Commissioning Editor
Advises a publishing house on which books to publish and manages authors under contract.
Overview
A Commissioning Editor advises a publishing house on which books to publish. A Commissioning Editor also performs a managerial role to authors under contract. He/she ensures the timely submission of scripts to the publishing house and also makes sure that the deadline is strictly followed in book publishing.
Where they work
- Newspaper houses
- News agencies
- Magazines
- Websites
- Publishing houses
- Advertising companies
- Radio and TV stations
Work environment
Your work will mainly be office-based with some outside visits for meetings. Work practices are increasingly dependent on the internet and web-based technologies, and working hours typically include extra hours.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have good verbal and written communication skills
- You possess a sharp eye for detail
- You have sound analytical skills
- You can handle pressure well
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any subject combination.
- 2Pursue a Bachelor's degree preferably in Mass Communication/Publishing/Digital Publishing
Alternative route 2
- 1Pursue a Bachelor's degree in any discipline and opt for a Master's degree in Mass Communication/Media Science
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Mass Communication/Digital Media.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions, entrance exams are conducted by institutions such as the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jamia Millia Islamia University, GGSIPU CET, University of Delhi and so on. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Mass Communication/Mass Media. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- NSHM School of Media and Design, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Institute of Creative Excellence, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Garden City University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Sophia College for Women, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Editorial Assistant
- 2Assistant Editor
- 3Commissioning Editor
- 4Senior Commissioning Editor
- 5Editorial Director
Expected income
₹42,000 – ₹87,500 per month and more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Editor
Scrutinises written material for a book or newspaper and shapes it into its best possible version.
Publisher
Liaises with media and publishing houses to get an author's work published, and may edit it too.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Languages.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 85 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/commissioning-editor-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card has no "Example from the field" panel — the space is taken by an illustration — so no profile is shown for this career.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.