Bertelsmann
Senior Commissioning Editor / Editorial Director, Harvill (Vintage)
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Job Description
We are seeking an experienced fiction editor to strengthen the new commercial direction of the Harvill imprint, with a clear and strategic vision for their authors. We are open to appointing this role at either Senior Commissioning Editor or Editorial Director level, depending on the successful candidate’s experience and skillset.
About the Team
Addictive storytelling from around the world. Harvill books transport readers to new worlds, new experiences, and new ways of thinking. We publish the most exciting voices from around the world, with unmissable contemporary novels, electrifying thrillers, spellbinding historical fiction, and immersive, world-building storytelling. The list is home to major writers including Haruki Murakami, Jo Nesbo, Erin Kelly, Erin Morgenstern, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Annie Lord, Yoko Ogawa, Joseph O’Connor, Denise Mina, and Elaine Feeney.
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic editor to acquire and publish commercial fiction, with a particular focus on crime and thriller. You’ll build a standout list, lead your books from acquisition to publication, and be part of shaping the strategic direction of the imprint. This is a brilliant opportunity to join a creative, focused, and friendly team as we continue to grow and evolve the list in a fast-changing market.
Key Responsibilities
- Identifying and acquiring exceptional fiction, particularly within crime and thriller, with the judgement to spot opportunities in a fast-moving market.
- Publishing market-leading bestsellers, ensuring every aspect of a Harvill book is carefully considered – from the clarity of the pitch and positioning to the quality of the package and publishing strategy.
- Leading your books through the publishing process from acquisition to publication, coordinating effectively across multiple teams.
- Structurally and line editing manuscripts, working closely with authors to bring out the very best in their books.
- Building strong, long-term relationships with authors and developing publishing strategies to grow their readership and careers.
- Working closely with designers, marketeers, and publicists to create best-in-class covers and imaginative campaigns that are right for each book and its audience.
- Finding talent and opportunities in new and emerging places, including the self-publishing market, and exploring IP-led publishing – from developing an initial concept to identifying and working with the right author.
- Confident in using a broad spectrum of data and insight to discover new authors and new routes to selling their books.
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What You’ll Bring
Essential Criteria
- Experience commissioning and publishing commercial fiction, particularly crime and thriller, with a strong understanding of the genre-fiction market and how it is evolving.
- A thorough understanding of publishing processes, with experience of structural and primary editing, as well as overseeing books from acquisition to publication.
- Confidence working with authors and agents and building effective relationships across the industry, including thinking strategically about authors’ longer-term publishing and development.
- Strong commercial judgement and creative flair, alongside excellent organisation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with designers, marketeers, and publicists to create standout covers and imaginative campaigns that are right for books and their audiences.
- Energy for change, an appetite for exploring new approaches to acquisition and publishing, and the confidence to contribute ideas as the imprint continues to develop.
- Experience in demonstrating how data has informed and shaped publishing across markets and formats.
Preferred Criteria
- Experience of working with self-published authors, IP-led fiction, or other non-traditional routes to acquisition.
- Experience of working with brand authors, whether in a supporting or lead capacity.
Application Instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter (both in PDF format), outlining why your experience and interests align with the role, by 11:59 pm on Sunday, 18th October. Your cover letter should be uploaded as an additional document and should typically be no more than one or two pages.
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Salary
- If appointed at Senior Commissioning Editor level, £45,000 - £50,000, dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
- If appointed at Editorial Director level, up to £65,000, dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
AI
Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.
Disability Confident
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. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.
Hybrid Working
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. Vintage colleagues work in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
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