Penguin Random House

Editorial Assistant, Knopf (Hybrid)

Editorial Assistant, Knopf Books (Hybrid)

Knopf Books seeks an editorial assistant to join the team. The position provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in a creative and hands-on department by supporting two editors on an impressive list of nonfiction, as well as a number of, fiction and poetry titles. Daily responsibilities include proposal/manuscript reading, drafting cover copy, and project support.  In addition to providing administrative support, the assistant will liaise with authors, agents, and different departments within the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group is a storied leader in commercial and literary publishing and home to some of the most iconic authors in the world, including Nobel Laureates Toni Morrison, Albert Camus, and Elie Wiesel; and prize-winners Robert Caro, Nell Irvin Painter, Joseph J. Ellis, Jhumpa Lahiri, Philippe Sands, Karen Armstrong, Jill Lepore, Hua Hsu, Jack Miles, Virginia Savage McAlester, Peter Frankopan, Lorrie Moore, Ken Burns, Margo Jefferson, and David Sibley.

Daily responsibilities include all-around project support for two editors, proposal/manuscript reading, drafting cover copy, brainstorming creative publishing approaches, and supporting authors/books through the entire publication process. This position also acts as a liaison between authors, agents, and different Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group departments.

Our ideal candidate is highly motivated, enthusiastic about publishing, and enjoys reading broadly and often, particularly in the genres of history, science, and pop culture. 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 , is comfortable asking for help when needed, and wants to be an active participant on a collaborative team. If you can handle the details of immediately urgent tasks but also remember to step back, consider the big picture, and adjust your strategy when needed, you'll assume greater editorial responsibilities over time.

This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which will include but not be limited to executing mailings and participating in and contributing to in-person meetings with authors and agents. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA).

Please apply using our ATS system by July 8, 2024, and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and look over our open-to-remote guidelines on our FAQs page.

The Role:

  • Evaluating manuscripts, writing reader’s reports, logging submission, and drafting rejection letters
  • Scheduling, project management and general support for manager
  • Writing and editing catalog, flap, and marketing copy for in-house and out-of-house promotional use
  • Preparing title information sheets and other marketing materials
  • Liaising with authors, publishers, agents, and the managing editorial department to interrelate and keep track of the production process from finished manuscript to bound book
  • Creating P&Ls and contract information sheets, collecting sales data, and providing competitive title research
  • Providing administrative support, including calendar management, answering phones, catalog expense reports, executing mailings and fielding questions from authors.


The Essentials:

  • A strong writer who has a broad reading sensibility
  • 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
  • A team player with the ability to build internal & external relationships with departments, authors, and agents
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • Ability to take initiative and problem-solve creatively
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Proficiency in a foreign language is a plus, but not required


The salary for this position is $48,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

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 benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Company: Penguin Random House LLC

Country: United States of America

State/Region: New York

City: New York

Postal Code: 10019

Job ID: 271869

Date: Jun 28, 2024

Location:

New York, NY, US, 10019

Nearest Major Market: Manhattan

Nearest Secondary Market: New York City

Job Segment: Book Publishing, Editorial Assistant, Drafting, Administrative Assistant, Project Manager, Publishing, Engineering, Administrative, Technology
  • Seniority level

    Entry level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
  • Industries

    Book and Periodical Publishing and Book Publishing

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