Commissioning editor : Career development

A commissioning editor post is not normally achievable without at least a few years' experience in publishing. New entrants generally start in junior roles.

Opportunities for progression often depend on the size of the company. A small publishing company may offer early exposure across a range of editing, production, marketing and business management areas, while larger companies may offer the opportunity to specialise earlier with a clear structure and more opportunity for promotion.

In larger publishing companies a clear career structure exists from junior editorial level through to senior commissioning editor. Promotion, however, is not automatic and is very competitive.

Breadth and variety of experience in one or more organisations may increase your chances of career development. Jobs also tend to be concentrated around London, Oxford, Cambridge and the South East, so geographical mobility is important.

A vital part of career development is to continue to make new contacts and keep up to date with changes and developments in the publishing industry.

Commissioning editors are generally assessed on results, e.g. how much profit is brought in by their books, number of titles commissioned, although this is not the only marker of success. It is quite a specialist role with not much opportunity for progression beyond a certain level - not everyone wants to manage.

Successful commissioning editors can progress to become publishers with control over the whole editorial function or move sideways and look after another part of the list. Others may decide to move to a larger publishing company or magazine for additional income and responsibility. A commissioning editor may also become self-employed, either as a literary agent or by setting up their own publishing company.