Editor

HarperCollins Publishers UK

. Provide editorial and desk editing support for the publisher’s titles and some titles for the Editorial Director .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £33,500 - £36,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in editorial processes, including desk editing and author management, while maintaining a strong understanding of market dynamics in commercial fiction. Capable of developing market-focused strategies and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to drive successful book launches.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Desk EditingAuthor ManagementMarket Knowledge of Commercial FictionEditorial InputPublishing Process Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Desk Editing ProcessesStructural EditingLine EditingMarket AnalysisContent Creation

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationProblem-Solving AbilityOrganizational SkillsInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Industry Keywords

Publishing IndustryTrend-Led FictionRomance FictionDigital MarketAcquisition Deals

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide editorial and desk editing support for the publisher’s titles and some titles for the Editorial Director
Own and manage a stable of authors from acquisition through publication for physical and digital editions
Work across romance, women’s fiction, and some crime titles, with a focus on trend-led fiction
Perform structural and line edits for own authors
Desk edit the publisher’s list, the Editorial Director’s titles, and own books
Work with production and publishing operations teams to keep books aligned with the critical path
Maintain knowledge of UK and international commercial romance and women’s fiction markets
Develop market-focused publishing strategies and launch books to the top of the charts
Brief jackets and liaise with designers through the cover process
Write and check sales and marketing materials, including catalogues and sales presenters
Build relationships with agents and commission new titles for the Avon list
Create vision documents for acquisitions and present them at acquisition meetings
Produce launch documents with editorial, account management, and marketing colleagues
Own metadata/AIs for individual authors and align them with market trends and the critical path
Liaise with in-house digital teams on digital promotions and book selections
Negotiate acquisition deals with agents, supported by the Publisher and Contracts team
Create content for customer and other presentations
Provide advance sales information to Sales, International Sales, Audio, Digital Sales, and Rights teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience of working within the publishing industry at Assistant Editor level, Editor level, or equivalent
Experience of desk editing processes
Sound market knowledge of and passion for commercial “trend-led” fiction
Experience of working directly with authors
Strong experience of desk editing
Experience of creative and editorial input
Experience of the overall publishing process
Strong awareness of market dynamics, particularly the digital market
Broad and keen interest in commercial fiction, especially romance and trend-led genres
Ability to keep abreast of current publishing trends and anticipate future trends
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Initiative and problem-solving ability
Quick-thinking, creative, forward-thinking, and able to think on your feet
Extremely organised; able to multitask
Keen eye for detail and quality
Interpersonal and diplomacy skills
Technically competent, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Strong and active interest in social media and traditional and self-published areas of the industry
Passionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments
Desire for continuous learning
No educational credential explicitly required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working policy; employees are expected to work from the London office three days per week