Location
London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Hours
Full Time Permanent

Salary
£29,000+ dependent on experience and location (+bonus +benefits)

About the Role
The Desk Editor will play a key organisational role within the editorial team, managing production schedules and overseeing titles through copy-editing, typesetting, and proofreading processes from final manuscript to finished book. The role primarily focuses on fiction but may also include some non-fiction titles. Projects vary in format, including picture books, novelty and activity books, graphic novels, and black and white chapter books.

You will manage freelance editors and sensitivity readers alongside in-house copy-editing and proofreading, steering processes and maintaining updated systems. Clear communication and liaison with authors, editors, and wider Hachette Children's Group teams is essential, as is managing freelance resources to deliver books on schedule and within budget.

About Hachette Children's Group
Hachette Children's Group is one of the UK's largest children's publishers, dedicated to making books accessible to children and young people everywhere and reflecting their diverse experiences. We publish books for every stage of a young reader's journey, from Enid Blyton to Alice Oseman's Heartstopper. As part of Hachette, one of the UK's largest publishing groups, we are proud to open doors and minds through our work.

Benefits
28 annual leave days per year, increasing to 29 days after 2 years and 30 days after 5 years (+ bank holidays)
Private medical insurance
Dental insurance
Generous pension schemes
Rent deposit loans
2 community days per year
Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during summer months)
Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
Cycle to Work scheme
Eye care vouchers
Wide-ranging training library
Development programmes including mentoring
Up to 70% off book purchases
A charity bookshelf
12 staff-led voluntary employee networks
Season ticket loans and more

Experience
Experience working within an editorial team is required, with a strong background in desk editing processes including proofreading and copy-editing. Knowledge of Biblio is an advantage.

About you
We are seeking a meticulous, highly motivated individual with a passion for children’s publishing. You should value accuracy, work at pace, and take a proactive approach. An eagerness to grow your skillset while delivering exceptional editorial service is essential. Interest in the children’s market is important.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated, but relevant editorial experience and skills are necessary.