Editorial Assistant, Berkley (Hybrid)

Berkley, an imprint at Penguin Random House, seeks an Editorial Assistant to join its team. The assistant's role would be to provide administrative and editorial support for an Executive Editor and an Editorial Director on an impressive list of romance, book club fiction, thrillers, mystery, and suspense. This position offers the opportunity for growth and to learn about the overall editorial process and the inner workings of a publishing office.

 

An industry leader in commercial and genre fiction, Berkley has a rich tradition of discovering new talent, defining emerging trends, and building authors and series into global franchises.  Many bestselling authors have grown into popular brand names with Berkley's dedicated focus and guidance. Berkley is proud to publish Kimberly Lemming, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Elise Bryant, Ali Hazelwood, Mark Greaney, Jasmine Guillory, Matt Dinniman, Alexis Henderson, Grady Hendrix, Emily Henry, and Sofie Kelly, among others.

 

Daily responsibilities include all-around project support for the editors, proposal/manuscript reading and editing, drafting cover copy, and brainstorming creative publishing approaches and solutions to help authors/books through the entire publication process. This position also acts as a liaison between authors, agents, and different departments within Berkley. 

 

We are looking for a detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter who loves to read and is invested in learning about the publishing industry and being part of a collaborative team. The ideal candidate will manage a diverse set of responsibilities efficiently and effectively. 

 

Specific responsibilities include:   

• Communicating between authors, literary agents, and internal departments to coordinate and keep track of the production process from finished manuscript to bound book (including trafficking of copyedited manuscript, pages, galley copy, cover copy, and cover mechanicals). 
• Writing promotional copy including TIs, online retail copy, and package copy for supervisor’s approval. Also responsible for maintaining metadata for all editor(s) titles.
• Managing campaigns for endorsement quotes on various titles, including trafficking mailings (electronic and print) and revision approvals.  Drafting pitch letters.
• Preparing and routing P&Ls and contract information sheets for acquisitions.
• Evaluating manuscripts in conjunction with supervisors and writing reader reports.
• Begin training in editorial development of manuscripts in conjunction with the editorial team.
• Providing general administrative support by scheduling meetings, prepping for department meetings, managing expense reports, archiving, maintaining hard copy and electronic files, etc. 

 

Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:   

• Exceptional attention to detail, the ability to prioritize, and strong follow-up skills 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask 
• Strong communication skills, both verbal & written, used on timely follow-up over email and phone 
• A team player with the ability to build internal & external relationships with departments, authors, and stakeholders 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines 
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve creatively 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook 
• An avid reader who keeps up with reading trends and has a strong interest in commercial fiction 
• Excellent writing skills, especially in writing promotional copy 
• Solutions-focused when met with challenges and can comfortably adapt to changes and anticipate needs when needed and once familiar with the role of an Editorial Assistant 

 

This is a hybrid position based out of our New York City office at 1745 Broadway. We welcome applicants who are within commuting distance, including those in the tri-state area (NY/NJ, CT, and PA) or along the Northeast Corridor. 

 

The salary for this position is $51,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.       

 

Please apply by May 30 using our online application process, and please include your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.  

 

 

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive b