Senior/Commissioning Editor, Del Rey (Cornerstone)

We are looking for an experienced, ambitious, and commercially minded Commissioning Editor (or Senior Commissioning Editor) to join Cornerstone's leading sci-fi and fantasy imprint, Del Rey. The ideal candidate will make an immediate impact by fostering excellent relationships with existing authors, as well as by acquiring outstanding, bestselling writers who will help shape the future of our growing list. This role is ideal for an ambitious and engaged acquirer with an expert understanding of the sci-fi and fantasy genre - someone fully immersed in its authors, trends, and readers.

About team/business area

Del Rey is one of the leading science fiction and fantasy imprints in the UK and part of the Cornerstone division. We are dedicated to publishing the very best in commercial and crossover science fiction, fantasy, horror, and graphic novels. Our roster includes bestselling authors such as Andy Weir, Danielle Jensen, Ernest Cline, and Holly Black, in addition to a range of official licensing titles such as Star Wars, Minecraft, Stranger Things, and many more.

The role

Reporting to the Publishing Director, you will be responsible for acquiring and publishing fantasy and sci-fi titles, combining your commercial acumen, creativity and first-class relationship skills to support the division's ambitious growth goals.

Key responsibilities:

• Acquire and publish a set number of titles annually across fantasy and science fiction, with a particular focus on core fantasy.
• Demonstrate commercial acumen by identifying opportunities for growth across the list, including staying informed about market trends and competitor activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with authors and agents for future acquisitions.
• Evaluate the viability and profitability of potential acquisitions and handle negotiations.
• Oversee the internal book process, including editing, scheduling, and cover design, liaising with Editorial Management, Production, and Text Design.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with Del Rey US on shared authors and future acquisitions.
• Write and update high-quality copy and metadata to ensure a book's success.
• Collaborate with Sales, Rights, Marketing, and Publicity teams for successful book launches.
• Contribute to establishing the strategic direction of the list alongside the whole team

What you'll bring

Essential criteria:

• Strong prior experience in successfully acquiring and publishing best-selling sci-fi and fantasy titles.
• A commercial mindset with the ability to think strategically about potential acquisitions.
• Strong internal and external relationship management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of people and influence others.
• A good mix of strong creative and analytical skills.
• A confident negotiator who is not afraid to constructively challenge when required.
• Delivery-focused with experience in managing projects, strong personal organization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A self-starter who thinks entrepreneurially.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure.
• Confident in your own judgment.
• A strong team player with interpersonal sensitivity.

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 28th January.

As part of your cover letter, please tell us which author you believe would be a strong addition to the Del Rey list, and why?

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.

Salary

, sans-serif">£35,000 - £45,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, 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, mandatory office days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

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 PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request.

Company: Penguin Books Limited | Job ID: 285655