Editorial Assistant, Knopf Children's Books

Job Description

Editorial Assistant, Knopf Children's Books (Hybrid)

Editorial Assistant, Knopf Children's Books (Hybrid)

Are you organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and passionate about picturebooks? If so, become part of a team that's determined to put great books in the hands of young people of all ages!

Knopf Children's Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, seeks an Editorial Assistant to join our team. This position will assist the Editorial Director of Picture Books, also working on select graphic novels and illustrated chapter books. You will provide administrative support and editorial backup for a wide range of titles, gaining practical bookmaking knowledge while being mentored in how editors choose, nurture, and promote the authors they work with. A keen interest in children's books is a must. Previous experience in the field, either via internships or other work experience, is a plus.

Publishing a list of 75 frontlist books a year, Knopf Children's Books' list is a picture-book trove of bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators, as well as debuts and rising stars. We are dedicated to publishing stories that make kids laugh, feel, adventure, and learn. Knopf's list includes books such as Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Caldecott winner Hot Dog by Doug Salati, Swimmy by Leo Lionni, How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman; The Blur by Minh L ê , illustrated by Dan Santat; Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell, and Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka.
Our ideal candidate is highly motivated, enthusiastic about publishing, and enjoys reading broadly and often. We are looking for a detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter who loves books of all types and is invested in the process of bringing them to a wide readership, has strong writing and analytical skills, communicates clearly , is comfortable asking for help when needed, and wants to be an active participant on a collaborative team. If you can handle the details of immediately urgent tasks but also remember to step back, consider the big picture, and adjust your strategy when needed, you'll assume greater editorial responsibilities over time.

This hybrid position has occasional in-office responsibilities, including but not limited to in-office meetings, author visits or events, and daily ad hoc administrative projects. 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, & PA).

Please apply using our ATS system by April 4, 2024, and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House we recommend you review our applicant resources page and FAQs page.

The Role:
• Reads and evaluates manuscripts and writes reader reports for both submissions and books under contract
• Attends editorial meetings and offers creative input to the editorial team
• Drafts cover/flap and online copy, front matter, and Title Information sheets
• Tags and formats manuscripts and assists in reviewing books at different stages of production
• Performs administrative and clerical tasks such as ordering books for authors, applying for CIP Data with the Library of Congress, preparing copyright notices, and drafting contracts and payment requests.
• Assist in managing backlist titles, including identifying paperback reformat opportunities
• Research for special projects, including market research, illustrator research, photo research, etc.
• Help manage schedules and track due dates and inventory
• Assist with our social media account

The Essentials:
• A passion for children's literature, especially illustrated
• An avid and thoughtful reader
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal & written
• Ability to multitask and handle many projects at once
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Computer skills – MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of the cultural landscape and the initiative to stay abreast of trends and conversations in the industry

The salary for this position is $48,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and 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, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rv6mm7-3-17-128-129-42 in your application.