Assistant Editor, Simon & Schuster Books

Job Description

Posted Monday, June 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Simon & Schuster is seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious, and highly organized Assistant Editor to join the editorial team of our flagship imprint, with a focus on fiction publishing. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with acclaimed and emerging authors while supporting a dynamic editorial list spanning upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, and literary fiction.

The ideal candidate is a passionate reader with sharp editorial instincts, strong administrative skills, and a deep curiosity about the contemporary fiction marketplace. This person should be eager to contribute creatively to the acquisition, development, and publication of standout fiction titles while building a long-term career in trade publishing.

• Provide administrative and editorial support to senior editors and editorial leadership
• Manage schedules, submissions, contracts, author correspondence, and departmental communications
• Read and evaluate manuscript submissions, proposals, and sample material
• Draft reader’s reports, competitive title analyses, flap copy, title information sheets, and acquisition materials
• Assist in preparing books for publication, including coordinating with authors, agents, copy editors, designers, production teams, and marketing/publicity departments
• Participate in editorial meetings, acquisitions discussions, and brainstorming sessions
• Track market trends, bestselling titles, emerging voices, and genre developments across the fiction landscape
• Support author relationships and contribute to maintaining a positive author experience throughout the publishing process
• Help manage deadlines and workflows across multiple projects at varying stages of development
• Represent the imprint professionally with agents, authors, and internal stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Prior publishing, media, editorial, bookselling, agency, or related assistant experience preferred
• Demonstrated passion for upmarket fiction, commercial fiction and literary fiction
• Strong editorial judgment and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset
• Familiarity with the current fiction marketplace, including bestselling authors, genre trends, and reader communities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general publishing workflows

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job‑related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable.

Additionally, employees have access to our industry‑first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.