Ready to shape what readers can’t stop talking about?
Aria at Head of Zeus, Bloomsbury Publishing, is looking for a forward-thinking, audience-savvy Editorial Director to join our Fiction team on a 9-12-month fixed-term contract. This is a high-impact role driving the next phase of our women’s fiction publishing—building momentum, working with the Aria team to spot trends early, and publishing books that break out in market.
We’re searching for an Editorial Director with a sharp commercial instinct and a genuine feel for the HOZ and Aria brands. You’ll have a proven track record of commissioning and delivering standout women’s fiction—particularly across romantasy, fantasy and romance—with a clear understanding of what drives discovery in a digital-first market.
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in an imprint known for agile, market-responsive publishing. You’ll work at pace and help us scale our list— working with the team to bring fresh voices, bold concepts and highly readable fiction to a growing, highly engaged audience.
Reporting to the Publishing Director, Fiction, you’ll combine editorial excellence with strong industry networks, real-time market awareness, and a proactive approach to finding the next big thing. You’ll be energised by data, reader trends, and the fast-moving commercial landscape—and excited by the challenge of turning insight into publishing success. You will have management experience and be confident in taking over management of the Aria team.
Just as importantly, you’ll bring a clear, ambitious vision for Aria: what we publish, how we stand out, and where we go next. You’ll be a natural collaborator, able to influence and align teams across Head of Zeus and the wider Bloomsbury group—both in the UK and internationally—to deliver that vision.
The role
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Managing ongoing existing publishing for a range of current Aria authors, shaping and strategizing their publishing going forward
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Considering submissions with the wider team and directing the wider Aria team in acquisition of such projects
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Building strong relationships internally with the wider stakeholders in Art, Production, Sales, Marketing and Publicity
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Managing relationships with existing authors and agents with diplomacy and excellent author care
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Demonstrating strong market awareness of the current market, using analytics to determine and secure new talent for the list
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Helping to develop Aria imprint further, and acting as an ambassador for the list internally and externally
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Working collaboratively with the HOZ Publishing Director and the wider editorial team to develop new ideas and opportunities for growth
Knowledge, skills and experience
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Publishing vision: An experienced senior editor and/or editorial director with experience in generating opportunities with IP
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Market knowledge: A strategic sense of how digital publishing is developing in the UK, USA and beyond
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Passionate: An avid consumer of commercial genre fiction, in particular fantasy and romantasy and romance
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Energetic and energising: Able to inspire and lead a small and very busy team
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Financially literate, understands a P&L account
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IT literate, understands how developing technology can enhance publishing
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Organised and excellent at prioritising tasks
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Articulate, an excellent copywriter
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Strong visual sense (confident briefing covers)
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Strong knowledge and experience of contractual negotiations, auctions, etc.
Additional information
The role is a full-time and fixed term contract for 9 - 12 months starting approximately mid-September 2026.
Salary Range:
£44,000 - £69,000 per annum, depending on experience
The role is based at Ormond House, 5-8 Hardwick St, London EC1R 4RG on a hybrid-working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred). Allocated office days for this role are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Please apply with a CV and covering letter addressed to Human Resources (Word or PDF format only) via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role by 23:59, Monday 6th July 2026.
Bloomsbury reserve the right to close the role early if we exceed the required number of applications
Bloomsbury Benefits
As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:
Working Pattern
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Hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)
Holidays
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25 days holiday
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3.5 days Christmas company holiday
Other Benefits
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Two paid Personal Wellness Days
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Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 30 minutes earlier in the week
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Work Anywhere Fortnight - For two weeks of any calendar year. The minimum period for Working Anywhere is one week, the maximum period is two weeks.
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Season Ticket Loan
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Learning & Development - Free access to LinkedIn Learning, BookMachine Campus, InRehearsal & IPG Skills Hub
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Share Save Scheme
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AXA Healthcare Plan (Private Medical Insurance)
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Ride to Work Scheme
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Peppy Health App
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In-house Doctor
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Eye Care Voucher Scheme
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EAP Advice and Counselling
Company culture – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom, Accessibility, Mental Health, Pride, and Parents, Guardians and Carers, Multi-Faith) and Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources
Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Bloomsbury is committed to creating a working environment that stimulates creativity and collaboration, is respectful of difference, is inclusive and ethical in its practice, and promotes well-being. We are determined to nurture and develop our employees to reach their highest potential, and we know that our success is down to the passion, commitment and hard work of our talented people. We recognise the urgent need to attract and support applicants from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, allowing diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society.
Address: 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP
Email: [email protected]
