Ready to shape what readers can’t stop talking about?
Aria at Head of Zeus, Bloomsbury Publishing, is looking for a forward-thinking, audience-savvy Editorial Director to join our Fiction team on a 9-12-month fixed-term contract. This is a high-impact role driving the next phase of our women’s fiction publishing—building momentum, working with the Aria team to spot trends early, and publishing books that break out in market.
We’re searching for an Editorial Director with a sharp commercial instinct and a genuine feel for the HOZ and Aria brands. You’ll have a proven track record of commissioning and delivering standout women’s fiction—particularly across romantasy, fantasy and romance—with a clear understanding of what drives discovery in a digital-first market.
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in an imprint known for agile, market-responsive publishing. You’ll work at pace and help us scale our list—working with the team to bring fresh voices, bold concepts and highly readable fiction to a growing, highly engaged audience.
Reporting to the Publishing Director, Fiction, you’ll combine editorial excellence with strong industry networks, real-time market awareness, and a proactive approach to finding the next big thing. You’ll be energised by data, reader trends, and the fast-moving commercial landscape—and excited by the challenge of turning insight into publishing success. You will have management experience and be confident in taking over management of the Aria team.
Just as importantly, you’ll bring a clear, ambitious vision for Aria: what we publish, how we stand out, and where we go next. You’ll be a natural collaborator, able to influence and align teams across Head of Zeus and the wider Bloomsbury group—both in the UK and internationally—to deliver that vision.
The role:
- Managing ongoing existing publishing for a range of current Aria authors, shaping and strategizing their publishing going forward
- Considering submissions with the wider team and directing the wider Aria team in acquisition of such projects
- Building strong relationships internally with the wider stakeholders in Art, Production, Sales, Marketing and Publicity
- Managing relationships with existing authors and agents with diplomacy and excellent author care
- Demonstrating strong market awareness of the current market, using analytics to determine and secure new talent for the list
- Helping to develop Aria imprint further, and acting as an ambassador for the list internally and externally
- Working collaboratively with the HOZ Publishing Director and the wider editorial team to develop new ideas and opportunities for growth
Knowledge, skills and experience:
- Publishing vision: An experienced senior editor and/or editorial director with experience in generating opportunities with IP
- Market knowledge: A strategic sense of how digital publishing is developing in the UK, USA and beyond
- Passionate: An avid consumer of commercial genre fiction, in particular fantasy and romantasy and romance
- Energetic and energising: Able to inspire and lead a small and very busy team
- Financially literate, understands a P&L account
- IT literate, understands how developing technology can enhance publishing
- Organised and excellent at prioritising tasks
- Articulate, an excellent copywriter
- Strong visual sense (confident briefing covers)
- Strong knowledge and experience of contractual negotiations, auctions, etc.
Additional information:
The role is a full-time and fixed term contract for 9 – 12 months starting approximately mid-September 2026.
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