Editorial Assistant, Riverhead (On-Site)

About the role

Riverhead Books, an imprint at Penguin Random House, seeks an Editorial Assistant to provide administrative and editorial support to two editors – one Editor in Chief and one Executive Editor -- working on both narrative non-fiction and literary fiction. We're looking for an organized, detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter with very strong writing and communication skills to provide all-around project support for all stages of the publishing process.

Responsibilities

• Helps shepherd projects and authors through the publication process, from acquisition to finished book, ensuring that authors and others have needed materials in timely fashion.
• Anticipates deadlines for and assists in drafting, with editor, the supporting materials for titles (TI sheets, galley copy, flap copy, reading group guides, audio scripts, etc.) as needed for a variety of in-house and consumer-facing uses.
• Assists with mailings, expense reports, and other administrative tasks.
• Works closely with other departments (marketing, publicity, rights, sales) to provide needed materials and other assistance.
• Regularly monitors and updates key information and metadata, thinking critically about metadata changes needed through the life of the book.
• Helps editors track and evaluate submissions; writes reader's reports and rejection letters; researches competitive titles and creates basic P&Ls on prospective titles.
• Reads projects under contract and provides editorial feedback to editors upon request.

Qualifications

• Prior office experience required; related internship preferred
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong communication and follow-up skills
• Strong writing skills
• Strong reading and analytical skills
• Strong multitasking and problem-solving skills
• Attentive to detail
• Interest in and enthusiasm for book publishing
• Strong PC skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Some knowledge of contemporary fiction or nonfiction a plus

Pay & Schedule

The salary for this position is $55,000.00. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results. This is an on-site position with in-office responsibilities (5 days a week). We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, and NY). Applications for this role will be accepted through August 6, 2026 or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we review applications on a rolling basis. Please include your resume and cover letter for consideration.