Associate Editor, Running Press
SUMMARY:
Running Press, a division of Hachette Book Group, is a leading publisher of illustrated books, stationery, and mini kits in the categories of Licensed Publishing, Pop Culture, Entertainment, Humor, Body, Mind & Spirit, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, and Gift. We are seeking an Associate Editor to join our highly creative and collaborative team to support a Senior Editor and Licensing Manager, and also acquire and edit titles for the adult market, with a special focus in licensing, pop culture, and entertainment.
This position is based in our Philadelphia office. Please note our current hybrid model is two days per week in the office. Effective in January 2025, HBG’s hybrid model will be 3 days in-office, 2 days working from home.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with licensors, literary agents, authors, artists, and other creative communities with the goal of acquiring books for Running Press.
- Brainstorm and develop projects based on pop culture brands and lifestyle trends, with a vision for creating products that connect with fan communities.
- Edit and develop manuscripts and guide projects through all stages of the editorial process.
- Participate in brainstorming meetings and share ideas for books, stationery, and other related products.
- Work with licensors, authors, and agents to craft concepts and bring projects through all stages of approval.
- Serve as a public voice for projects, from initial acquisition meetings through sales conference presentations.
- Interact professionally with licensors, freelancers, authors and their literary agents, and work closely and collaboratively with internal departments within Running Press and Hachette, including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales.
- Draft descriptive copy that will be used to explain and position books to the sales and marketing departments, as well as write consumer-facing descriptive copy.
- Create materials for pitching to licensors, such as creative concept decks, deal memos, and financial proposals.
- Research trends, formats, and book sales to aid in acquisition and development, using internal and external databases.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
The successful candidate will:
- Have 3+ years editorial experience in book, magazine, or digital publishing. Candidates with experience working in licensing or the arts or entertainment fields or other content-rich media spaces with demonstrated editorial proficiency are also encouraged to apply.
- Have a strong interest in publishing, licensing, books, stationery, and related products.
- Demonstrate imagination, creativity, and original thinking, and be open-minded and curious about visual and popular culture.
- Be able to identify entertainment properties, fan communities, market trends, and formats that can be developed into compelling books and products.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communications skills, including comfort speaking publicly.
- Be highly organized, capable of multi-tasking, and detail-oriented.
- Be able to work effectively with colleagues at every level of seniority.
- Be self-motivated and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and independently.
- Embrace all aspects of the creative process, including brainstorming, editorial development, and determining a design/physical package.
- Be comfortable with teamwork and coordinating team projects that will include designers, writers/authors, and freelancers.
- Be comfortable using email, calendar management, and file management tools.
- Be familiar with Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel or other like tools, and have a strong understanding of line editing, and familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style or other style guides.
How to Apply: 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.
As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The compensation range for this position is $48,000-$52,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.