BOOK EDITER JOB DESCRIPTION

A clean manuscript is the floor, not the finish line. Book Editors in trade and independent publishing are expected to shepherd a title from raw draft through licensor sign-off, interior layout approval, and final print-ready files, all while keeping schedules intact across multiple simultaneous projects. The role answers to both internal production teams and external publishing partners, including literary agents and rights holders. Developmental judgment and production discipline belong to this seat in a way they do not to adjacent roles focused only on acquisition or copy review.

As the Book Editer, you are responsible for the editorial integrity and production progress of multiple titles per year, from manuscript-level editing through final file submission to print and digital channels. You work across authors, designers, freelance translators, and licensing partners, with scope spanning commercial fiction, non-fiction, and specialized publishing categories depending on the imprint.

Career Impact: Hands-on ownership of titles through every editorial stage builds the kind of cross-functional publishing expertise, spanning developmental editing to print production, that distinguishes senior candidates in a competitive trade publishing market.

Business Impact: The accuracy of each title's manuscript, metadata, and licensor-approved files determines whether a book ships on schedule and meets contractual obligations to rights holders and retail partners.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to developmental editing, editorial assessment, query-letter review, and freelance team management in a single role creates a direct path toward Managing Editor or Editorial Director positions within trade or independent publishing.

• Edit manuscripts for word choice, cadence, voice, and clarity, applying house style grounded in the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Review interior page proofs and printer materials to ensure formatting accuracy and consistency before publication.
• Source, assign, and schedule freelance translators, writers, and other contributors needed for each title.
• Coordinate with designers and compositors on jacket, cover, and interior layout creation to meet brand and licensor standards.
• Manage individual title schedules to keep multiple projects on track against internal and external deadlines.
• Prepare and submit draft materials to licensors or rights holders for approval, addressing any feedback or requirements.
• Produce jacket copy, title information sheets, and other promotional content required for each seasonal list.
• Maintain transmittal memos, style sheets, and glossaries to ensure consistency across a title and series.

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, linguistics, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of book editorial experience, with demonstrated ability to manage manuscripts from draft through production.
• Strong English-language editing and writing skills, including command of the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Meticulous attention to detail and the organizational ability to track multiple titles simultaneously.
• Experience working with authors, agents, and freelance contributors in a professional publishing context.
• Ability to communicate clearly with both internal teams and external partners, including rights holders and licensors.
• Knowledge of copyright principles and the ability to identify potentially infringing material within manuscripts.

• 5 or more years of editorial experience with exposure to developmental editing or editorial assessment services.
• Foreign-language reading proficiency sufficient to evaluate translated manuscripts for accuracy and consistency.
• Familiarity with cataloging-in-publication requirements and title metadata standards used in trade publishing.
• Established contacts within publishing houses, literary agencies, or among commercially published authors.

Number of titles delivered on schedule per season, reflecting project management effectiveness across simultaneous projects.

Licensor revision rounds per title, measuring how well submissions meet rights-holder standards on first pass.

Manuscript error rate at layout stage, tracking the thoroughness of editorial review before files reach designers.

Freelance team turnaround time, reflecting how efficiently sourced contributors complete assigned work within budget.

Jacket and promotional copy approval rate, measuring how often sales collateral clears without substantive revision.

Typical tools: Word processing and track-changes software (commonly Microsoft Word), desktop publishing software (commonly Adobe InDesign and Acrobat)

• Base Salary Range: $52,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on seniority and imprint size
• Bonus: modest discretionary bonus tied to seasonal list performance
• Equity: not typical for this role in trade publishing
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage through employer plan
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: Employee book discounts, professional development stipend, hybrid work schedule

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks are a standard condition of employment for this position, and offers are contingent on successful completion. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Book Editer at Penguin Random House Publisher Services owns the full editorial production pipeline for Square Enix Manga and Books, executing localization duties across approximately twenty titles per year, from manuscript editing and page proofs to printer materials and digital files. Working closely with the Associate Design Director, freelance designers, translators, and the Managing Editor, the Book Editer shapes print and digital output that meets both licensor standards and English-language reader expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute all editorial duties involved in the localization and production of books and manga for English-language readers, including editing manuscripts and page proofs.
• Guide interior page design and typesetting, and review printer materials and digital proofs to ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency.
• Ensure that all book and promotional content conforms to style sheets, glossaries, and branding guides on an individual property basis.
• Source, assign, and schedule teams of translators, writers, and other freelance roles as needed to produce each work.
• Work with the Associate Design Director and freelance designers on the creation of jackets, covers, interior pages, and all other book components.
• Manage individual title schedules to keep projects on track and meet both internal and external deadlines.
• Produce sales and promotional copy, including jacket and cover text, title information sheets, and other sales collateral as required for each seasonal list.
• Coordinate with the Managing Editor to ensure that title metadata and materials for cataloging-in-publication applications are complete and correct.
• Prepare and submit material drafts to Japanese licensor for approval, and address any licensor requirements or concerns.
• Work with Production staff to prepare and submit final files for print and digital book production.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of book editorial experience, or translation, writing, or editing experience in an adjacent field.
• Excellent English-language editing and writing skills.
• Japanese-language skills sufficient to evaluate translations for accuracy and consistency.
• Meticulous attention to detail and robust organizational abilities.
• Proven ability to manage time, prioritize deadlines, and balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate clearly and interact professionally with both internal staff and external partners, frequently in a cross-cultural context.
• Strong interest in video games and manga.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign and Acrobat.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite, specifically Word, Outlook, and Teams.

Reporting to masthead leadership, the Book Editer leads the books desk and The New York Times Book Review, shaping both daily digital coverage and the storied print journal to reach and inform a growing audience of readers across every platform. Partnering with a team of critics, reporters, and editors, the Book Editer sets desk goals, advances diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, and drives the cultural conversation around books.

Core Functions

• Lead and shape coverage for Books and The New York Times Book Review.
• Create a culture of collaboration and creativity, managing a team of talented journalists.
• Support team development, culture, and morale, being accountable for the success and development of direct reports and their respective teams.
• Collaborate with masthead leadership on hiring, staffing, and budget.
• Collaborate with others in the newsroom on ambitious projects, packages, and products.
• Set goals for the desk and drive the team toward success.
• Take responsibility for the desk's role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of five years of experience as an editorial leader.
• A passion for running books coverage and criticism for a large and varied audience.
• A talent for nimbly identifying, developing, and delivering news and information to readers and driving coverage around books.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the books industry and its major players.

Embedded within a collaborative publishing team, the Book Editer executes line editing, copy editing, fact-checking, and interior layout review across manuscripts, working to house style grounded in the Chicago Manual of Style. Working closely with authors, designers, compositors, and agents, the Book Editer delivers accurate, polished books while managing scheduling, copyright review, and jacket copy for each title.

Primary Duties

• Execute line editing, copy editing, and fact-checking of manuscripts to fine-tune word choice, cadence, voice, and clarity of meaning.
• Bring spelling, grammar, and formatting of manuscripts to house style based on the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Maintain and update transmittal memos with notes on author preferences and book and series specifics.
• Track manuscripts through production and format documents properly using styles in Word.
• Cross-reference numerous sources to find answers to grammar, punctuation, and usage questions.
• Write descriptive copy for use on book jackets and in online postings.
• Identify material that could be considered copyright infringement.
• Check interior layouts for proper formatting and execution of house style in text, and proof for typos and other mistakes before publication.
• Work with designers and compositors to create the interior layout of the book.
• Consult with authors, agents, and administration regarding scheduling, content, and editing choices.

Skills and Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience editing print materials, preferably in the book publishing industry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Excellent written English and meticulous attention to detail and organization.
• Excellent communication skills, especially via email.
• Ability to prioritize, follow up on projects, and work independently under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a larger team and collaborate with different personalities.

Sitting at the intersection of literary journalism and digital audience strategy, the Book Editer brings excellent literary contacts and senior editorial experience to commission, write, and edit book reviews and features that serve Sunday Times readers across all digital platforms. Operating across the newsroom, commercial teams, and external organizations including literary festivals, the Book Editer sustains and grows the Sunday Times Books brand through prizes, promotions, and subscriber-focused digital packages.

Duties

• Commission, write, and edit engaging book reviews across a wide range of subjects.
• Conceive and deliver original feature ideas and exclusive stories that appeal to readers.
• Work to attract new digital audiences while retaining the loyalty of existing readers by thinking innovatively about how to cover books across all digital platforms.
• Work with production colleagues in design, pictures, and sub-editing to produce Books content efficiently, meeting deadlines.
• Commission and edit digital packages that increase engagement and support subscriber growth.
• Manage productive relationships with the editor, the culture editor, and journalists across the newsroom.
• Pitch stories for the Culture section and write on literary matters elsewhere in print and digital when required.
• Manage the budget for the department and develop talent among staff.
• Maintain and develop relationships with outside organizations, literary festivals, and others that support and promote the Sunday Times Books brand.
• Maintain and develop prizes and promotions, including the Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award.

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience working as a senior editor on a national newspaper or magazine.
• Ability to display breadth of reading across many disciplines.
• Ability to commission content for multi-platform digital products and use social media platforms to engage current and new audiences.
• Strong understanding of editorial compliance and regulatory issues.
• Persuasive presentation skills and well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem-solve and negotiate positive outcomes.
• Ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines, and with rigorous accuracy.
• Ability to communicate succinctly and effectively.

A key member of TWS Books Pte. Ltd., the Book Editer defines and maintains the company vision while managing multiple editorial projects from concept to completion, delivering developmental editing, editorial assessments, mentoring, and query-letter reviews to clients. Collaborating across the publishing industry with writers, literary agents, and publishing houses, the Book Editer ensures financial soundness, markets the company's services, and trains editorial staff to support sustained business growth.

Accountabilities

• Define and maintain the vision of TWS Books Pte. Ltd.
• Liaise with clients, book new jobs, and manage workload so that projects are always delivered on time.
• Manage multiple editorial projects through from concept to completion, from discussion of ideas to follow-up stage.
• Provide editorial services in line with each client's requirements, including developmental editing, editorial assessments, mentoring sessions, query-letter reviews, and writing content.
• Ensure the financial soundness of the company, pricing accordingly and reassessing editorial packages every six months.
• Market the company's services via website, newsletter, collaboration with editorial services, Q&As, and guest appearances on podcasts and blogs.
• Maintain contacts in the publishing industry among writers, publishing houses, literary agencies, and wider editorial-service companies.
• Manage and train new members of editorial staff where applicable.
• Protect the interest and welfare of employees and establish suitable communication lines with them where applicable.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in English, history, journalism, communications, linguistics, or similar.
• A minimum of 5 years of book editorial experience, or editing experience in an adjacent field.
• A strong interest in adult commercial fiction and non-fiction, with knowledge of and experience with what sells in today's market.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Connections in the publishing world, within publishing houses, literary agents, or among commercial published writers.
• Professional editorial training and proven experience working with authors editorially on their books.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.