Editorial Director - NonFiction, 4th Estate

Introduction to the role

4th Estate is one of the most innovative and eclectic imprints in the industry with a reputation for publishing a breadth of acclaimed, beautifully produced, prizewinning and bestselling titles with the upmost ambition. Our boutique list covers literary to commercial fiction, literature in translation and a range of non-fiction spanning memoir, politics, nature writing, cultural commentary, ideas books, as well as lifestyle and cookery. Some recent fiction includes the conclusion to the Wolf Hall Trilogy, The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantel; Still Life by Sarah Winman; the Booker Prize shortlisted Treacle Walker by Alan Garner and Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey. Some notable non-fiction includes the Orwell Prize-winning My Fourth Time, We Drowned by Sally Hayden; How to Fail by Elizabeth Day; Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; and Bailie Gifford Prize-winning One Two Three Four by Craig Brown. We pride ourselves on publishing books for the independent reader.

We are seeking a creative, highly organised, knowledgeable and strategic acquirer who has their finger on the pulse of non-fiction publishing with possible interest in select fiction publishing also.

The Editorial Director will primarily be responsible for identifying new non-fiction publishing opportunities for the 4th Estate imprint and will commission and editorially manage a list of approximately a dozen titles a year. They will be responsible for some legacy titles and creatively managing a portion of the backlist. We are looking for someone who can innovate, anticipate trends, talent scout to identify exciting new voices and build established authors and brands into household names.

The Editorial Director is also responsible for supporting the Executive Publisher in managing and developing 4th Estate’s list strategy, sales opportunities and workflow to promote exemplary growth, profitability, profile and quality of the publishing.

Key tasks and accountabilities

• Explore gaps in the market and new methods of working to push us be a trendsetter and a market leader.

• Nurture strong contacts with agents so we are first to consider key, commercial projects.

• Make author care a priority so we are the first choice for authors and agents.

• Develop strong awareness of market trends and competition in order to make informed decisions and to identify new publishing opportunities. Explore gaps in the market and new ways of doing things to help us be a trend setter and a market leader. Prepare reports on specific market areas/demographics when necessary.

• Cost all projects accurately and negotiate the best deals possible with agents and authors.

• Ensure all deadlines are met and costs controlled.

• Share information/communicate with editorial managers, production, design, sales (home/export/special/rights) and marketing.

• Manage large complicated projects (including illustrated books, picture research, permissions, freelancers, photographers).

• Assist in successfully positioning and promoting all titles.

• Communicate key selling points of all titles to maximise sales performance.

• Contribute to overall profile and brand development.

Skills required

• Proven experience at commissioning editor level or above.

• In-depth understanding of publishing processes and experience overseeing books from acquisition to publication.

• Strong commercial judgement and editorial and publishing skill, with a proven ability to keep books on schedule and within budget.

• Passion for a very broad range of non-fiction publishing across serious, narrative and popular fields, and will bring editorial expertise to every aspect of our publishing.

• Highly organised, proactive, with an attention to detail, excellent communication and time-management skills, and enjoy working collaboratively with other departments in developing impactful publications. 

• Confident working with high-profile authors, with excellent author care skills and strong relationships across the industry and beyond.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the market and publishing landscape, including, retailers, media, audiences and competitors. 

• Socially conscious, ensuring 4th Estate and HarperCollins make continuous progress towards their inclusion and environmental goals.  

• You will be a natural advocate, comfortable acting as an internal and external ambassador for 4th Estate and HarperCollins.

Benefits 

• Hybrid working model (2+ 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 

• Relocation rent loan

• 2 volunteering days

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance 

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

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

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes 

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers 

• Charitable donation matching and volunteering day 

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company 

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

• Subsidised canteen and retail discounts 

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our People Advisor at [email removed - click apply for more details] with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.