How to Become a Commissioning Editor

About Commissioning Editor

Commissioning Editors need to have the market knowledge about the latest trends, with an eye for looking out which product seems good and which does not. Commissioning Editors job entails buying authors, book titles and ideas for publication. The aim of the editors is to build up the publisher's portfolio in safe and secure material. Their role is that of a buyer that buys publication rights and titles. Sometimes the acquisition is done in the form of commissioning for book proposals to authors and agents. They also act as a liaison between the publisher and the writer. They also ensure the proper and timely completion of the work assigned to the writers in a proper and timely manner. The job role is not an entry-level one making such important deals and negotiations for a publication house is not an easy one. Most freshers would be hired in a junior position as an editorial assistant  

Eligibility to become Commissioning Editor

Every job needs some sort of academic skills and some intrinsic skills sets in persons to excel in the job they are as follows.

Academic Skills 

• The work does not need any specialised degree for graduation 
• Degrees in editorial sciences, publishing, media may be helpful but not necessary
• Experience in the field of publication might be helpful in getting a job as a commissioning editor 
• Masters and diploma courses in publishing and digital publishing might go a long way in getting a job as a commissioning editor. 

Skills

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Research Skills 
• Tact and Diplomacy 
   

Types of Job Roles Commissioning Editor

The job role is quite diverse with most projects being very personalised and specialised but the common responsibilities have been listed below as follows. 

• Creating a List of Titles for particular genres 
• Managing the current products for acquisition and identifying future potential titles for future acquisitions
• Researching Market Trends 
• Negotiating contract terms with authors and agents 
• Liaising with authors and publishers in order to complete the production process
   

Pay Scale/Salary of Commissioning Editor

The salary and related compensation increase with experience and expertise but the entry-level salary in India ranges from 8LPA to 12LPA . 

Books & Study Material to Become Commissioning Editor

Bibliophile: Diverse Spines Harper, Jamise  Mount, Jane

Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos Isaacson, Walter  Bezos, Jeff

Too Famous: The Rich, the Powerful  Wolff, Michael

The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know Coyne, Shawn  Pressfield, Steven

Before and After the Book Deal Maum, Courtney

The Art and Business of Online Writing Cole, Nicolas

Pros of becoming a Commissioning Editor

Commissioning Editors get paid a decent compensation 

Chance to work with creative people 

Chance to be part of something big 

Academic Inclination Roles 

Good Work-Life Balance 

Cons of becoming a Commissioning Editor

Not many hard skills 

Very Difficult Negotiations 

Very Limited Job Opportunity