Development Editor

 Thames & Hudson (THA) 2025 Shortlisted ABIA Publisher of the Year publishes beautiful books on all aspects of culture and creativity. Family owned, resolutely independent and internationally minded, we aim to create a ‘museum without walls’, fostering a deeper appreciation of artistic expression in all its forms.

We’re looking for an experienced Development Editor to develop concepts, shape manuscripts and work with authors, photographers and designers to ensure books fulfil their local and international potential.

This is a full-time position, located at our Cremorne office in Melbourne.

What you will do:

Reporting to the Publishing Director, you will:

• Develop book ideas and manuscripts in alignment with publishing goals. Guide authors through concept refinement, manuscript development and the publishing process.

• Prepare editorial briefs and consult on production specifications, ensuring content quality and consistency.

• Draft publishing proposals, sample layouts, and supporting materials for Publishing Meetings.

• Develop design, photography and illustration briefs to guide creative direction and align with editorial objectives. Collaborate with designers, photographers, and production teams to ensure high-quality visual execution.

• Maintain projects on schedule and within agreed budgets. Manage freelance editors, designers and other contributors to meet project milestones and maintain quality standards.

• Collaborate and provide support to junior levels of editorial team

• Liaise with sales and marketing teams as necessary

In addition, you will:

• Ensure manuscripts and final publications meet relevant industry and market expectations.

• Contribute to specialised projects, process improvement and other initiatives including quality, technology solutions and improve reporting.

What we are looking for:

You have:

• A degree in English, Modern Languages, Art History or equivalent.

• 6+ years in an editorial role.

• Knowledge and experience of working on illustrated books.

• Structural editing, copy-editing and proofreading experience.

To be successful in this role you:

• Have attention to detail, are thorough when performing work, adopting procedures, guidelines, policies and business practices to maximise efficiency and productivity.

• Use data and a rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions and make decisions.

• Can think laterally and use common sense and tenacity to solve difficult or complicated problems.

• Are organised, have good time management and can prioritise when faced with multiple and a competing requests and requirements.

• Can build and maintain constructive working relationships characterised by a high level of trust, acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard.

A competitive salary is on offer.

Please apply by submitting a cover letter outlining your background, skills, experience and addressing the following screening questions below together with your resume to ************@thameshudson.com.au.

Applications close Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Screening Questions

Are you eligible for employment in Australia. If so, on what basis?

·       Australian citizen

·       a permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand      

·       a non-citizen with a valid visa that provides work rights.

How many years’ experience do you have in an editorial role?

·       No experience

·       less than 5 years

·       5 - 6 years

·       6 - 7 years

·       8 - 9 years

·       9 - 10 years

·       more than 10 years

What editing experience do you have that you feel is relevant for this role?

·       No experience

·       Structural Editing

·       Copy Editing

·       Proofreading

·       All of the above

What Microsoft programs are you most familiar with using?

·       Excel

·       Outlook

·       OneDrive

·       PowerPoint

·       SharePoint

·       Teams

·       Word

Please provide an indication of the hourly rate or annual salary exclusive of superannuation you would expect for your next role.