Project editor, Non-Fiction

Closing date: 10 February 2025

Salary: Starting from £33,000

Simon & Schuster UK’s Adult Non-fiction team is looking for a talented and precise project editor to work on their award-winning list. 

Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories.

Reporting to the Senior Project Editor, the Project Editor will take a complete manuscript through all stages of the editing process, coordinating with authors and with agents when necessary, the editor, and the production and design departments to ensure that assigned projects are delivered within deadlines and budgets and to ensure the smooth running of our non-fiction publishing schedule.

They will help the team publish the most exciting and distinctive talent in non-fiction and champion our books and authors with clear vision and creativity, ensuring that they are a success critically and commercially.

Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to;

• checking copyedits and liaising with author to resolve queries, 
• collating proofs and checking proof corrections, 
• proofreading jackets and text to ensure complete accuracy, 
• booking and managing freelancers and budgets, 
• compiling plate sections (including picture research, clearing permissions, copyediting captions, drafting layouts, proofreading and liaising with designers and authors), 
• briefing covers and writing cover copy, 
• working on metadata and making sure internal systems are kept up to date and are accurate, reading submissions and giving feedback to acquiring editors.

The Project Editor will work closely with authors and agents on all elements of the text and cover, ensuring prompt communication and swift replies to queries and providing authors and agents with the highest standard of care.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• The ideal candidate will be able to work in a busy editorial team, with experience of being responsible for signing books off to press. 
• They will be able to work on their own and take responsibility for the accuracy of the finished product, work well to deadlines and have a meticulous ability to project manage. 
• They will have an awareness of publishing systems and timelines, show demonstrable experience of copyediting or line editing and proofreading. 
• They will have excellent communication skills both written and verbal, experience of working closely with authors, agents and internal stakeholders. 
• A meticulous eye for detail.
• You must have a passion for non-fiction publishing and ideally, knowledge of the market.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking for their next step in editorial and who wants to work on a wide variety of bestselling and crucially acclaimed non-fiction. We are encouraging candidates with a broad range of experience to apply.

Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter explaining why you would like to work at Simon & Schuster UK and how you are qualified for this role.

The employer reserves the right to close the listing and stop accepting applications sooner than the original deadline. Therefore we strongly recommend applying at the earliest opportunity.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries. 

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.