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Editor – Picador (Non-fiction)
Department: Picador
Role： Permanent, full-time
About the Role
We are seeking a creative, proactive, organized and switched-on Editor to join our non-fiction team at Picador. This is an ideal position for someone already at Assistant Editor or Editor level, with experience commissioning at least two books and publishing one.
Picador—literary imprint at Pan Macmillan—defines our books by the author’s distinctive voice. We are home to prize-winning, internationally renowned writers, including:
- Patrick Radden Keefe
- Rachel Clarke
- Sathnam Sanghera
- David Olusoga
- Natalie Haynes
- Michelle Zauner
- Daniel Trilling
- Jeremy Bowen
- Lisa Feldman Barrett
Our list spans fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with over 50 years of publishing some of the finest writers and thinkers.
The Team and Your Role
You will work closely with our Publishing Director and Senior Commissioning Editor, shaping the future of our non-fiction line while handling existing author relationships.
Key expectations: an in-depth editorial expertise across the entire publishing lifecycle—from acquisition to launch—plus commissioning skills to develop new projects. A passion for popular science is desirable.
Key Responsibilities
Publishing & Editorial Work
- Guide projects from submission to publication:
- Evaluate and acquire manuscripts
- Draft cover copy
- Pitch to internal teams
- Liaise with Sales and Communications on marketing materials
- Commission two to three non-fiction titles annually
- Coordinate production workflows for multiple titles, ensuring timely delivery
Rights & Administration
- Create, document and clear permissions for images and text
- Update Biblio (our central system) with meticulous accuracy
- Approve contracts and author payments
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External Collaboration
- Global rights liaison with international publishers
- Support author relations, managing queries and schedules
- Field external author/agent enquiries alongside the editorial assistant
Strategic Support
- Provide market-aware assessments of new submissions to guide list development
- Stay ahead of trends by reading contemporary fiction and non-fiction beyond our list
- Act as a departmental ambassador for the publishing calendar
Requirements & Qualifications
Essential Experience
✅ Trade publishing experience: Proven track record at Assistant Editor or Editor level, with:
- Commissioning: At least two acquired non-fiction titles published
- Commercial insights: Understanding of book markets and full editorial project management
- Administration & workflow: Capacity to prioritise varied workloads
✅ Technical skills: Proficiency in MS Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, Canoer and Biblio
✅ Personal attributes:
- Team player and collaborative problem-solver
- Ethical integrity, honesty and accountability
- Curiosity, adaptability, and a drive to improve
✅ Key soft skills:
- Expressive and persuasive communication (written and verbal)
- Analytical judgment for evaluating manuscripts
- Ability to negotiate, pitch ideas, and influence stakeholders
Team Culture & Inclusion
We foster a supportive, diverse, and vibrant work environment. Values include:
✔ Diversity & representation: Actively championing diverse voices across all departments ✔ Collaboration: A communal commitment to mentorship and development ✔ Curiosity & learning: Willingness to engage with different viewpoints
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Benefits Package
Each successful hire receives: ✅ Base salary: £35,000–£38,000 (competitive and sliding on experience) ✅ Pensions, medical allowances and pay protections ✅ Leave: 28 days + company holidays – increasing yearly ✅ Inclusivity: Generous sick pay, paid bereavement, extended maternity/paternity ✅ Work-life balance: Flexible summer hours, 2 work-from-home days weekly, 2 volunteer days/year ✅ Retail rewards:
- 75% discount on all Pan Macmillan books
- Reduced rates for group shopping/gym memberships + discounts
- Free breakfast daily + monthly company lunches ✅ Logistics & financial aid schemes:
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Season ticket loan/advance
- Christmas club savings
How to Apply
📝 Tracking code NOT RQ2026 – all applications must be submitted via our [Macmillan careers site](direct link to form)
🗓 Application deadline: 12 July 2026 📍 Location: Farringdon, London (office-based, with hybrid flexibility)
⚠ Note:
- No email submissions accepted.
- UK right-to-work laws apply.
Additional Support
Privacy Notice & Adjustments: Detailed guidelines available upon request via kayelle.danyluk@macmillan.com.
For queries on disability confident commitments, explore our official DEI page or consult the criteria above. We encourage all applicants to disclose preferences if adjustments are needed.
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