Associate Editor / Editor, Entertainment Publishing and Content Development
ABRAMS Children’s Books
About:
The ABRAMS Children’s Books entertainment and licensing team is looking for an energetic, highly creative editor to own the novelty/board book category in addition to taking the lead on select YA and middle grade novels and series. Our ideal candidate is a pop culture aficionado who loves bringing a unique vision to fruition and is passionate about high-quality, design-focused children’s books. This person thrives in fast-paced environments, has a history of tackling complex puzzles (for fun), is a clear and effective communicator, derives energy from the process of creative brainstorming, collaborates well with all types of people, and can confidently own their list from development through production. This is a position that best suits personalities who genuinely enjoy thinking outside the box, though you will also need to stay organized to succeed.
Our new editor will partner with our licensees, and internally with design, managing editorial, and production teams to hit deadlines for deliverables—but the editor alone will be responsible for discerning the goals of the publisher and external brand partners and confidently synthesizing several respective visions (including your own) into a single dynamic approach. Current brand partners include Netflix, Universal, Paramount, Mattel, Hasbro, Marvel, DC, Disney, and more.
The new editor will manage licensed content on all children’s imprints alongside other editors on the team.
Responsibilities:
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Edit 10-12 books per year: a mix of young adult, middle grade, board books, and novelty books. Manage a small number of paperback reprints.
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Pitch new brand partnerships to the licensing team and Publisher with an eye toward acquiring publishing programs comprised of multiple book formats. Be prepared to share either fresh plans for familiar brands or your vision for up-and-coming brands.
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Generate original story concepts and develop comprehensive book outlines alongside talent.
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Act as the spokesperson and coordinator in-house for each project, speaking clearly to the book’s potential audience and merits and keeping an open and constructive line of communication with the author, licensing partner, and other creators.
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Assume responsibility for some young adult titles previously acquired by the Editorial Director.
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Manage profit and loss statements, present titles at editorial meetings and pub board, negotiate deal terms, and oversee project budgets.
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Shepherd new titles through the entire editing process: oversee book schedules and collaborate with managing editorial, design, and production teams on formatting, design, and all stages of publication.
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Prepare sales materials including fact sheets, catalogue copy, flap copy, and metadata research; participate in seasonal launch meetings and sales conference. Work closely with publicity and marketing teams to plan promotional activities for acquired titles.
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Stay current in the children’s publishing and pop culture spaces to identify trends and potential opportunities for new publications.
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Act independently as the primary liaison between licensors, authors, and artists and the publishing team.
Qualifications & Skills:
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Bachelor’s degree preferred.
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3-5 years of experience in children’s publishing at a trade publisher required.
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At least 2 years of experience editing board books and novelty books with visual and interactive elements (i.e. pop-ups, gatefolds, simple construction elements) from conception through publication required.
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At least 2 years of editorial licensing experience preferred.
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Familiarity with editing YA and middle grade novels—from large conceptual edits through line editing—preferred. If familiarity is absent, a strong desire to learn is required.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
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Demonstrated interest in novels for young adults as well as licensed novelty books for children, including recently published books, and a passion for creating books and reaching young readers.
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Able to handle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
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Proficient with the MS Office Suites (specifically: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Compensation & Benefits:
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Competitive salary & PTO
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Top-notch medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Company 401(k) plan