Editorial Assistant, Doubleday / Nonfiction

Job Description

Editorial Assistant, Doubleday / Nonfiction (Hybrid)

Doubleday Publishing Group, an imprint of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and a storied leader in commercial and literary publishing, seeks an Editorial Assistant.

Reporting to the Vice President & Nonfiction Editorial Director, the Editorial Assistant will provide general administrative and editorial support while learning about the overall editorial process and the inner workings of a publishing office. 

The Editorial Assistant will support the publication of non-fiction and will work closely with a roster of talented authors and their books, which recently has included Anne Applebaum's Autocracy, Inc., Julie Satow's When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, Charan Ranganath's Why We Remember, Molly Roden Winter's More, Peter Baker and Susan Glasser's The Divider, H. W. Brands' Founding Partisans, and Robert Kolker's Hidden Valley Road.

Daily responsibilities include comprehensive project support, manuscript reading, drafting cover copy, brainstorming creative publishing approaches, and supporting authors/books through the entire publication process. This position also acts as a liaison between authors, agents, and different departments within the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter with a wide range of reading taste who is invested in learning about the publishing industry and being part of a collaborative team. The ideal candidate will manage a diverse set of responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

The position of editorial assistant at Doubleday is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities three days a week, which will include but not be limited to executing mailings, participating in and contributing to in-person meetings with authors and agents, and providing office support by scheduling meetings, prepping for department and author meetings, managing expense reports, archiving, maintaining hard copy and electronic files, etc. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT, & PA).

For consideration, please apply using our ATS system and include your cover letter and resume. Here are some tips on how to apply for roles here at Penguin Random House.

The Role:
• Provides strong administrative support to the VP & Editorial Director (manages due dates, routes files, handles mailings, etc.)
• Conducts first reads of submitted manuscripts, logs submissions, and writes reader's reports and rejection letters.
• Develops editorial skills, including line and structural editing, under the guidance of the Editor
• Writes first draft of catalog, flap, and marketing copy; prepares title information sheets and updates online feeds of updated materials
• Attends editorial meetings and all relevant imprint meetings
• Acts as a liaison between authors, agents, and other in-house departments
• Coordinates the editorial and production process
• Creates financial statements and contract information sheets
• Collects sales data and provides competitive title research; brainstorms comparative titles and potential blurbers
• Manages paperback reprints of all hardcover titles
• Submits all business-related expenses and reimbursements

The Essentials:
• It is essential that the editorial assistant be an avid reader with a demonstrated interest in non-fiction across a broad spectrum of topics and keeps up with reading trends
• The ability to use your strong point of view and publishing acumen on books to provide analytical and marketplace feedback, both verbally and written
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to manage a high-volume email inbox timely and efficiently
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Superb organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve creatively
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe, and Google Drive
• Solutions-focused when met with challenges and can comfortably adapt to changes and anticipate needs once familiar with the role of an Editorial Assistant
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; publishing certification is a plus

The salary for this position is $48,000. 

Applications will be accepted through September 13, 2024.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

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-r7x9b9-3-138-67-129-42 in your application.