Commissioning Editor, Cornerstone – Penguin Random House UK
We are looking for a passionate, ambitious and commercially aware Commissioning Editor to join our literary fiction team at Penguin Random House UK. Reporting to the Publishing Director for Hutchinson Heinemann, you will primarily focus on acquiring fiction for the Hutchinson Heinemann list, while working closely with our imprint #Merky Books and key novelists.
About the team
Hutchinson Heinemann is a publishing imprint for high quality writing with popular appeal, publishing mind‑blowing reads, exquisite joyrides, book club beloveds and fresh future classics. We work with writers across fiction and non‑fiction, helping them reach audiences and win critical acclaim. Our authors include Robert Harris, Sebastian Faulks, Harper Lee, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jennie Godfrey, Katy Hessel, Lauren Groff, Chigozie Obioma, Richard Powers and Lyse Doucet. #Merky Books, established in 2018 through a collaboration with Stormzy and Penguin Random House, focuses on publishing writers from the global majority and changing the mainstream.
The role
As a Commissioning Editor you will acquire and publish the best new voices in literary fiction and, ideally, in translation. You will actively manage backlist sales, develop and sustain relationships with literary agents, and collaborate with Sales, Rights, Marketing and Publicity teams to ensure successful publication. You will drive campaign strategy, create compelling marketing assets, and manage the editorial process from acquisition to launch.
Key responsibilities
* Acquire and publish a set number of titles annually across literary fiction and translation.
* Develop and sustain a network of literary agents to source the best new titles.
* Proactively seek out new fiction writers from a variety of networks.
* Collaborate with Sales, Rights, Marketing, and Publicity teams to drive successful publication.
* Produce first‑class cover copy, clear jacket briefs, positioning documents, and manage metadata.
* Oversee the internal book process, including editing, scheduling, and liaison with Managing Editorial, Production and Design.
* Contribute to establishing the strategic direction of the list.
* Demonstrate prior experience in acquiring literary fiction (Assistant Editor, Editor or Commissioning Editor).
* Publish literary campaigns with confidence and generate buzz for the titles and list.
* Translate a strong vision for the titles across all aspects of the work.
* Maintain profitability and commercial success of the titles.
* Exhibit strong internal and external relationship management skills.
* Show strong teamwork and interpersonal strength.
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 20 November 2025.
As part of your cover letter, please answer: Tell us about a novel published in the last 12 months that you wish you had published. (300 words, not including cover letter)
Salary: Circa £35,000 + bonus and benefits.
Location: Hybrid – working three days a week in our London Office at Embassy Gardens.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Writing/Editing
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