Commissioning Editor: Memoir, Inspiration and Current Affairs
(Ideally based in Cape Town, but may be based in Gauteng)
Tafelberg is looking for a dynamic non-fiction Commissioning Editor to publish memoirs and inspirational books for the mass market. Come join the team behind non-fiction bestsellers such as Betting on a Darkie, Disciple, The Mother Wound, Finding Purpose, The Soft Life, The Traveller, and many others. This exciting position will suit an energetic self-starter who is on top of South African popular culture and trends and has a good instinct for what readers want.
The ideal candidate:
- comes up with good ideas for commercially viable new books
- is immersed in social media and aware of trends, influencers, and newsmakers
- can match the right authors with the right subjects and support them in completing their books
- can develop manuscripts and structure content so that it makes sense and reads well
- is highly organised and can manage a demanding publishing programme to agreed deadlines and within budget
- is a networker par excellence
- works well under pressure and can brief and manage freelancers
- is well informed and in touch with opinion formers and journalists
Minimum requirements:
- a relevant tertiary qualification
- three to five years' experience in journalism, publishing, or another relevant field
- a love of reading and an excellent command of English
This job offers:
- a stimulating, varied work environment as part of a vibrant and diverse team of creative book people
- a competitive salary with company benefits
Your application will only be considered if you submit a separate PDF containing a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the position, together with a list of five viable book concepts and the people you would approach to write them.
Those who meet the requirements of the post and are interested in applying for this position may apply via the Media24 career portal by clicking on the link below:https://media24.simplify.hr/vacancy/tn9ri2
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 7 August 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Applicants who have not received a reply within two weeks of the closing date may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.
We reserve the right not to fill this position if a suitable candidate is not found.
In line with our employment equity guidelines, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups.