Scribe UK is seeking a nonfiction Editor to join our growing team based in Bloomsbury, with a list that includes prize-winning and bestselling authors. You’ll have 3–5 years’ publishing experience and be able to demonstrate knowledge of and passion for exceptional nonfiction publishing. A degree is not essential.
Scribe has a long history of publishing nonfiction of the highest quality: from Sunday Times bestselling popular health title Gut to Simon Akam’s explosive investigation into the British Army The Changing of the Guard, and from therapist Lori Gottlieb’s New York Times bestseller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone to parenting guru Daniel J. Siegel’s books. In 2019, we published Azadeh Moaveni’s Guest House for Young Widows, about the women who joined ISIS, which was shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford and Rathbones Folio prizes, and longlisted for the Orwell Prize. Our nonfiction tastes are broad, and yours should be too.
As well as working with existing Scribe authors, you will be building your own list of nonfiction, talent scouting new and exciting writers through both traditional and non-traditional channels. While a commissioning background is not required, you’ll be able to demonstrate knowledge of the nonfiction market in the UK and have plenty of ideas of the kinds of books you would like to bring to our list. Existing relationships with relevant agents would be helpful; if not, tell us about the networks you intend to build and how you’ll go about this.
You will need to be an experienced editor, comfortable doing structural and line edits on your titles, and occasional copy editing and proofreading for other editors. Organisational and time management skills are essential, as you will be overseeing the critical path for all UK-acquired books. You’ll also have excellent writing skills and be adept at drafting eye-catching copy and sales points, be able to brief impactful covers, and have lots of creative ideas to contribute to publicity, marketing, and sales plans. You will be managing one person, so experience in leadership or management would be useful.
We are a small, close-knit team and hope to find someone who enjoys working collaboratively. It is important that you have good humour and an enthusiasm for independent, thought-provoking publishing.
This is a full-time position at £30k minimum per annum depending on experience, with a three-month probationary period, reporting to the Publisher. Office hours are 10am–6pm with a one-hour paid lunch break. This role is usually based in our office in Bloomsbury, with the option of home working on some days.
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter of no more than 1,000 words to Molly Slight (molly@scribepub.co.uk) by midnight on 20 February.
We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, socio-economic background, age, disability, sexual orientation and national origin, and by doing so, aim to reflect the world around us. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process.