Commissioning editor
Commissioning editors identify books or media products to publish in order to build up a publisher’s list. They commission work by finding authors or responding to book proposals. Their role is rather like that of a buyer. They also ensure authors deliver typescripts to specification and on time.
The role is most associated with book publishing. In magazine publishing, commissioning editors commission writers to produce articles and features.
This occupation is a mid to senior level post requiring suitable experience and ability. An initial entrant is likely to be recruited into a more junior position, such as editorial assistant, which may then lead on to a career as a commissioning editor.
Commissioning editors are involved with a project at every stage. They are the key link between the initial proposal for a book or product and the published work.
To develop their publisher's list, commissioning editors research their field in order to learn about trends and gaps in the market. For this purpose, they:
Typical work activities involve:
The job may also involve some repetitive tasks, especially in junior positions.
This area of work is open to all graduates, although academic, professional and scientific publishers may prefer graduates with subject-specific expertise. A degree in publishing may increase your chances but is not essential.
Entry with an HND only is not normally sufficient and a degree is usually a prerequisite for commissioning editors.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not a requirement, although a Masters degree in publishing may improve your chances. Masters and diploma courses are available in areas such as electronic communication and publishing, and publishing/publishing studies. Research courses thoroughly, considering carefully which ones would be most relevant to your requirements.
Commissioning editors are usually graduates with a number of years' experience in publishing. Traditionally, a new entrant begins as an editorial assistant - working on copy-editing, proofreading and writing book cover texts as well as list administration, managing correspondence, working with authors and administration support on contracts. They then may progress to assistant editor or associate editor and eventually to commissioning editor. However, there are exceptions:
Getting a first job in the industry requires real determination. Experience of writing or editing a university magazine is useful. Learn as much as possible about publishing from people in the industry, and read trade magazines such as The Bookseller and information sites such as Book Brunch for current news and views.
Relevant pre-entry work experience is strongly recommended. General office administration experience may also be considered valuable. Try approaching smaller publishing companies and networking at events put on by organisations such as The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) . This is also a good way to make contacts within the industry. General publishing work placements, internships and voluntary opportunities are advertised through a number of sources, including BookCareers and the SYP. Applications for work experience should be taken as seriously as a job application.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
A high level of specialist knowledge is often required for commissioning editors involved with academic and professional publishing, as well as the ability to research new and developing markets.
It is also essential to have a network of contacts in order to source potential authors and reviewers.
Many publishing jobs are not formally advertised. People are recruited to trainee positions through contacts (which you can develop by visiting book fairs, work shadowing and talking to people in publishing), from specialist training courses or because they have made direct contact at the right time. Speculative applications have a greater chance of success if you have already made contact with someone in the company.
You may need to consider part-time or temporary work. This will demonstrate your commitment and show that you are serious about your career. You may also need to apply for a range of jobs in the first instance, rather than concentrating solely on commissioning.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Few structured graduate training schemes exist in book and magazine publishing, although publishing companies are keen to employ graduates. Training is mainly on the job, supported by short courses run by organisations such as the Publishing Training Centre and The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) . Larger organisations often take a more structured approach to training and have more substantial training budgets.
Postgraduate and professional training courses can provide a valuable background to the world of publishing and may also provide useful contacts. Most publishing courses available through training providers, universities and colleges tend to cover areas such as proofreading, editing and production.
The Publishing Training Centre offers a range of short courses in editorial management and commissioning skills. Subjects covered include:
The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) also provides courses in commissioning book and journal content and journal editorial management.
Publishing Scotland runs courses on areas such as editorial skills, marketing, design and rights.
Generally, it is the responsibility of individuals to progress their own continuing professional development (CPD) by gaining as much valuable experience as possible and working towards making new contacts. Keeping up to date with industry trends is a more informal element of professional training, with membership of bodies such as the Publishers Association (PA) and Women in Publishing being part of this process.
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.
The publishing industry is made up of different sectors including books, journals, newspapers, news agencies, magazines, business media, directories, databases, newsletters and reports. Publishers range in size from large companies to small independents.
The book publishing industry can be split into the following categories:
Directory and database publishing is an active and growing sector. These providers publish commercial, scientific and professional information in print and electronic form. The information can then be used by firms to market their goods and services to businesses and the general public.
Larger publishing companies tend to advertise vacancies on their websites, so it is worth checking these on a regular basis. There are a small number of specialist recruitment agencies, for example Inspired Selection and JFL Search and Selection , though not all offer entry-level vacancies.
Use resources such as the Directory of Publishing: United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and the Publishing Scotland Yearbook, available usually either within your university careers service or in your university library, to research types of publishers for work experience and employment opportunities.
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