Commissioning Editor (Science Fiction and Fantasy)

Bonnier Books UK group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publishing company in London is seeking a passionate commissioning editor to support their growing science fiction and fantasy list. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of trade publishing experience and a strong commercial instinct for identifying new talent. Responsibilities include commissioning books, managing author relationships, and collaborating across departments. This hybrid role offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, aimed at fostering a creative work environment.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Holiday purchase scheme

Contributory pension scheme

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company-funded gym membership

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in trade publishing.
• Passionate reader of science fiction and fantasy.
• Experience with desk editing and book development.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Publishing Director on author publications.
• Commission 6-8 books a year in science fiction and fantasy.
• Manage relationships with sales and marketing departments.

Skills

Project management skills

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Commercial instinct

Job description

Reports to: Publishing Director, Zaffre

Location: 5th Floor, HYLO, 105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8LZ

Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home

Department: Editorial

Imprint: Zaffre

Salary: £35,000 - £38,000 depending on experience

General Summary

Zaffre Fiction, the home of bestselling and award-winning commercial fiction at Bonnier Books UK is looking for a passionate, highly organised and proactive science fiction and fantasy commissioning editor to work alongside the Publishing Director to spot, attract and seek out new and existing talent as well as deliver exceptional publishing.

Zaffre was founded in 2015 and is home to powerhouse brand authors including Lynda La Plante, Rosie Goodwin, Sophie Gravia, T. M. Logan and Susie Dent. In 2024, Zaffre launched its science fiction and fantasy list, and has published bestselling authors Mai Corland and Olivia Rose Darling.

The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to the development of the science fiction and fantasy list at this key stage of its growth, nurturing and confidently publishing our existing authors, acquiring stand-out titles, developing trend-led IP and contributing towards making Zaffre a destination imprint.

This is a perfect next step for an experienced, hard-working assistant editor, editor or commissioning editor with a demonstrable passion for commercial science fiction and fantasy as well as a network of agents, authors and key industry figures. They would be a collaborative team player and combine a keen eye for detail with high editorial standards along with plenty of ideas, enthusiasm and energy. They will enjoy working closely editorially with authors, leading the publishing of their books and inspiring the broader team.

Key responsibilities

• Working with the Publishing Director on the publication of existing Zaffre authors – from author care and administrative duties to editing, project-managing and desk-editing – including taking sole responsibility for a number of titles.
• Commissioning 6-8 books a year with a particular focus on trend-leading science fiction and fantasy titles with broad appeal.
• Add to an existing network of authors, agents and scouts, working to make Zaffre a destination imprint.
• Being part of a closely-knit team and contributing to list strategy.
• Managing relationships with other departments, including sales, marketing, publicity, rights, design and production.

Qualifications and Experience

• You will be a passionate reader of science fiction and fantasy with exceptional taste and strong commercial instinct.
• You will have at least two years’ experience within a trade publishing team.
• Excellent project management skills, ideally with experience of desk editing and successfully steering books from acquisition to publication.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload to meet multiple deadlines.
• Exemplary attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• An interest in learning and developing skills within a fast-paced, energetic and outward-looking department.
• A keen understanding of the print and digital markets.

Company Benefits

• Private health insurance
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Lively social committee hosting regular events
• Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service
• Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff
• Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes
• Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment
• Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK
• Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents
• Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families
• Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure
• Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ
• Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office

If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.