Deputy literary editor

About the role

The deputy literary editor will have responsibility, in support of the literary editor, for the Telegraph’s books coverage, both online and in print.

They will bring the best and most pertinent books interviews, features, comment pieces and reviews to the Telegraph, helping to ensure that our coverage leads the market.

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing books coverage in support of the literary editor, and leading on it when the literary editor is away.
• Commissioning agenda-setting reviews, features (including serial extracts) and interviews, all of which will increase subscriptions and registrations, and further reader engagement.
• Keeping on top of the literary news agenda, and commissioning reactive coverage of key publications, authors and events.
• Maintaining relationships with regular contributors and building links with new ones.
• Overseeing, in support of the literary editor, online publication of books coverage.
• Overseeing, in support of the literary editor, the books section of Review (our Saturday print arts supplement), and the print publication of books coverage in other sections and pages.
• Working in conjunction with the wider culture desk, the culture director and other editors across the features department.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts on a seven-day rota, including some weekend work.
• Liaising with website, social media and other amplify teams to ensure that books content is optimised.
• Working with external partners such as Oxford Literary Festival, publishing houses, The Bookseller and other stakeholders, as and when appropriate.

Essential skills required for the role

• An understanding of the Telegraph’s audiences and their interests across all platforms.
• An in-depth, specialist knowledge of literature and the current books landscape; a thorough understanding of the cultural world in general.
• An ability to strategise and co-ordinate a multi-pronged editorial response to a fast-moving news agenda.
• An ability to think laterally and develop bold, brave, innovative ideas across multiple disciplines.
• An ability to edit a range of stories with clarity and flair.
• Experience in, and comfort with, working to tight deadlines with speed and accuracy.
• An ability to seize the initiative, take responsibility, think on your feet, and communicate effectively and in an organised fashion.
• A meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to write sparkling headlines and edit copy at speed and to the highest standard.

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.