Position: Commissioning Editor
Report to: Publisher
Division: Non-Fiction
Location: Midrand | Cape Town
Penguin Random House South Africa, one of South Africa’s biggest trade publishers, is looking for a Commissioning Editor to conceptualise and commission commercially viable books for the South African book market in the fields of current affairs, politics, biography/memoir and business.
Key responsibilities
Acquisition and Development:
- Identifying and acquiring projects: Conceptualising and commissioning commercially viable books for the South African book market in the fields of currents affairs, politics, biography/memoir and business.
- Working with authors and agents: Liaising with authors and agents and building author relationships and networks.
- Developing projects: Working with authors, editors and other internal teams to shape manuscripts into publishable form.
Editorial and Production:
- Editing and proofreading: Ensuring the highest standards of quality in writing and editing when required.
- Collaborating with internal teams: Working closely with the senior managing editor as well as editors, production, design and marketing teams to bring projects to fruition.
Commercial and Strategic:
- Market research and trend analysis: Keeping informed about market trends and potential audience interests.
- Building and maintaining relationships: Cultivating relationships with authors, agents and industry professionals.
- Project management: Ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, as required.
- Collaborate with authors to refine and enhance their manuscripts, offering constructive feedback on plot or structure, character development, pacing, and overall storytelling.
Minimum requirements include:
- A relevant tertiary qualification.
- Publishing experience, including commissioning and project management in book publishing.
- A love of reading and a passion for South African stories, with a specific focus on non-fiction.
- Sound knowledge of the book market.
- Excellent communication and editorial skills in English.
- A good command of Afrikaans would be an advantage.
This role demands a person who possesses a keen understanding of the non-fiction subjects that appeal to South African readers, along with an extensive professional network or a demonstrated history in the publishing sector. The ideal candidate will exhibit outstanding planning and organisational capabilities, strong business insight, effective interpersonal skills and a creative mindset.
Penguin Random House offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
If you meet the above criteria and have what it takes to become the newest member of our team,
please send your CV and a covering letter, clearly stating your salary expectations, to
please send your CV and a covering letter, clearly stating your salary expectations, to
Jason Daniels – applications@penguinrandomhouse.co.za
Closing date: Friday, 6 June 2025
NB: Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed, and previously disadvantaged candidates will be given preference in line with the company’s equity target.
If you have not heard from us within six weeks, you should regard your application as unsuccessful.
Penguin Random House is under no obligation to fill this position.
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