Employment

Assistant Editor

 
The New Press seeks an experienced Assistant Editor to support to the Editorial Director and the Executive Director. This is an exciting opportunity to work on serious nonfiction book projects from acquisition through publication at a leading publisher of social justice and other public interest books. The Assistant Editor works on books acquired by the Editorial Director and Executive Director and helps with general management of the editorial department.  The job entails evaluating and responding to submissions, transmitted manuscripts, liaising with authors, supporting work flow around the press’s seasonal lists, and managing administrative duties for weekly editorial meetings.  The Assistant Editor works closely with all departments in the organization and must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively. It is a key position that requires initiative and critical thinking, and comes with substantial responsibility and room for growth. Discretion, judgment, and the ability to juggle many tasks and prioritize thoughtfully are extremely important. This job will be a remote position for the duration of the COVID epidemic, but will ultimately transition back to being based out of The New Press’s offices on Wall Street in New York City.
 
Title: Assistant Editor
Department(s): Editorial Department & Executive Office 
Reports to:  Executive Director and Editorial Director 
Position type: Full Time/ Non-Exempt 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Read and track edits in manuscripts acquired by the Editorial Director and Executive Director
  • Transmit manuscripts to the Managing Editor for production according to in-house procedures
  • Prepare blurb solicitation letters and finished book letters; mail galleys and finished books
  • Read and evaluate proposals and manuscripts, track submission correspondence, and prepare editorial memos
  • Correspond as needed with authors and/or their representatives
  • Track contracts and advances
  • Prepare materials and take minutes for editorial meetings
  • Draft catalogue copy, jacket copy, and marketing tip sheets
  • Provide support to the Executive Director in all areas of organizational management, which includes being an informed representative of the Executive Director at in-house meetings
  • General administrative tasks include but are not limited to: handling email and print correspondence, and phone calls and messages; collaborating on travel arrangements; photocopying, database upkeep, and filing; general administrative work, including arranging payment of occasional bills and monthly submission of American Express receipts, ordering books, etc.

Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A Bachelor’s degree
  • At least 18 months of publishing experience with a thorough knowledge of the publishing process, from contract to finished book (this is especially important in light of the fact that the job will be done remotely in the initial months; candidate must come into the job knowing how to transmit a manuscript and the tasks involved in bringing a book to fruition)
  • An interest in/exposure to some of the fields in which the Editorial Director and Executive Director acquire books (law and justice, progressive education, race, gender, cultural studies, primary source documents, popular economics)  
  • An interest in and commitment to the ideals of The New Press, a not-for-profit, public interest publisher  
  • Excellent written and oral presentation; a collegial demeanor and strong interpersonal skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Exceptional organizational skills, diplomacy, pro-activeness and initiative, and a high energy level
  • An ability to juggle multiple projects, provide status updates, and (with time) anticipate needs  
  • A propensity to meet deadlines
  • Ample experience with MS Office (including Excel) and a general facility with digital/tech matters
  • Fluency in one or more foreign languages (a plus) 

How to Apply:

Please email your resume, a thoughtful cover letter, and salary requirement to careers@thenewpress.com. Please put your name and reference the title of the position in the subject line. A writing sample will be required for candidates invited to interview. Submissions without thoughtful cover letters will not be considered.
 
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
 
The New Press is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
 
The New Press is affiliated with the Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) Union, Local 2110 UAW, AFL-CIO.