Editor - Del Rey (Remote Option)

About Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House is a leading publishing company with a broad portfolio of nearly 300 renowned imprints, including notable names such as Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Crown, DK, Knopf, Penguin Press, and Vintage. We specialize in publishing top-quality books across genres and age groups, emphasizing excellence and innovation in every stage from editorial and marketing to production and distribution. We value diversity in our workforce and consider all qualified applicants without discrimination.

Role Overview

Del Rey Books, a distinguished publisher for science fiction, fantasy, and horror literature, seeks an Editor to join their team. This role involves acquiring 10 to 12 titles yearly, primarily focusing on commercially viable genre fiction with a speculative twist. The Editor will be responsible for conceptualizing and implementing a tailored vision for each book, collaborating closely with design, art, production, and promotional teams to ensure successful publication.

The Editor acts as the main liaison for authors, providing dedicated support and project management through all phases, serving as advocate for the books both internally and externally. The position requires a deep understanding of genre fiction aesthetics and the diverse communities within speculative fiction.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively seek and assess new acquisition opportunities aligned with market trends and audience preferences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a broad spectrum of literary agents and authors.
• Collaborate intensively with authors and agents on manuscript development, from early conceptual stages through comprehensive editorial revisions.
• Contribute strategically to the Del Rey editorial team by evaluating submissions and identifying potential market expansion opportunities.
• Manage the full publication lifecycle for each title, including crafting sales copy, defining target demographics, shaping marketing messaging, and coordinating with production and promotion teams.
• Ensure timely project execution and act as the prime advocate for each book internally across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of editorial expertise in acquiring and editing commercial or genre fiction.
• Strong enthusiasm and knowledge of romance, fantasy, fanfiction, science fiction, horror, and speculative fiction subgenres.
• Ability to cultivate and expand agent networks effectively.
• Keen insight into pop culture and the ability to spot and anticipate cultural trends.
• Skill in articulating clear, audience-centric publication strategies and advocating for titles in the marketplace.
• Exceptional storytelling comprehension and capability to guide authors across multiple draft stages.
• Experience managing manuscripts through to publication, collaborating effectively with diverse publishing teams.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate as a proactive project manager.
• Dedication to fostering strong author-agent relationships and delivering superior author care.

Additional Details

The role offers an annual salary of $77,500, with eligibility for profit awards or bonuses based on company performance. Employees enjoy access to comprehensive benefits including various insurances, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, commuter benefits, student loan assistance, educational support, and generous paid leave.

The position supports equal opportunity employment without discrimination based on diverse personal and demographic factors. Applicants' personal data will be securely processed and retained according to relevant legal standards.