Editorial Assistant, Crown and Ten Speed Press (Hybrid)

The Crown Publishing Group seeks an Editorial Assistant to join our team. The assistant's role provides administrative and editorial support to two editors, VP & Editorial Director, Entertainment and Special Projects, and VP & Executive Editor.  

 

The assistant will work on a wide-ranging list of narrative and illustrated nonfiction, including the categories of memoir, history, science, popular culture, humor, current events, and health. This position offers the opportunity to learn about the editorial process and the inner workings of a publishing office. 

  

The flagship Crown imprint is the home of some of the world’s most acclaimed storytellers, thought leaders, and innovators, including President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Rachel Maddow, Erik Larson, Matthew McConaughey, Johann Hari, and Matthew Desmond. Ten Speed Press is one of the most acclaimed publishers of illustrated/cookbook/art/gift books, including titles by Dolly Parton, Yotam Ottolenghi, Marie Kondo, Jimmy Chin, and Meredith Hayden.  

  

At Crown, the Editorial Assistant acts as a liaison between authors, agents, and the many different departments within the publishing group. Daily responsibilities include project support for the editors, calendar and meeting management, proposal/manuscript reading and submission management, drafting flap and catalogue copy, and brainstorming creative publishing approaches and solutions to help authors/books through the publication process. 

  

The Editorial Assistant should enjoy reading broadly and often and be highly motivated, enthusiastic about nonfiction publishing, and curious about the entire nonfiction marketplace and the factors that make books succeed. (In fact, we would love to know what kind of adult books you’re passionate about and why in your cover letter.) We are looking for a detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter who is invested in the process of bringing books to a wide readership, has strong writing and analytical skills, communicates clearly, and will be an active participant on a collaborative team. The ideal candidate will manage a diverse set of responsibilities efficiently and effectively, will ask for help when needed, and will be comfortable working with authors possessing different kinds of worldviews. 

  

The position of editorial assistant at Crown is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which will include but not be limited to executing mailings, participating in and contributing to in-person meetings with authors and agents, and providing office support. We will consider candidates who live within a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT & PA) or are willing to relocate prior to starting. 

 

Specific responsibilities include:   

• Tracking, logging, and evaluating submitted manuscripts, providing feedback to the editorial team, and drafting rejection letters 
• Preparing and routing financial and contract information for acquisitions 
• Begin training in editorial development of manuscripts in conjunction with supervisors 
• Researching trends and competition, including sales research on comparative titles 
• Communicating among authors, literary agents, and internal departments such as production, art, publicity, and marketing to coordinate and facilitate the production process from draft manuscript to finished book 
• Drafting both internal and consumer-facing copy and pitches 
• Managing campaigns for endorsement quotes on various titles, including facilitating mailings (electronic and print) 
• Providing general administrative support 

 

Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:   

• Strong writing and critical reading skills and a broad range of interests 
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong and efficient follow-up skills 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask across two editors’ desks 
• An avid reader who keeps up with trends and has an abiding interest in current events and popular culture. 
• A team player who treats others with respect and has the ability to build internal & external relationships with departments, authors, agents, and stakeholders. 
• Tact and discretion in dealing with high-profile authors 
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize during busy and high-pressure periods 
• Ability to take initiative, be resourceful, and problem-solve creatively 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook and an eagerness to quickly learn internal systems 
• Solutions-focused when met with challenges and can comfortably adapt to changes and anticipate needs when needed once familiar with the role of an Editorial Assistant