarperCollins Publishers UK
Assistant Editor, Dean
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Application Deadline: 16 September 2026
Department: Editorial
Location: London
Compensation: £31,500 / year
Description
The Dean list includes special, direct and value market sales in the UK, export and international markets for all elements of the Farshore catalogue including Brands, Fiction and Picture Book and Non-fiction. Predominantly reusing the backlist to create new and exciting products, the Assistant Editor will bring knowledge of publishing processes as well as editorial experience and creative excellence to the role. They will have input into the creation and project management of Dean titles and in addition, working closely with the frontlist Brands team, they will manage a range of new books, for example working on Paw Patrol, Sonic, Pokemon and Care Bear titles. They will develop new skills as necessary to grow within the role and be responsible for all aspects of the creative process.
Dean is the imprint used by Farshore for special sales and sales to the value market. We are proud of Dean’s long history and to share Farshore’s vision of making ‘Every child a proud reader.’
Primarily using backlist content we create opportunities for children from all backgrounds to access books, be it via fiction packs for older children, branded sticker books for younger children or picture books donated via literacy charities.
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Key Responsibilities
- Oversee frontlist and Dean titles from the Fiction, Picture Book and Brands teams from inception through to print, ensuring high editorial standards.
- Commission original content for frontlist and Dean titles and manage freelancers where appropriate, with support from the senior team.
- Deliver both Dean and frontlist projects on time and on budget, following relevant processes, and in collaboration with sales, design and production.
- Where relevant develop and maintain good relationships with the IP holders, representing Farshore with professionalism, understanding and creative excellence.
- In liaison with the Dean designer, regularly update the Dean catalogue of available products and Spotlight for Sales’ use.
- Maintenance of Dean records e.g. Confirmed Deal Tracker.
- Where relevant work closely with the frontlist Publishers and creative team to develop ideas for publishing, assisting with pitches and key stakeholder meetings/presentations as required.
- Where appropriate create and update market leading metadata and AIS to enable your titles to successfully reach our consumers.
- Ensure all the relevant HC systems and processes are used and understood to meet the wider business goals.
- In due course, to become brand lead for Dean and/or frontlist on a specific brand (TBC), being in-house point of contact, building a relationship with the Licensor and advising on creative process for that brand.
- Work in collaboration with wider Dean and frontlist teams to ensure that all titles represent a broad and inclusive audience of readers wherever possible and in line with brand owner guidelines and Farshore values.
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Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Experience required
- Editorial experience in a similar role, relating to both frontlist and re-use publishing
- Experience and/or understanding of licensing
- Knowledge and experience working on titles for children
Skills required
- Strong editorial skills and attention to detail
- Strong time management and troubleshooting skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Effective stakeholder relationship/approvals management
- Active interest in licensing and industry-related trends
- Commercial awareness and understanding
- Adaptability to new systems
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