Juniper is a new literary fiction imprint, which promises to publish ‘fiction to think about.’ Juniper strives to reimagine what literary fiction can achieve. Our novels will resonate across generations, transcend genres, and break convention. Like the juniper tree and its berries, every story we publish embodies a spirit of wisdom, strength, resilience, and hope, and will stand the test of time. Every Juniper author brings an undefinable spark of fearless creativity to their writing, which will surprise and inspire readers around the world.

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced literary fiction Editorial Director or Publishing Director to join the Juniper team and play a crucial role in shaping the creative and strategic direction of the imprint from the start of our journey.

Reporting to the Juniper Publisher, you will be building your list from the ground up, developing long-term profitable publishing plans for the imprint, and you will be responsible for evolving its identity and profile, through acquisitions and successful publishing. Your focus will encompass launching new titles, ongoing author strategy, and identifying opportunities for growth – through acquisition or strategic publishing. With a strong track record of commissioning and publishing literary fiction, you will have the energy and ambition to bring your publishing to market creatively and profitably, and you will have established relationships within the literary fiction community, and a proven track record of acquiring the very best in genre-defining literary fiction.

With significant editorial and negotiating experience, the successful candidate will have a demonstrable awareness of the literary fiction market and our competitors. You’ll be able to spot and pre-empt trends and will be an enthusiastic champion of our books.  You will be responsible for building strong, collaborative relationships with your colleagues, and will be as comfortable working autonomously as part of a team.

This senior role will suit commercially astute, highly organised candidates who have both initiative and energy, and can deliver excellent author care and editorial support. You’ll already have strong agent relationships and will represent Juniper at trade events and help grow Juniper’s presence in the literary fiction market.

We’re looking for someone truly passionate about literary fiction, with the ability to develop and implement a profitable publishing strategy across all their titles, contributing to our success.

Editorial Strategy

• Plan, champion and execute a profitable and market-orientated publishing strategy for the Juniper list, alongside the Publisher. You will be proactive in seeking out new ideas and strategies and will have a clear publishing plan for each title on the list.  Forward-looking, you will have a clear vision for the list’s growth and potential, both at home and internationally, and in print and digital, and will be an ambassador for the whole Juniper list. 

• Delivering creative, innovative publishing which is commercially successful and contributes to the Division’s growth targets.

• Identifying market trends and publishing opportunities, through close contact with the literary fiction market, retailers, and key influencers; a strong awareness of trade challenges and the ability to see solutions. 

• Working with the Publisher to develop strategy for the growth of Juniper, including identifying gaps on the list, acquiring to meet readers’ tastes and setting clear targets to ensure our future success and growth.

• Publishing by example, developing a strong, profitable list of your own both in the UK and international markets.

• Drive literary fiction submissions through imprint profile and brand building with aspiring author communities.

• Ensure that all titles are delivered profitably to critical path.

• Ensuring titles have co-ordinated digital strategies and priority titles are pitched for promotions and metadata is optimised. Innovating digitally where possible.

Skills and Experience:

• Robust experience of trade literary fiction publishing at Senior Commissioning Editor level or above.

• Demonstrable relationships with key literary fiction agents.

• Building a happy, collaborative author community which is supportive and inclusive.

• Develop long-term relationships with authors and agents to secure future deals in preference to competitors.

• Promote excellent author care within the team

• Manage and develop relationships with agents so that Juniper is viewed as a destination literary fiction publisher for their clients.

• Championing the list externally – looking for opportunities to promote the list at trade events, Book Fairs, festivals, etc. 

 Benefits:

• Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance

• Summer Hours 

• Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

• Relocation Rent Support Loan 

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

• Gym membership discount

• Onsite physiotherapy (London only)

• Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company

• Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

• Subsidised canteen and retail discounts

• Onsite prayer room 

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.

Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.