JOB VACANCY: MANAGING EDITOR

Closing date: 7th June 2026

The role

The Managing Editor is responsible for the successful delivery, development and ongoing management of Gutter, a biannual magazine publishing new fiction, non-fiction and poetry from Scotland and beyond. This role combines editorial judgement and organisational oversight, alongside responsibility for Gutter’s digital presence and contribution to its long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the wider editorial team and contributors, the Managing Editor ensures that each issue is produced to a high standard, on schedule, while also maintaining engagement with readers and the wider literary community.

While this is a flexible, home-working role, candidates are expected to be resident in Scotland, where Gutter is based. The time required for this position varies across the publication cycle, with more intensive working expected in the later stages of production. An average of 35 hours per month can be anticipated across the course of a year, with a fee of £4000 per issue.

Responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing the production of two issues per year

  • Soliciting contributions from established writers

  • Editing and proofreading work to a high standard

  • Coordinating with contributors, Guest Editors and the wider team

  • Working closely with the Distribution Manager on logistics

  • Identifying and resolving organisational or administrative issues

  • Chairing quarterly team meetings

  • Maintaining Gutter’s website and Substack newsletter

  • Managing Gutter’s email account and responding to enquiries

  • Liaising with the Social Media Manager and Reviews Editors on content scheduling and promotion

  • Leading on funding applications and long-term planning

  • Establishing partnerships with like-minded organisations

  • Acting as a key point of contact and ambassador for the magazine

A full Person Specification for this role can be downloaded here.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with this document before applying.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Gutter is committed to creating a more inclusive and representative publishing environment. We actively welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in the literary and publishing sectors, including those from BPoC backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, those from working-class backgrounds and those from beyond the Central Belt.

We recognise that not all candidates will meet every requirement listed in the person specification. If you feel you could bring valuable skills, experience, or perspective to the role, we encourage you to apply.

We are happy to discuss access requirements and will work with the successful candidate to support them in the role.

Please submit a CV and covering letter to contactguttermagazine@gmail.com with the subject heading ‘Managing Editor Application’ by 5pm on 7th June. Your covering letter should detail your suitability for this role and outline your vision for the future of the magazine. Interviews will be held in mid-July.