Editorial Assistant​/Assistant Editor, Alvina Ling Books

Description

Alvina Ling Books, an imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) is seeking an editorial assistant or assistant editor (depending on experience) who is passionate and knowledgeable about children’s book publishing to support the Publisher. The assistant is responsible for providing administrative and editorial support throughout all stages of the acquisition, editorial, and book making processes for picture books, middle grade, and young adult titles.

This is a NYC based role.

Please note:

HBG’s hybrid model is 3 days in-office, 2 days working from home.

• Perform administrative duties and prepare related materials for book projects through all stages of the editorial process from acquisition through final book, including but not limited to project-appropriate comp grids, profit-and-loss statements, contract forms, cost quotes, etc.
• Enter title data into proprietary database systems and actively maintain metadata throughout publishing process.
• Draft catalog, flap/cover and other descriptive copy and fact sheets that will be used to explain books to the sales and marketing departments, gatekeepers, and consumers.
• Read, report on, log in, track, and respond to submissions of projects targeted to children and young adults.
• Communicate professionally and efficiently with authors and agents about project status, payments, review news, etc.
• Liaise with internal departments within Little Brown Young Readers and HBG, including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales.
• Take ownership and keep careful track of project-specific and seasonal deadlines.
• Attend, prepare materials, and take/distribute minutes for editorial meetings, and marketing and sales meetings as required.
• Research book sales using internal and external databases.
• Participate in meetings and share insights about books and other products in the marketplace.

• The assistant editor level will manage all of the above, and in addition:
• will independently edit manuscripts and manage projects acquired and assigned by the Publisher, managing book projects through all phases from manuscript to bound book.
• will coordinate reprints and paperbacks/2nd formats independently
• develop an agent network and solicit submissions
• may acquire and manage 1-2 books annually for the imprint

The successful editorial assistant candidate will:

• Be highly organized, with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively while also ensuring accuracy of work through attention to detail
• Deliver a timely, accurate work product and demonstrate good follow up and follow through
• Be self-directed and able to work independently
• Possess excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Think holistically about a task as it pertains to the publishing process
• Be interested in learning and applying details of the publishing process to tasks.
• Be passionate, open minded, and curious about children’s literature
• Be able to work effectively with internal and external colleagues and creators at every level of seniority
• Demonstrate imagination, creativity, and original thinking
• Be comfortable using email, calendar management, and file management tools
• Possess solid computer skills, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Have some publishing experience (while not required, this is a plus)

The successful assistant editor candidate will:

• Have all of the above, and in addition, will have over 1 year of experience as an editorial assistant in a book publishing company
• Have experience editing manuscripts
• Show demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the children’s and YA book marketplace
• Have industry contacts, including literary agents

To be considered, please submit both a resume AND a cover letter. We ask for a cover letter so that we can understand how your skills or experience can apply to our open role. This position requires a proficiency in written communication, as such we cannot allow the use of any writing aids such as ChatGPT to complete your application materials.

Any use of AI will result in disqualification for the role.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that…