A prestigious university press with a global reputation for excellence is seeking a Senior Commissioning Editor in Modern History to shape and grow one of the most respected history lists in publishing. This is a rare opportunity to lead commissioning for a list known for combining scholarly authority with wide general‑reader appeal. The role will be based on a hybrid basis from their Central London office.
About the Role
You will be responsible for building a dynamic, commercially successful list in modern history (from the 18th century to the present), acquiring around 15 new titles per year. Your focus will be on books that marry academic rigour with exceptional readability, global history for intelligent general readers.
You will commission across biography, political and social history, cultural history, and field‑defining works that become essential reading.
Working closely with colleagues across editorial, sales, marketing, production, and contracts, you will guide projects from proposal to publication. You’ll shape manuscripts, manage P&Ls, negotiate deals, brief designers, support sales teams, and represent the list at conferences and internal meetings.
Key Responsibilities
- Commission ca. 15 high‑quality titles per year
- Develop strong author, agent, and academic networks
- Provide structural and developmental editorial guidance
- Manage acquisitions, contracts, and profitability
- Oversee design briefs, metadata, sales materials, and catalogue copy
- Present titles at sales conferences and contribute to list strategy
- Maintain and refresh the backlist, including new editions and paperbacks
About You
You are an experienced commissioning editor with a proven track record in history or related humanities fields. You bring:
- Deep knowledge of modern history and the scholarly/trade market
- Strong academic and agent networks
- Sharp editorial judgement and an entrepreneurial eye for opportunity
- The ability to spot books that combine authority with accessibility
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and project management skills
- Confidence managing P&Ls and navigating contracts
- A proactive, organised, ideas‑driven approach
- The ability to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines
Experience across both academic and trade publishing is an advantage.
Inspired Search & Selection are a publishing recruitment specialist who operate an Equal Opportunities policy. We treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or union membership status.
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