Managing Editor, Cornerstone

Do you have a keen eye for detail? Are you organised, proactive and experienced in editorial project-management?

We’ve got an exciting opportunity to join the Cornerstone division as our new Managing Editor, on a permanent basis.

About Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a division within the iconic publisher Penguin Random House, our home. In turn, Cornerstone is home to seven imprints: Century, Del Rey, Inklore, Hutchinson Heinemann, #Merky Books, Cornerstone Press and Evermore, each with its own specific focus and remit. Every Cornerstone book also goes on to become a Penguin paperback. 

Within publishing, Cornerstone has an enviable track record of bestsellers, prize-winners and culture-shaping books, working with many of the world’s most interesting voices, often throughout their entire career. Our books span genres, categories and marketplaces globally.  

The role

We’re recruiting a Managing Editor to play a key part in bringing our books to life, from edited manuscript to final file, ensuring a high standard and maintaining the Cornerstone house style. You’ll be responsible for the smooth running of the publishing process for a designated list of books from across the Cornerstone list, including debut writers and paperback originals.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing the internal book process for designated titles
• Working closely with Editorial, Production and Design to see titles through from manuscript to press
• Communicating deadlines to other members of staff and chasing progress
• Liaising with freelancers and ensuring the copy-editing and proofreading processes are carried out to the expected standard
• Checking proof corrections, marketing materials, and proofreading jackets and covers for designated titles
• Attending and participating in progress meetings
• Acting as a Biblio super-user when required

What you’ll bring

You might be a Managing Editor looking for an opportunity to work on Cornerstone’s exciting breadth of titles, or you might be an Assistant Managing Editor looking for a step up in responsibilities. If you’re a lover of books and the genres published by Cornerstone, we want to hear from you.

Essential criteria:

• A strong understanding of trade publishing in general and the editorial/production process in particular, and relevant experience of overseeing a list of titles
• Demonstrable copy-editing and proofreading skills 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of people and to influence others
• Impeccable grammar and spelling, and close attention to detail 
• A delivery-focused mindset with strong personal organisation and time-management skills 

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Wednesday 12th March.

Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.

Salary

£35,000 − £40,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

What you can expect from us

Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.

Our benefits include:

• Financial – discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan
• Wellbeing – healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan
• Lifestyle – taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books

For our full benefits list please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/what-we-offer/

Hybrid working

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will work from the office 2−3 days a week. Cornerstone’s core office days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

About Penguin

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.

The recruitment process

You can read about our recruitment process at https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/how-we-hire/

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview.

We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request.

Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.

Company: The Random House Group Limited 

Country: United Kingdom 

State/Region: London 

City: London 

Postal Code: SW11 7BW 

Job ID: 277871