Editorial Assistant, Penn State University Press

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Penn State University Press as an Editorial Assistant, supporting the acquisition and development of scholarly and trade books through peer review coordination, manuscript preparation, and contract administration. The Editorial Assistant will have the opportunity to work on book projects in a range of subject areas from highly specialized to general interest as they support two editors acquiring up to 50 new titles per year. They will learn about all aspects of book acquisitions while gaining insight into the workings of other Press departments, including Sales and Marketing, and Editorial, Design, and Production. This is a demanding but exciting job at a reputable university press, and excellent training for any career path in publishing.

Requirements

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Demonstrated willingness to engage with subject matter across varied academic disciplines and fields
• Detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and able to prioritize a large volume of work effectively
• Ability to work independently with initiative in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Capacity to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team goals
• Ability to lead, mentor, or influence others through collaboration and example
• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full peer review process for proposals and manuscripts, including recruiting reviewers, coordinating materials and deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, tracking reviews, summarizing recommendations, and initiating reviewer payments.
• Route and track new book contracts through electronic signature systems and monitor fulfillment of contractual obligations such as payments and gratis copies.
• Prepare manuscripts for production by creating castoffs, production estimates, front matter, and Profit and Loss statements; evaluating manuscript and illustration files for quality and style compliance; and organizing third-party permissions.
• Support acquisitions editors with contractual and approval workflows by preparing materials for interdepartmental and faculty board meetings, drafting cover sheets, tracking required components, and documenting meeting outcomes.
• Collaborate with editorial assistants on the hiring, training, and oversight of a departmental intern.
• Maintain accurate project records across shared drives and title management systems for all projects under consideration.
• Serve as a point of contact for authors, responding to inquiries from manuscript submission through transmittal to production.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level