Editor, Kodansha

Job Description

Editor, Kodansha (Manga)

Penguin Random House Publisher Services is seeking an editor to oversee manga titles on behalf of our client Kodansha Comics. Since it began publishing in 2009, the Kodansha Comics imprint has been a runaway success, with hits including Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Battle Angel Alita, and AKIRA vaulting it into the top ranks of global English-language graphic novel publishers. The successful candidate will have a knowledge of and passion for comics and Japanese culture, excellent English-language editing and writing skills, and strong professional organization. They will be excited for the challenge of editing manga translations in a variety of genres and age categories.

Responsibilities:
• Work with translators and designers to complete English-language manga localizations at a high standard of quality.
• Review printer proofs of covers and interiors.
• Work with the managing editorial team to complete the above tasks on time.
• Periodically develop proposals, in collaboration with the client and PRH publishing and production teams, for successful print manga, including recommended licenses, formats, cover designs, and other specifications.
• Help identify target consumers and key selling points and write cover copy for new acquisitions.
• Suggest English-language book titles, author name spellings, and BISAC codes and check editorial metadata for new acquisitions.
• Support marketing activities for assigned titles as necessary.
• Contribute to recruitment efforts and suggest updates to editorial processes and style guides.
• Work alongside six other editors, fielding difficult localization or technical questions according to seniority and skills.

Requirements:
• Experience in manga or graphic novel publishing or a related field (including but not limited to periodicals publishing, game or anime localization, or literary translation)
• Aptitude in written Japanese sufficient to evaluate potential titles, correct translation errors, and understand conversational nuance
• Writing ability and judgment necessary to craft localizations that replicate the Japanese reading experience closely for a reader of English
• Unquenchable passion for Japanese comics
• Impeccable organizational skills that help the candidate set priorities calmly under pressure and become accustomed to workflow tools such as Filemaker and Box
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite or ability to learn

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gwbbkn-3-14-248-120-42 in your application.