Introduction to the role

The Dean list includes special, direct and value market sales in the UK, export and international markets for all elements of the Farshore catalogue including Brands, Fiction and Picture Book and Non-fiction. Predominantly reusing the backlist to create new and exciting products, the Assistant Editor will bring knowledge of publishing processes as well as editorial experience and creative excellence to the role. They will have input into the creation and project management of Dean titles and in addition, working closely with the frontlist Brands team, they will manage a range of new books, for example working on Paw Patrol, Barbie, Pokemon and Beano titles. They will develop new skills as necessary to grow within the role and be responsible for all aspects of the creative process.

Key tasks and accountabilities:

• Oversee frontlist and Dean titles from the Fiction, Picture Book and Brands teams from inception through to print, ensuring high editorial standards.

• Commission original content for frontlist and Dean titles and manage freelancers where appropriate, with support from the senior team.

• Deliver both Dean and frontlist projects on time and on budget, following relevant processes, inc. sign-off for Dean, and in collaboration with sales, design and production.

• Where relevant develop and maintain good relationships with the IP holders, representing Farshore with professionalism, understanding and creative excellence.

• In liaison with the Dean designer, regularly update the Dean catalogue of available products for Sales’ use.

• Maintenance of Dean records eg Confirmed Deal Tracker.

• Where relevant work closely with the frontlist Publishers and creative team to develop ideas for publishing, assisting with pitches and key stakeholder meetings/presentations as required.

• Where appropriate create and update market leading metadata and AIS to enable your titles to successfully reach our consumers.

• Ensure all the relevant HC systems and processes are used and understood to meet the wider business goals.

• In due course, to become brand lead for Dean and/or frontlist on a specific brand (TBC), being in-house point of contact, building a relationship with the Licensor and advising on creative process for that brand.

• Work in collaboration with wider Dean and frontlist teams to ensure that all titles represent a broad and inclusive audience of readers wherever possible and in line with brand owner guidelines and Farshore values.

Your first six months:

You will successfully manage a small range of frontlist titles with support from senior editors, expanding your editorial skills and experience, whilst continuing to develop and organise Dean editorial projects and navigating the HC systems and processes.

Experience required:

• Editorial experience in a similar role, relating to both frontlist and re-use publishing

• Experience and/or understanding of licensing

• Knowledge and experience working on titles for children

Skills required:

• Strong editorial skills

• Strong time management and troubleshooting skills

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Effective stakeholder relationship/approvals management

• Active interest in licensing and industry-related trends

• Commercial awareness and understanding

• Adaptability to new systems

  Benefits

  • Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)

  • 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days) 

  • Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave 

  • 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 

  • Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme 

  • 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, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes 

  • 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

  • Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)

  • With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire

  • Free e-books and audiobooks, digital 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 recruitment@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.