Books Reporter

About the role

The Wall Street Journal’s Features & WSJ Magazine team is looking for a reporter to write consumer‑facing book and literary‑world features, lively trend stories, and big‑industry news. The role focuses on authors, books, and readership for a general audience, blending deep reporting, sharp wit, and good taste to produce quick‑turn stories, analysis pieces, and enterprise features across lifestyle, entertainment, culture, and ideas.

Responsibilities

• Report, write, and fact‑check an average of four stories each month about books, literary trends, authors, and key players in the book world.
• Generate highly shareable, witty story ideas with clear news value and thoughtful execution.
• Leverage a well‑developed roster of industry contacts to garner scoops, identify trends, and develop features.
• Toggle between detail‑driven enterprise pieces and whimsical, humor‑infused features.
• Collaborate with senior feature storytellers, enterprise and business teams, and the Media bureau on publishing‑related stories.
• Uncover and develop stories that others aren’t chasing, amplifying author profiles, fan trends, and literary movements.
• Incorporate audience data and metrics while maintaining strong editorial taste.
• Ensure all stories meet The Wall Street Journal’s voice, tone, standards, and ethical policies.
• Pitch and write long‑lead, exclusive interviews and narrative storytelling for WSJ Magazine.

Qualifications

• 4–8 years of experience covering a relevant beat, including news, reported feature stories, and enterprise or long‑form feature storytelling.
• Proven ability to find unexpected angles on fast‑moving news and to craft book‑world stories that appeal to a broad audience.
• Strong sense of humor and a track record of clever, intelligent story approaches.
• Meticulous fact‑checking and attention to detail, minimizing corrections.
• Sharp understanding of digital audiences and visual storytelling across platforms.
• Collaborative, team‑player attitude with an upbeat outlook and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability to work in New York office and report to the Bureau Chief of Entertainment & Arts within the Features team.

Pay

Base Pay Range: $120,000 – $150,000. Compensation is competitive and flexible, varying based on experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Bonus eligibility is determined by market benchmarks and individual contributions.

Benefits

A comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and additional optional benefits to meet diverse employee needs.

Schedule

Full‑time position based in the New York office.