Editor / Senior Editor – Random House Children’s Books (Hybrid)

Apply now!•New York, NY

1d•$77,500 - $85,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Penguin Random House, the leading Publishing house globally, understands the critical role children’s books play in creating lifelong readers. Random House Children’s Books is thrilled to be growing our creative team with the addition of an editor or a senior editor in the BFYR imprint, focusing on picture books. As the newest Editor, you’ll work on acquiring and developing picture books and young formats that will engage a variety of young children. Your mission will be to establish new series and grow existing brands and talent, with formats specifically targeting mass-market and retail distribution. We are looking for someone with a retail-minded viewpoint, who will build a list of books that kids and families want to reach for over and over again. You’ll acquire and edit books for ages 0-7, board, novelty, and picture book, and there will be opportunity for IP work and to franchise successful brands into Early Readers (Step Into Reading) as well. You will be supported by a collaborative team in an innovative group, to help bring your creative ideas to reality. We are looking for someone with a successful commercial picture book track and established relationships, who is excited to focus on illustrated formats, stay on market trends, and innovate and distinguish the Random House list with kid-friendly ideas and creative bookmaking. We are home to such beloved creators and series as Emily Winfield Martin, Magic Tree House, Junie B. Jones, Richard Scarry, and even newcomers like Coco Wyo; we are passionate about creating books that kids adore and see themselves in! If you love children’s books and are an energetic self-starter who is eager to be part of a commercially minded and collaborative team, come join us in making books that turn kids into readers.

Requirements

4+ years children's books editorial experience, with proven track for acquiring and editing successful picture books and young illustrated work.
Excellent writing and copywriting skills
Ability to think creatively and come up with ideas for expanding children’s book characters and worlds
Strong interpersonal skills, in order to collaborate with authors, illustrators, and agents, as well as colleagues within Editorial, Design, Sales and Marketing
Strong attention to detail while working to multiple deadlines as you’re going to be integral to keeping books on track!
Proficiency in Microsoft Office across the usual suspects, Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as Teams.
Comfortable in the virtual environment

Nice To Haves

Spanish language fluency a plus, though not a necessity, as there is opportunity to work on books in Spanish

Responsibilities

Edit approximately 10-15 new books per year, some of which you’ll identify through new and creative avenues
Oversee all editorial aspects of book development, including manuscript generation and acquisition; liaising with art directors to provide illustration; copywriting including cover, metadata, and other marketing copy as required
Generate book ideas for preschool and early elementary ages through market analysis and identifying gaps in the market
Maintain publishing/production schedules and meet deadlines while collaborating with multiple teams
Participate in brainstorms and editorial meetings
Present titles at sales meetings and across the division
Keep abreast of retail trends, self-publishing trends, and children’s media / interests in order to keep us up-to-date on the marketplace’s demands (read trade publications and competitors' books; visit bookstores; watch children’s media; etc.)