Editor

Who we are and what we do

Octopus publish books for everyone. We love to enlighten, nourish, entertain and most of all inspire readers and listeners everywhere.

Octopus is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

What you'll be doing

Core Duties:

• Report to the Managing Editor and stakeholders on schedules for which they are responsible, identifying blockages and working towards their resolution, reporting any insoluble problems upwards, ensuring publication dates are met and, where not possible, changes are discussed in a timely manner.
• Project-manage books personally, overseeing the editorial schedule and book files from mansucript to print.
• Liaise with the Commissioning Editors (relevant for their titles), ensuring that communication is as effective, transparent and comprehensive as possible.
• Maintain and champion the highest possible quality of work at all times.
• Ensure that appropriate freelancers are being appointed to projects, that the best rates are negotiated and maintained, and that the freelance agreements are signed and filed.
• Manage and attend photoshoots as required
• Have a clear understanding of specialist requirements when preparing non-English-language editions and American versions of illustrated books.
• Assist with timely creation of book fair and other sales materials, BLADs, presenters covers and any required marketing materials on allocated titles.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Books are published on time.
• Book budgets are not exceeded and, where possible, are beaten.
• Sales materials are created to a high quality and in a timely manner.
• Internal and external communication is clear, respectful and professional.
• High-quality editorial standards are upheld, including use of appropriate house style.

These are the essential requirements of the role, however not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time.

Who we are looking for

Experience/Knowledge

• Proven high-quality editorial skills
• Proven problem-solving experience
• Fluency in InDesign
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work successfully in a team 

Personal Attributes/Skills

• Creative problem-solver
• Highly organized and skilled at project management
• Tactful and diplomatic
• Flexible and adaptable

What we offer

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous pension schemes
• Rent deposit loans
• 2 community days per year
• Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
• Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Wide-ranging training library
• Development programmes (including mentoring)
• Up to 70% off book purchases
• A charity bookshelf
• An active range of staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks
• Season ticket loans
• And much more!

The role will be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application. We’ll make sure you’re supported throughout the process. 

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org