Editorial Assistant/Assistant Editor - Children’s Books

Position Summary

The imprint Alvina Ling Books of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is looking for an Editorial Assistant or Assistant Editor, depending on experience, who is deeply passionate and knowledgeable about children's publishing. This role supports the Publisher with administrative and editorial tasks covering acquisition, editorial, and production stages of picture books, middle grade, and young adult titles.

The position is based in New York City following a hybrid work schedule: three days in-office and two days remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support and prepare project-specific materials throughout editorial stages, including creating comp grids, profit and loss statements, contract documents, and cost estimates.
• Enter and maintain comprehensive title data and metadata in proprietary database systems during publishing lifecycle.
• Write descriptive promotional content such as catalog copy, flap/cover blurbs, and fact sheets used by sales, marketing, gatekeepers, and consumers.
• Read, track, log, and respond to manuscript submissions targeted at children and young adults.
• Maintain professional communication with authors and agents on project progress, payment status, and review updates.
• Collaborate regularly with internal teams including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales.
• Keep diligent records of project and seasonal deadlines, and take ownership of timely task completion.
• Prepare materials and take minutes for editorial, marketing, and sales meetings as required.
• Research book sales data using internal and external resources.
• Participate actively in meetings and provide market insights regarding books and publishing products.

Additional responsibilities for the Assistant Editor level:

• Independently edit manuscripts and manage assigned book projects through all production stages from manuscript to final print.
• Coordinate reprints and paperback or secondary format editions autonomously.
• Develop and maintain a network of literary agents and actively solicit submissions.
• Potentially acquire and oversee 1-2 books annually for the imprint.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional organizational skills with capacity to juggle multiple priorities effectively while ensuring accuracy.
• Reliable and timely delivery of quality work with strong follow-up and completion traits.
• Ability to work independently and self-direct tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Holistic understanding of tasks within the broader publishing context.
• A genuine eagerness to learn publishing processes and apply knowledge diligently.
• Passion for and open curiosity about children’s literature and storytelling.
• Ability to collaborate constructively with colleagues and creators at various seniority levels.
• Creativity, imagination, and original thinking skills.
• Comfort and proficiency in using email, calendar, and file management tools.
• Strong computer literacy including Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Previous publishing experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional qualifications for Assistant Editor applicants:

• Over one year of editorial assistant experience in book publishing.
• Demonstrated manuscript editing experience.
• Strong interest and market knowledge of children’s and YA book segments.
• Established industry connections, especially literary agents.

Salary & Benefits

Compensation ranges from $52,500 for Editorial Assistant roles to $55,500 for Assistant Editors, varying by experience, skills, and location. Some overtime may be required during high workload periods or special projects.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage; life and disability insurance; critical illness and hospital indemnity plans; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefits; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement; travel assistance; 401(k); discretionary bonuses; paid time off including vacation, personal days, holidays, and sick leave; plus group discounts on auto/home insurance and legal services. Eligibility may depend on job classification, work hours, and tenure.

Company Values & Equal Opportunity

Hachette Book Group values diverse voices and perspectives as foundational to its mission and commits to publishing programs reflecting a broad spectrum of backgrounds and ideas.

Equal employment opportunities are provided to all without discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected characteristics. The policy covers all employment terms and conditions.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter explaining how their background suits the role. Proficiency in written communication is essential; use of AI writing tools for application materials will disqualify candidates.