Desk Editor, Children's Fiction

The Job Profile Reporting into the Senior Editorial Manager, the Desk Editor has an important organisational role within the children’s fiction and Gallery Kids/YA Editorial teams, with responsibility for project managing timely development of titles according to the Critical Path, to the highest editorial standards, with a focus on text and development of interiors. The Desk Editor will steer titles through copy‑editing, typesetting and proofreading processes, from final manuscript to finished book. The role will support the Senior Editorial Manager in the management of freelance editors and by undertaking in‑house copyediting and proofreading, as well as in the maintenance of key editorial systems and schedules. The role will involve close collaboration with authors, editors and colleagues across departments to ensure titles are delivered to schedule and budget. The Job Role This role is responsible for managing editorial projects from copyedit to finished product, ensuring titles are delivered on time and within budget. The successful candidate will support scheduling and project tracking, work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure title readiness, and undertake copyediting, proofreading and occasional line editing to a high standard. The role also includes managing freelancers, liaising with authors and external contributors, reviewing proofs and proof corrections, and maintaining editorial accuracy and rigour throughout the publishing process. The Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be highly organised, proactive and detail‑oriented, with excellent project‑management and communication skills. They will have strong editorial experience, particularly in copyediting and proofreading, with a keen understanding of grammar, style and authorial voice, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for children’s and YA publishing. Applicants should have substantial in‑house experience working across straight text, graphic novels and illustrated fiction, including collating proofs, briefing freelancers and liaising directly with authors and illustrators while managing tight schedules. Experience in children’s fiction or YA publishing is essential, and formal training in copyediting and proofreading would be an advantage. Salary Starting from £30,000 EEO Statement Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.