Job Description
Editorial Assistant, Portfolio, Sentinel, & Thesis (Open to Remote)
Editorial Assistant, Portfolio, Sentinel, & Thesis (Open to Remote)
Penguin Random House has an exciting job opening for an Editorial Assistant for the following imprints: Portfolio, Sentinel, and Thesis. The Assistant will provide administrative and editorial support to the Publisher and Editor-In-Chief and work on a diverse array of nonfiction.
We are a small group of friendly people with high standards and a sense of humor. Across three imprints, Portfolio, Sentinel, and Thesis, we publish a wide range of practical and idea-driven nonfiction in the business, politics, self-help, and social sciences categories. Past and current authors include Simon Sinek, Indra Nooyi, Seth Godin, Jordan Peterson, Ryan Holiday, Brian Kilmeade, John McWhorter, Greg Zuckerman, Annie Duke, John Doerr, Scott Galloway, Michael Dell, Rod Dreher, Julia Galef, Terry Crews, Marie Forleo, William D. Cohan, Ryder Carroll, Cal Newport, Katy Milkman, Arthur Brooks, Julie Zhou, Stacey Abrams, Laura Vanderkam, Brad Stulberg, Nick Bilton, General Stanley McChrystal, Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying, Allie Beth Stuckey, and Dave Rubin. We value our authors as collaborative partners, seeking long-term relationships over the course of many books with them.
For our assistants, we offer world-class hands-on training, support, mentorship, and access to a dynamic community of editors, authors, and agents. Our assistants are expected to start contributing to acquisitions, packaging, and editorial conversations from day one, and encouraged to develop independent relationships with authors and agents.
About You: You are an ambitious self-starter and persuasive communicator who is looking for an entry point to trade publishing. You can write in a range of styles and tones. You read everything you get your hands on. (Really, everything!) You love a good spreadsheet and feel satisfied when systems run smoothly. You understand why someone would pick up The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. You are insatiably curious and seek out viewpoints that challenge your own. You have strong opinions, loosely held.
Please apply using our ATS system and include your cover letter and resume for consideration.
The Role:
• Support the Publisher and Editor-In-Chief in running the imprint and editorial department
• Draft critical materials such as blurb requests, flap copy, TI sheets, editorial memos, and letters
• Keep track of contracts, deadlines, manuscripts, jackets, and other parts of the publication process
• Evaluate submissions and be ready to discuss them within 48 hours of receipt
• Read and share feedback on manuscripts in progress; line edit manuscripts and/or excerpts as needed
• Shepherd manuscripts through production, from styling to transmittal to trafficking materials back and forth with the author
• Collect data and maintain imprint databases on acquisitions, sales, contact information, and freelancers
• Organize major imprint happenings, including preparations for seasonal sales meetings and strategy sessions
• With supervision, take sole editorial ownership of 1-3 titles a year
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in marketing, publicity, rights, production, and design to ensure books are published to the highest standard
• Schedule meetings and meals; handle expense reports
• Other support tasks as needed
The Essentials:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow-up skills
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple assignments in a deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve creatively
• Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google Docs
• Prior office experience within book publishing a plus, but not required to succeed as an Editorial Assistant
The entry-level salary for this position is $45,000.
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-d2pqx6-54-234-6-167-42 in your application.