Editor/Assistant Editor, Penguin Michael Joseph
We're looking for an Editor or Assistant Editor to join our small but mighty non-fiction team, to work particularly on our wellbeing, self-help and personal development titles, with the level of appointment dependent on experience.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and commercially aware editor who wants to play a key role in bringing inspirational and expert-led non-fiction books to market.
A non-commissioning role, this position offers the chance to work closely with leading authors and commissioning editors while developing deep expertise across every stage of the publishing process.
About Penguin Michael Joseph
Penguin Michael Joseph publishes some of the world’s most popular and commercially successful authors and brands, including Jamie Oliver, Marian Keyes, Dr Julie Smith, Claire Douglas, SenLin Yu and Dawn French. We specialise in women’s fiction, crime and thriller, fantasy, romance, cookery, memoir and lifestyle books. Many of our authors are now, or soon will be, household names here in the UK and around the world.
We seek out the very best authors in their field and bring their books to the widest possible audience. We take an author’s vision and turn it into a beautiful book people can’t help but talk about.
In a crowded market, our books shine.
The role
You'll work closely with commissioning colleagues to manage and publish books from the point of acquisition through to publication.
You will support the commissioners with the acquisitions process, help shape ideas, edit manuscripts, write copy, create cover briefs, manage schedules and production processes, brief freelancers and act as a key point of contact for authors and agents. You'll help champion our wellbeing and self-help list within the division and wider business, and collaborate with colleagues across Editorial, Design, Production, Publicity, Marketing and Sales to ensure our books are published on schedule, to budget and with the greatest possible impact. You’ll also have the chance to contribute ideas and help spot emerging trends to support the commissioners in the acquisition of new titles.
This role would suit someone with strong hands-on editorial experience who enjoys managing multiple projects and building trusted relationships with authors, agents and colleagues.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing acquired titles through all stages of the editorial and publishing process
- Editing manuscripts and preparing editorial notes and feedback
- Writing and refining jacket copy, online copy, metadata and sales materials
- Coordinating editorial schedules and ensuring projects remain on track
- Briefing and managing freelance copy editors, proofreaders and other suppliers
- Liaising with Production, Design, Marketing, Publicity and Sales teams throughout publication
- Acting as a key point of contact for authors and agents, ensuring an excellent author experience
- Maintaining accurate title information and metadata across internal systems
- Championing books internally and contributing to positioning, packaging and publishing discussions
- Reading proposals and manuscripts and contributing editorial insight to team discussions
Supporting commissioning editors to realise the full commercial and editorial potential of each book
-
What you'll bring
Essential criteria:
- Previous editorial experience within trade publishing
- Experience managing books through the publishing process from manuscript to publication
- Excellent author care skills and strong relationship-management abilities
- Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong editorial judgement and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work collaboratively across departments and build strong relationships
- Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for wellbeing, self-help and personal development publishing
- Confidence working with expert authors and complex non-fiction content
A proactive and adaptable approach in a fast-moving environment
-
Preferred criteria:
- Experience working with platform-led authors, practitioners, clinicians or subject-matter experts
- Experience commissioning and managing freelancers
- Familiarity with B3 and metadata management systems
Design awareness and an interest in cover and package development
-
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Wednesday 24th June.
Our recruitment process
Our interview process is usually two to three stages and may include a mix of video and in-person interviews. We’ll share full details and support at each stage.
Use of AI tools
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 [email protected]. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.
Salary
c. £31,000 - £38,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role and whether you are appointed at Assistant Editor or Editor level, plus bonus and benefits.
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. For this role we expect that you’ll work from our London office a minimum of three days per week, including Mondays and Wednesdays. We will be happy to discuss this in more detail as part of the recruitment process.
