Commissioning Editor
What is the work like?
As a commissioning editor, you will play a key part in the success of a book publishing company.
It will be your job to make sure the company stays profitable by:
- selecting new authors and titles that will sell well (known as building the 'front-list')
- monitoring the performance of titles already published (the 'back-list').
Your tasks will typically include:
- keeping up to date with trends in the book market
- identifying future markets and new products
- deciding whether to accept submitted manuscripts
- developing ideas for books and identifying suitable authors
- preparing publishing proposals, including costings, projected sales and income
- issuing contracts to authors and agents
- making decisions on reprinting, revising, producing new editions and putting titles out of print
- making sure that schedules are followed and deadlines are met.
You would work closely with other departments, such as sales, marketing and production. You may also supervise editorial staff.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually begin in a junior position in a publishing company. This could mean starting as an editorial assistant, progressing to copy editor and then to commissioning editor.
In academic and professional publishing, you may be able to go straight into a commissioning editor job if you have a high level of specialist subject knowledge. For some areas, such as scientific or medical publishing, employers may prefer you to have a relevant degree.
You can also take a degree or postgraduate qualification in publishing. This is not essential, but will help you develop your knowledge and skills. For details of degrees, see the Publishers Association website.
Competition for jobs is strong, so it is a good idea to do job shadowing or gain work experience before applying for your first job. This is also a good way to develop contacts, which is vital, as many jobs are not advertised.
Keeping up to date with industry developments is also essential. You can do this by visiting book fairs, reading trade publications such as The Bookseller, and visiting Publishing News Online.
What further training and development can I do?
You would need to keep your skills up to date throughout your career as a commissioning editor. One way to do this is to complete short and distance learning courses which are run by organisations such as the Publishing Training Centre and the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP).
Joining professional bodies such as the SfEP, Women in Publishing and the Publishers' Association is also useful, as it will give you opportunities for professional support and networking.
As a full member of SfEP, you can improve your chances of finding work by entering your details on the society's directory, which is used by companies needing editing services.
Where can I go for more information?
Focus Point21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
28 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6JR
Tel: 020 7404 4166
93–99 Upper Richmond Road
Putney
London SW15 2TG
Tel: 020 8785 5617
London
WC1B 5BW
Tel: 020 7691 9191
Wandsworth
London
SW18 2QZ
Tel: 020 8874 2718
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Commissioning editors can earn between £18,000 and £28,000 a year.
- At senior level earnings can be up to £40,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work long and irregular hours, including evenings, to meet the needs of your commissioning schedule. You would be based in a busy office environment, but would also travel to meet with clients and authors.
You may have the opportunity to travel overseas, for example to attend book fairs.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- negotiating skills
- planning and organisational skills
- financial management skills
- the ability to work to deadlines and within budget
- project management skills
- commercial flair
- administration and IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
Most large publishing companies are in London or the south east, although academic publishers are also based in university cities.
You could be employed in the publishing of any of the following types of book:
- popular fiction and non-fiction, which account for the majority of book sales
- academic, educational, technical, medical and professional books
- children’s books.
Your opportunities for progression would depend on the size of the publishing house. In a small publishing house you may have the opportunity to learn all aspects of the industry, but there may be more opportunities for promotion in larger companies.
You could progress to senior commissioning editor, editorial manager or director. Your success will usually be judged on how much profit the books you select bring in. You may be able to work as a freelance consultant if you have a lot of experience.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Guardian
Publishing News Online
The Bookseller
Skillset – recruitment links page
ppajobs.co.uk
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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