Senior or Executive Editor, Original Publishing

VIZ Media has been bringing the finest in manga, anime, and global entertainment to English‑speaking fans for nearly 40 years. The company’s catalog includes award‑winning manga, graphic novels, books, and anime titles available in print, digital, and collectible formats.

About the role

VIZ Media, the world leader in English‑language versions of manga and anime, is seeking a Senior or Executive Editor for its Original Publishing team. The Senior/Executive Editor will commission and acquire commercially appealing books with an emphasis on Asian pop culture and entertainment, spanning illustrated books, novelty formats, cooking, general‑interest non‑fiction, and more. Reporting to the Publishing Director, the editor will develop the trade list for the VIZ Media imprint, acquiring and editing approximately 10‑15 original books per year and providing significant creative ideation and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Manage new publishing projects from ideation to completion
• Identify opportunities and commission authors and other creatives
• Evaluate book proposals and build the commercial case for acquisition
• Undertake developmental and line edits, and collaborate on illustrated layouts
• Negotiate and manage relationships with agents and authors
• Engage with authors/agents throughout acquisition and production, ensuring approvals and contracts are in place
• Report on trends and audiences, highlighting potential new growth areas
• Establish and manage production schedules
• Collaborate with freelancers, copydesk, designers, art directors, and production
• Prepare sales and marketing materials as required

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant publishing industry experience, including senior editorial experience with both prose and complex, full‑color books
• Direct experience managing multiple concurrent projects from acquisition to completion
• Proven ability to deliver projects to deadline with minimal supervision; strong organization and prioritization skills
• Extensive experience managing freelance creative teams (designers, photographers, writers)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Creative problem‑solving, critical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrated initiative, multitasking ability, and capacity to manage competing priorities
• Understanding of and interest in the publishing, entertainment, and pop‑culture landscape; interest in anime and manga a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience

Benefits

• Partially subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with employer matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts – health and dependent care
• Commuter stipend for in‑office work
• Life Insurance/AD&D/STD/LTD and legal & ID theft insurance
• Group pet insurance rates
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and birthday holiday
• Philanthropy program with paid volunteer time off
• Wellness program with fitness membership discounts and reimbursement
• Full‑time casual dress
• Flexible work hours

Pay

$95,000 – $115,000 annually, depending on experience, plus additional variable compensation.

Schedule

Regular full‑time position (40 hours per week) with core hours of 10 am to 4 pm and flexibility outside core hours. The role is open to candidates residing in California, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, or Texas. If local to the San Francisco Bay Area, 1‑2 days per week onsite at the downtown San Francisco office; remote candidates should expect to travel to San Francisco 3‑4 times per year.