Editorial Assistant, Basic Books Group

SUMMARY:

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious nonfiction by expert authors. The group includes Basic Books, Seal Press, PublicAffairs, Bold Type Books, Basic Venture, and Basic Liberty. We are seeking an Editorial Assistant to support two editors who acquire primarily in ancient history and science. This is an entry-level role in our editorial department, but one with opportunities for learning and growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interact professionally with authors and literary agents, as well as internal departments within Basic Books Group and HBG, including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales.
• Prepare materials for and traffic editorial projects through all stages of the editorial process from acquisition through finished book and beyond.
• Enter title data into proprietary database systems and maintain data throughout publishing process.
• Draft and circulate contract forms.
• Draft descriptive copy and fact sheets that will be used to explain books to the sales and marketing departments.
• Attend and prepare materials for editorial meetings, as well as marketing and sales meetings as required.
• Review book proposals from literary agents.
• Research book sales using internal and external databases.
• Participate in brainstorming meetings and share ideas for books.
• Assist in ongoing departmental projects, such as book prize submissions, maintenance of rights lists, updates and metadata optimization for backlist books, etc.
• Perform other administrative duties, including scheduling, photocopying, handling mail, filing, directing/responding to inquiries, ordering office supplies, maintaining book archives, miscellaneous research projects, etc.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

The successful candidate will:

• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in addition to solid computer skills.
• Deliver timely, accurate work and demonstrate good follow-up and follow-through.
• Have demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team setting and with colleagues at every level of seniority.
• Be passionate about nonfiction books and curious and open-minded about a range of nonfiction subject areas and serious ideas across the political spectrum.
• Be self-directed and able to work independently.
• Be highly organized, capable of multi-tasking, and detail oriented.
• Be passionate about the creative process and sharing ideas.
• Demonstrate imagination, creativity, and original thinking.
• Have a bachelor’s degree.
• Be proficient with email, calendar management, and file management tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrate understanding of and appreciation for the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The compensation range for this position is $52,500. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.