Editorial Assistant - Kwame Alexander Books

We Are Seeking

We are seeking a dynamic and imaginative Editorial Assistant to support the newest imprint at Sourcebooks, Kwame Alexander Books. Our ideal candidate loves and is knowledgeable about the current market, has superior interpersonal and written communication skills, and a desire to learn both the art of book making and the business of book publishing.

About the Role

The Editorial Assistant will provide editorial support including reading and evaluating manuscripts both on submission and under contract. They will assist with preparation of acquisitions materials, such as sales and competitive title research, acquisitions memos, and drafting contract paperwork. They will work closely with design, managing editorial, marketing, and production teams to ensure the smooth execution of book projects from concept to publication.

Responsibilities

• Provide editorial support including reading and evaluating manuscripts both on submission and under contract.
• Aid in the preparation of acquisitions materials, including sales and competitive title research, acquisitions memos, and drafting contract paperwork.
• Work closely with design, managing editorial, marketing, and production teams to ensure the smooth execution of book projects from concept to publication.
• Draft book copy, including title sheets, flap description, selling copy, catalog copy, and selling points.
• Conduct positioning research and handle reprint corrections.
• Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings, processing expense reports, payments, and invoices.
• Maintain pipeline grids and upcoming deadlines.
• Update author files, handle paperwork for and track book contracts, order contract copies, and update online metadata fields (descriptions, bios, reviews, etc.) for current, forthcoming, and backlist titles.
• Create positive and collaborative relationships with internal teams as well as authors, illustrators, and other external partners.
• Stay informed about current trends and developments in children’s books, as well as emerging technologies and platforms in the publishing industry.

Requirements

• A college degree and/or equivalent work or internship experience.
• A passion for children’s books, knowledge of the marketplace, and keen interest in learning about the business of publishing.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong desire to grow in book and product development.
• Proven ability to set priorities under pressure and multi-task; must be highly organized, flexible, patient, and detail oriented.
• A strong knowledge of book production processes from conception to publication will be a strong asset in this role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Airtable, Canva, Illustrator, InDesign, or Procreate a plus but not necessary.
• A positive attitude that will gel with our friendly, hardworking, collaborative team.

What You Bring

• A college degree and/or equivalent work or internship experience.
• A passion for children’s books, knowledge of the marketplace, and keen interest in learning about the business of publishing.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong desire to grow in book and product development.
• Proven ability to set priorities under pressure and multi-task; must be highly organized, flexible, patient, and detail oriented.
• A strong knowledge of book production processes from conception to publication will be a strong asset in this role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Airtable, Canva, Illustrator, InDesign, or Procreate a plus but not necessary.
• A positive attitude that will gel with our friendly, hardworking, collaborative team.

Qualifications

• College degree and/or equivalent work or internship experience.
• A passion for children’s books, knowledge of the marketplace, and keen interest in learning about the business of publishing.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong desire to grow in book and product development.
• Proven ability to set priorities under pressure and multi-task; must be highly organized, flexible, patient, and detail oriented.
• A strong knowledge of book production processes from conception to publication will be a strong asset in this role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Airtable, Canva, Illustrator, InDesign, or Procreate a plus but not necessary.
• A positive attitude that will gel with our friendly, hardworking, collaborative team.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to set priorities under pressure and multi-task; must be highly organized, flexible, patient, and detail oriented.
• Knowledge of book production processes from conception to publication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Airtable, Canva, Illustrator, InDesign, or Procreate (optional).

Benefits

This is a non-exempt salaried position with a range of $22.00 - $25.00/hourly. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s 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, 401(k), Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, and generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.