Staff Writer

The Atlantic • Washington DC, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Atlantic is seeking an ambitious and experienced reporter for the Books desk to cover the biggest ideas and developments in the publishing and literary realm. This writer will produce stories that explain how books shape—and are shaped by—the culture and politics of the world around us. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in magazine journalism, obsessed with clarity and accuracy, and deeply curious about books of every genre and style. You’ll be eager to report on debates, controversies, and hidden corners in the world of books. You will be just as interested in investigating the popularity of romance and fanfiction , or a particular kind of self-help , as you are in the story behind a suddenly timely classic, or a dishy memoir everyone’s talking about (or will be in six months). And you’ll develop approaches—whether for timely dispatches, trend stories, or profiles—that don’t merely serve the marketing or publicity cycle. You’ll always be eager to break news that matters far beyond the industry bubble, but in ways that bring a magazine sensibility to a competitive digital environment. The role will require you to move very quickly when the moment calls for it, without sacrificing rigor, and to understand that the best work comes through collaboration. You should strive to locate the most exciting and complex ideas and deliver them in stylish, accessible prose for a wide audience.

Requirements

• Substantial experience as a reporter in cultural fields.
• A dogged instinct for reporting and an appreciation of a wide spectrum of books is mandatory.
• Facility with the standards, ethics, and rigors of journalism.
• Deep familiarity with The Atlantic.
• Impeccable news judgment and the ability to craft an argument even within a piece of breaking news.
• Sophisticated writing skills, with a facility for communicating compelling ideas to a general-interest audience.
• Interest in and openness to a wide variety of views and perspectives.
• A proven ability to meet deadlines and switch gears as needed.
• Close attention to detail and high standards for accuracy.
• Must be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Accommodation may be available for those unable to receive the vaccine due to disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief.

Nice To Haves

• A history on the books beat is very welcome but not a must.

Responsibilities

• Produce stories that explain how books shape—and are shaped by—the culture and politics of the world around us.
• Report on debates, controversies, and hidden corners in the world of books.
• Investigate the popularity of romance and fanfiction, or a particular kind of self-help.
• Develop approaches for timely dispatches, trend stories, or profiles that don’t merely serve the marketing or publicity cycle.
• Break news that matters far beyond the industry bubble, but in ways that bring a magazine sensibility to a competitive digital environment.
• Move very quickly when the moment calls for it, without sacrificing rigor.
• Locate the most exciting and complex ideas and deliver them in stylish, accessible prose for a wide audience.
• Communicate effectively with editors as well as the deep bench of sources you’ll be cultivating.

Benefits

• The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities.
• Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed