Are you a creative and commercially minded commissioner with a passion for publishing standout narrative non-fiction?

DK is looking for an Acquisitions Editor to join the DK RED imprint within our DK LIFE division. This is a key commissioning role reporting to DK RED’s Publisher, focused on developing and delivering a distinctive and profitable list. If you love spotting opportunities with strong market potential, building lasting author relationships, and creating books that inspire and inform, this could be the perfect role for you.

DK LIFE is home to a wonderful family of authors including Simon Akeroyd, Rachel Barr, Lou Beckett, Belles Berry, Mary Berry, Daisy Buchanan, Jamie Butterworth, Julius Fiedler, Mariella Frostrup, Bear Grylls, Caroline Idiens, Dr Punam Krishan, Rhiannon Lambert, Hannah Miller, Katie Piper, and Pollyanna Wilkinson. 

Our DK RED imprint – with a focus on books that teach us something about ourselves and the world around us – is growing its list and extending its reach in groundbreaking popular psychology, upmarket self-improvement/personal development, health and wellness, and beautifully crafted memoirs with a clear wellbeing angle.  It is an exciting time to join us  as we expand our lists with brilliant books that help readers live their best lives. 

We are seeking a proactive and entrepreneurial Acquisitions Editor with strong commercial instincts, excellent relationships with key agents, and proven experience in evaluating proposals then acquiring and delivering successful titles across all formats. Your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across teams will be vital as you champion your books from pitch to publication.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Building and managing a commercially successful list by acquiring and developing high-quality narrative non-fiction titles

• Generating and pitching proposals, securing buy-in from sales, marketing, and other colleagues, and ensuring each project has strong market potential

• Managing projects through publication, working closely with authors, agents, and internal teams to deliver on time and to budget

• Championing your books across the business and ensuring every element of the publishing package is right for the audience

We are looking for someone who is:

• Entrepreneurial, commercially aware, and able to spot trends and opportunities ahead of the curve

• A confident communicator and negotiator with strong relationship-building skills

• Meticulous in attention to detail and committed to delivering books of the highest standard

• A collaborative team player who shares ideas and insights to help the division succeed

Working from the office a minimum of three days a week, this is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to make a meaningful impact in non-fiction  publishing and create books that will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.

To apply, please submit your most recent CV and a cover letter by 11th January 2026. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

As part of your cover letter, please answer one or all of the following questions in a total of 500 words or less:

• What excites you most about lifestyle publishing, and can you share your role in successful projects within this area?

• Describe a time when you spotted and acquired a commercially successful book idea. How did you shape it into a finished product?

• What specific experience do you have in commissioning and managing illustrated or narrative non-fiction, and how have you successfully guided projects to market?

We are eager to see your own unique voice and talent, not the words generated by an AI tool. Please refrain from using AI in this application.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 11th January 2026 

We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays

• Generous pension scheme

• Volunteering policy and charity matching

• Employee assistance programme

• 60% discount on company books

• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership

• Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)

• Shopping discounts 

• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad*

And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business.

*Subject to certain criteria being met.

DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code.

DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.

DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in our Pimlico office. As this is non-negotiable, please ensure you are within a reasonable commuting distance of London before applying.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org.

About our Company: 

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

We are the world's leading illustrated publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann, creating cutting-edge design and stunning visual books for the whole family. We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and bring people to books through their thirst for knowledge. With a global book loving community of over 800 colleagues in the UK, US, Germany, India, China, Spain and Australia, we produce books in over 100 countries and over 60 languages. Find out more on dk.com.

 Company: Dorling Kindersley Limited | Job ID: 285278