Editor - Children's/YA

About the role

This isn't a traditional editorial role. It's an opportunity to build a publishing list, champion new voices, and develop books that resonate with readers and drive commercial success. We're looking for someone who loves discovering authors, thinking strategically about the marketplace, and partnering across every stage of the publishing process—from acquisition through publication.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage your own publishing list across the Children’s + YA program
• Identify, acquire, and develop commercially successful children's, middle grade, and young adult titles
• Cultivate relationships with literary agents, authors, and publishing partners to identify new opportunities
• Present projects at acquisitions meetings and negotiate deals with authors and agents
• Develop manuscripts through developmental editing, positioning, and editorial guidance from acquisition through publication
• Shape each project's market positioning, including titles, subtitles, packaging, metadata, marketing copy, and sales materials
• Partner with Design, Production, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, and Content Delivery to successfully launch every title
• Analyze marketplace trends and competitive titles to help inform publishing strategy and future acquisitions
• Contribute to licensing opportunities, independent publishing partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives across the Children’s + YA program

Requirements

3–5+ years of publishing experience with editorial acquisitions and developmental editing experience

A passion for discovering new talent and building successful publishing programs

Strong editorial instincts and the ability to shape manuscripts for both readers and the marketplace

Experience managing multiple publishing projects from acquisition through publication

Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills

A commercial mindset paired with strong creative judgment

An entrepreneurial spirit—you enjoy taking ownership, solving problems, and helping build something bigger than yourself

A collaborative approach and excitement for working across departments

A genuine love of children's and young adult books

Qualifications

BA/BS degree in English, Publishing, Communications, or related field

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Excellent writing and editing skills

Strong organizational and project management skills

Skills

Strategic thinking

Market analysis

Author development

Collaboration

Benefits

Sourcebooks offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical/dental/vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending account, 401(k), short and long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, and generous paid time off.

Pay

$60,000 - $65,000

Schedule

Hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

Location

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume, portfolio, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter and portfolio will not be considered.