In book publishing, a commissioning editor is essentially a buyer. It is the job of the commissioning editor to advise the publishing house on which books to publish. Usually the actual decision of whether to contract a book is taken by a senior manager rather than the editor.

What does a commissioning editor do?

Commissioning editors buy authors, book titles or ideas for publication. Their aim is to build up a publisher's list and secure profitable material. They commission work by finding authors or responding to book proposals from authors and agents. Their role is rather like that of a buyer.

What is a commissioning editor in a publishing house?

A commissioning editor is a dual role of both finding manuscripts and then helping the other publishers realise their vision. But editing roles are different at different publishing houses.