Fast Facts

Sourcebooks is seeking an Associate Editor for Adult Non-Fiction to enrich their editorial team by developing compelling narratives and overseeing 7-10 title acquisitions annually. This role is perfect for a passionate book lover with a strong editorial background who can thrive in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include soliciting manuscripts, substantive editing of adult nonfiction, managing author and client communications, and conducting market research to support title development.

Skills: Applicants should have 3+ years of editorial experience, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively while juggling multiple projects.

Qualifications: Preferred candidates will demonstrate initiative, leadership qualities, and a genuine enthusiasm for book development.

Location: This position can be based in various states including Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, and others, with occasional travel to Naperville, IL.

Compensation: $50000 - $65000 / Annually

Join Sourcebooks, an innovative publishing powerhouse, where we believe in the transformative power of books, the synergy of hard work and collaboration, and the necessity of an entrepreneurial mindset to navigate today's dynamic market. If you're driven by these principles, seize the opportunity to ignite innovation and fuel growth with us!

We're on the hunt for a stellar individual to enrich our editorial team as an Associate Editor. This role isn't just about editing—it's about crafting compelling narratives and thought-provoking content for our highly commercial, category-diverse adult nonfiction list. As you contribute to our rapidly-growing program, the home of bestselling titles such as The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, College Girl, Missing by Shawn Cohen, and the Hear Your Story? line of books by Jeffrey Mason, you'll hunt for exciting new authors and projects, acquiring and developing 7-10 titles per year while also providing support for other editors within the imprint.

The location for this position can be based in any of the following states: Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.   This role includes some travel, including occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL.

This is an exempt, salaried position with an annual salary between $50,000 - $65,000.  We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

What you’ll do:

• Identify and solicit manuscripts for publication in adult nonfiction categories.
• Substantive development of narrative and prescriptive adult nonfiction within the Sourcebooks imprint, as well as other titles as assigned.
• All copyediting, database management, and manuscript preparation responsibilities associated with bringing a book to print and digital formats.
• Act as key liaison between acquisitions editorial and content delivery departments, set schedules and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Conduct industry and market research to determine marketplace trends, project strength, and competitive positioning.
• Write catalog, jacket, and marketing copy, and manage updating of data and content to company databases.
• Manage author, client, agent, and third-party relationships, ensuring proactive, positive, accurate communication.
• Serve as an instrumental part of acquisitions and development team, offering suggestions for new ideas, concepting partnerships and projects, and delivering readers books that both inform and delight.
• Provide support to senior acquiring editors on assigned projects.

What you bring:

• 3+ years of editorial experience in the adult nonfiction category.
• Be a self-starter. Exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong desire to grow in book and product development.
• Play well with others. Seriously, we’re a hard-working team who also happen to be pretty nice.
• Juggle and coordinate. We want a clear communicator who is detail-oriented, organized and can keep short- and long-term projects on schedules while following through on deadlines.  
• Love books. This is a must.

Why Sourcebooks? 

As Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We’re a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we’ve been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more! 

Ready to Apply:

Please submit your resume, salary requirements and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity — we’re looking for someone who’s as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are! 

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 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off. 

Sourcebooks 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.