Senior Editor (NYC Hybrid)
About The Position
Leading romance publisher Harlequin Books is looking for a trend-forward senior editor to solicit, acquire, and edit romance fiction across all sub-genres for trade and digital-first audiences, and guide the manuscripts through all stages of publication. This creative, hands-on editor will have a dedication to compelling storytelling; an interest in publishing a wide range of voices and subgenres, including spicy and queer romance; a deep knowledge of romance trends and audiences; a record of acquiring commercially successful projects; a passion for author care; and an understanding of multiple publication formats, from print to digital, audio, and beyond.
Requirements
- 5+ years’ editorial experience in commercial fiction with a proven track record for acquisition and publication of profitable projects in the romance space
- A keen eye for commercial, compelling books with sales potential
- Excellent editorial, copy writing and presentation skills
- Excellent negotiation skills, with knowledge of standard publishing contracts and P&Ls
- Broad range of agent, author and industry contacts
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization
- A curious, collaborative mindset that welcomes adaptability and innovation
- A drive for results plus the ability to work independently and set priorities under pressure
Responsibilities
- For trade, acquire and edit lead-level projects with commercial, bestselling potential in line with the imprint’s vision
- For digital, acquire and edit projects serving emerging fandoms in the romance market
- Collaborate directly with authors of varying experience levels to elevate their storytelling through diplomatic, constructive feedback that respects their voice and lived experience
- Brainstorm, develop, and edit commercial, data-driven IP projects and coordinate with authors to write them
- Perform all editorial functions, including evaluating proposals, developmental and line editing, and a deep understanding of structure, pacing, dialogue, and character arcs
- Oversee books through all phases of publication from acquisition to on-sale and beyond, acting as the in-house liaison with internal departments, i.e., marketing, publicity, sales, art, production, contracts, etc.
- Develop and execute a clear and commercial publishing vision for titles, including launch presentations, cover direction, catalog copy, art briefs, and more
- Keep an eye on current cultural trends and the competitive marketplace, and develop book ideas with broad sales potential
- Foster existing and new agent relationships and negotiate contracts
- Act as a key representative for the imprint both internally and externally with agents, authors, and industry colleagues, with occasional attendance at conferences
- May share supervision of 1-2 direct reports
Benefits
- The opportunity to be part of a company on the leading edge of publishing, working with a very talented team and exceptional books
- Summer Hours from late May to early September
- Hybrid work, flexible start/stop times
- Work from anywhere 4 weeks per year!
- Paid time off days and vacation allotment, starting at three weeks (prorated based on start date)
- Flexible benefit plans to fit your needs and pension matching
- Working with passionate people!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
