What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Editor, Books position at Quintessence Publishing?
Assistant Editor, Books (Full-Time)
Location: Hybrid
Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Reports to: Editorial Director
About the Role
Quintessence Publishing USA is seeking a detail-obsessed and sharp-as-nails Assistant Editor to join our Books Department. As a publisher of clinical manuals and textbooks for the dental profession, we are looking for someone who has the language chops to work in editorial, the brain power to keep up with the science, AND the confidence and courage to edit with boldness. This role is ideal for someone who critiques everything they read, knows how to use language to shape complex ideas, and can communicate with nuance.
This is not a job where you’ll just find typos and correct them. This is an opportunity to flex your brain, critically evaluate written material and make it better, and use visuals to tell a story. We are looking for someone who likes to be challenged, who can think on their own, and who trusts their instincts but welcomes feedback from more experienced editors. (Must also get along well with others, especially doctor types.)
Key Responsibilities
Manuscript Preparation & Copyediting:
Review, format, and copyedit book chapters to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to house style.
Editorial Development:
Work with manuscripts and images to help structure content into a clear, cohesive narrative for readers.
Accuracy:
Check grammar, spelling, terminology, and technical accuracy, including reviewing illustrations and figure legends.
Author Collaboration:
Partner with authors to refine their work while maintaining their voice and intent. (Must be willing to have actual phone calls with people.)
Production Coordination:
Collaborate with editorial and production teams to move manuscripts through the publishing process.
Marketing Support:
Assist with writing promotional copy and social media content as needed.
Additional Notes
This is NOT a writing position. It primarily involves reading, analyzing, and improving complex material in technical subject areas that will likely be new to you. A willingness to learn and engage with scientific content is essential. If you didn’t like science in school, you won’t like this.
Requirements
- Ideally 2–3 years of experience in publishing or a related editorial role (but exceptions will be made for the right candidate)
- Excellent command of English language, grammar, and style
- Strong critical thinking and attention to detail (most important criterion)
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
- Comfort engaging with technical or scientific material
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Package
- Salary: $46,000–$50,000 (depending on experience)
- Health, dental, and life insurance
- 401(k) with company matching
- Generous vacation allowance, including extended holiday break in December
- Flexible hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 remote; more in-office initially for training)
Why Join Us?
At Quintessence Publishing, you’ll join a close-knit, whip-smart editorial team of like-minded, bookish people. We believe in mentorship and working together, so we are looking for a team player who likes the freedom of independent work. If you're passionate about editing and want to play a key role in shaping the books that dentists read, please apply!
Pay: $46,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Batavia, IL 60510
Salary : $46,000 - $50,000