Assistant Editor

Description

Position Objective

The Assistant Editor supports multiple editorial teams at Dark Horse Comics, each led by an Editor, providing administrative and production support across all titles those teams are responsible for editing. This is an entry-level role that requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously without compromising quality. The Assistant Editor works closely with Editors, creators, licensors, and cross-functional departments to keep editorial workflows moving accurately and on schedule.

Teams & Departments Supported

This role works cross-functionally and provides support to the following teams and departments:

• Editorial (multiple assigned teams)
• Design Department
• Digital Art Department
• Prepress Department
• Accounting Department
• Creators, licensors, and IP owners as directed by supervising Editors

Primary Responsibilities

Editorial Production Support

• Write thorough and actionable work orders for the Design and Digital Art departments.
• Fill out book maps accurately for each assigned title.
• Write compelling solicitation copy for upcoming releases.
• Compile shipping addresses for the delivery of complimentary copies to creators and relevant parties.
• Apply to the Library of Congress for CIP (Cataloging in Publication) data.

Contracts & Payments

• Fill out contract templates and send them for signature via DocuSign.
• Generate creator payment vouchers for the Accounting department.
• Track the status of creator payments and follow up as needed to ensure timely processing.

Creative Materials & Rights Management

• Submit creative materials to IP owners for approval.
• Route IP owner feedback to the appropriate internal teams and track responses through to resolution.

Quality Control & Proofreading

• Quality check and proofread proofs at multiple stages of the production process:
• Prior to entering the Prepress department
• Prior to being sent to the printer
• Prior to final print approval

File Management & Scheduling

• Save and organize editorial files according to established naming conventions and folder structures.
• Track schedules and deadlines across all assigned titles, flagging risks to supervising Editors proactively.

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate with creators, licensors, and internal Dark Horse departments as directed by supervising Editors.
• Represent Dark Horse Comics in a professional and positive manner in all internal and external communications.

Requirements

Required

• Exceptional attention to detail. Errors in editorial production have downstream consequences across design, print, and distribution.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and track multiple titles, deadlines, and workflows simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including professional correspondence with creators, licensors, and internal teams.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom.

Preferred

• Familiarity with comics, manga, book publishing, and pop culture.
• Prior experience in an editorial, publishing, or production support role.
• Familiarity with DocuSign or similar contract management tools.
• Experience with file management systems or digital asset management.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Work Location

This is a full-time, on-site position located at Dark Horse Comics, Inc. in Milwaukie, Oregon. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this role.