US Commissioning Editor

Your team:
Harriman House, part of the Pan Macmillan publishing group, is a UK-based but globally focused publisher operating in the business and finance space. We have established a really strong reputation in our sector by creating high-quality and highly respected titles and giving our authors an exceptional publishing experience. In recent years we have driven rapid growth in the business, particularly in the US, and are now looking for someone to join our small team to help us accelerate this growth by seeking out and commissioning high-profile authors and new titles for publication.

Your role:
As the US-based Commissioning Editor, you will commission high-profile authors and new titles for publication (circa 8-10 titles per year) and work with the wider Harriman House team to ensure the smooth running of the publishing process from acquisition to publication and beyond. You will be the driving force for book projects and will be involved in all aspects of the process as the books go from concept/proposal to finished publications.

Your key responsibilities:

• Seeking out and actively approaching potential authors to secure new titles by pitching the benefits of working with Harriman House
• Working with authors to develop the book concept, structure and content and providing structural editing
• Generating creative ideas to maximise the success of publication
• Presenting and pitching new titles at internal and external meetings
• Ensuring the publishing process is handled efficiently and on schedule by working closely with the Head of Production and the Editorial Assistant
• Reading and reporting on submissions.

Essential experience, abilities and knowledge you'll need to succeed:

• Proven experience commissioning successful titles and authors
• A proactive approach to acquiring prospective authors with the ability to make a compelling pitch
• Keen commercial awareness of the non-fiction publishing market, specifically for business, smart-thinking and finance titles
• Knowledge of the contemporary US and international book markets and the latest publishing developments and trends
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to organise, prioritise and manage workflow autonomously
• Excellent knowledge of the life cycle of a book and detailed editing, proofreading and copywriting skills.

Desirable skills we'd love you to have:

• Some experience in sales would be an advantage.

What you'll get in return:
In return we can offer you a range of great projects, a supportive and collaborative working environment as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

Salary starting from: $75,000

Closing date: May 11 2025

Location: New York (US-based remote workers may be considered)

Locations New York, USA