Project Editor, What on Earth!

Description

What on Earth! is a dynamic, independent publishing house based in London, Kent and Washington, D.C. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty publisher, and work in a collaborative and creative team.

We publish beautiful non-fiction that engages children’s natural curiosity and passion for learning. We’re seeking a highly motivated Project Editor to lead the development of a brand new series of fully illustrated children’s history reference books with a novelty twist. This is a 1-year fixed-term contract position.

Reporting directly to the Publisher in London, you will …

• Build and manage a freelance team to develop the new series on time and on budget
• Work closely with international publishing partners to make sure the books meet their needs
• Ensure that all books in the series meet high standards for beauty, readability, innovation and engagement
• Work closely with freelance designers and Head of Production to make sure files conform to requirements, with special attention to novelty elements.
• Draft marketing copy and metadata for the series.
• Present books to sales teams as required.
• Participate actively in What on Earth!’s collaborative process, having input into other books in the pipeline.

Requirements for this role:

• 5 years’ proven experience in illustrated non-fiction publishing
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Confident working collaboratively in a creative, fast-paced environment
• A can-do attitude and a great team player
• A knowledge of Mandarin preferred but not required
• The ability to go on short international trips if required

What we can offer:

Hybrid working

We have a hybrid work structure, with an office in central London, and the possibility of working full-time in the London office if preferred. However, we will also consider applicants who work from home full time, with monthly trips to the London office.

Benefits

We offer fully flexible working hours which can be scheduled around school picks-ups / appointments.

A free breakfast is provided twice a week at the London office.  We also have a fully stocked fridge of cold drinks which are available free of charge every day.

Flexible Fridays – employees may finish at 1pm on Fridays all year round.

Salary: 

£40,000–£45,000 per annum depending on experience

Holiday – 24 days, plus bank holidays. We close the office in between Xmas and the New Year and no additional holiday days are required to be taken for this.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to katherine.stone@whatonearthbooks.com with the subject line: ‘Project Editor’. Closing date is Monday 26^th January 2026. We’re afraid we can only get back to successful applicants. No agencies, please.

Thank you and good luck!