Editor - DK +, Play

Job Description

Do you enjoy thinking of new and creative ways to explain non-fiction to children?  Are you on top of the latest trends in children’s books, toys and entertainment? Have you had experience in managing illustrated book projects?  DK is recruiting an Editor to help create books with exciting brand partners such as LEGO, Minecraft, Pokémon, Crunchyroll, and more, to create exciting books for young fans of toys and gaming, and their families. You will get to work on lists with award-winning books, which are published for today’s kids and families, in a talented and motivated team.  We’re looking for a resourceful, versatile editor who is highly organised, with experience managing illustrated books from concept to completion. You will be working with authors, licensors and internal and external creative teams to produce brilliant books that are delivered both on time and on budget. We also want someone who is brimming with ideas, and who can suggest new creative books and ideas on the page. You should be comfortable:Managing your own editorial projects at different stages of developmentSupporting senior editors and wider editorial team with their projectsLiaising with freelancers, authors and/or external stakeholders in a professional mannerShaping editorial content from outline stage and working with designers in a collaborative way to produce books of the highest standardContributing to brainstorms and pitching new ideasCollaborating with other departments, including Sales, Production and MPRKeeping up with trends in the children’s entertainment and book space EssentialManaging illustrated books: You have proven experience taking projects from concept to completion, whether working independently or with support from a senior editor.Editorial eye: You know how to shape content from the initial outline and possess a sharp editorial eye.Organisation: You're highly organised and great at keeping projects on track, on time, and on budget.Collaboration: You thrive when working with authors, licensors, and our internal teams (Sales, Design), as well as external partners.Communication: You have strong interpersonal and communication skills.Adaptability: Ability to adapt to creative changes.Proactivity: You're a motivated self-starter who can manage titles independently while still welcoming guidance.Passion: You have a genuine passion for reading and children's entertainment brands. Nice to havePresentation: You’re confident and skilled at presenting your ideas to others.Market knowledge: You have a good knowledge of the children’s book and licensing market.Experience with external stakeholders: You have experience working with external stakeholders, such as high-profile contributors or major global brands. This is a great opportunity for a junior editor or editorial / publishing assistant looking to step up and develop as an editor, and work with exciting global brands. If successful, you will join a team that supports your on-the-job learning, development, and wider training needs.  To apply, please submit your most recent CV and cover letter by 26 July 2026. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. As part of your cover letter, please:Tell us why you want to work at DK and highlight any relevant experience you have.Include an example of when you managed a project from start to finish, either independently or alongside a senior colleague. We are eager to see your own unique voice and talent, not the words generated by an AI tool. Please refrain from using AI in this application. Salary: starting from £32,500 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits. Closing date for applications: 26 July 2026