Art Director - Romance

Role overview

Sourcebooks’ Romance publishing division spans Bloom Books, Bloom YA, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Cosmo Reads. These imprints focus on memorable love stories and on building strong communities of readers around the authors they follow. The list covers contemporary romance, romantasy, category romance, and YA romance, with books designed to spark conversation across retail, social, and digital channels.

What this role does

As Art Director for the Romance design team, you’ll lead the creative direction and production of standout, commercially effective book covers across assigned imprints. You’ll own the design approach, making sure each cover supports the title’s positioning, business objectives, and audience expectations. The role calls for creative curiosity, strong problem-solving, and close partnership with other teams, while also keeping an eye on workflow, timelines, and budget.

Location and work setup

This position may be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois. It is also open to remote candidates based in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. Some travel is required, including occasional visits to the Naperville, IL home office.

Compensation

This is an exempt salaried role with a pay range of $70,000 to $80,000. Starting pay is decided after reviewing job-related factors such as location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction for assigned titles, ensuring each design supports strong market placement.
• Concept, design, and art direct eye-catching book covers from initial idea through final production, blending originality with commercial appeal and current market trends.
• Work closely with editorial, marketing, and sales partners to keep the creative direction aligned with business priorities, readers, and authors.
• Source and commission talented illustrators, artists, and designers who can deliver fresh, competitive visual solutions.
• Oversee cover approvals, guide feedback cycles, and drive decisions to resolution on time.
• Review workflow data and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and team output.
• Keep project files, records, and design archives accurate, organized, and up to date.
• Stay informed on design trends, new creative approaches, and publishing industry standards.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in book publishing design or a closely related creative discipline.
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates excellent typography, design sensibility, and art direction ability.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Solid knowledge of book production and printing workflows, including advanced print specifications.
• Excellent organization and project management skills, with the ability to manage several deadlines at once.
• Strong strategic judgment, with the ability to balance creative ambition against budget, schedule, and business goals.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with editorial, marketing, and production partners.
• A willingness to learn, adapt, and stay engaged with evolving design practices and innovations.

Why join Sourcebooks

Sourcebooks is recognized for a mission-driven, data-informed approach and has been named one of Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplaces in 2024, along with recognition from Fast Company as one of its 2024 Most Innovative Companies and a 2023 Best Workplace for Innovators. The company is known for building books that cross genres and exceed expectations, backed by hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. It describes itself as a community of passionate book lovers focused on connecting books with readers in fresh ways.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a resume, portfolio, salary expectations, and a cover letter explaining relevant experience and interest in the role. Applications will not move forward without both a cover letter and a portfolio.

Benefits

Full-time employees can access a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, health care, dependent care, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, a 401(k), short- and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance, and generous paid time off.

Equal opportunity

All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.