What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Editor position at Simon and Schuster Books?
Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
The Production Editor will manage titles—including originals, format conversions, and reissues—through the production process from manuscript to bound book, working closely with Production, Managing Editorial, Editorial, Design, and Ebook Development to ensure titles are produced accurately.
Production editors in the Gallery group work on a range of titles across multiple genres—including fiction, pop culture, lifestyle, and contemporary politics—from a wide array of perspectives.
Duties Include
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
The Production Editor will manage titles—including originals, format conversions, and reissues—through the production process from manuscript to bound book, working closely with Production, Managing Editorial, Editorial, Design, and Ebook Development to ensure titles are produced accurately.
Production editors in the Gallery group work on a range of titles across multiple genres—including fiction, pop culture, lifestyle, and contemporary politics—from a wide array of perspectives.
Duties Include
- Manage the full text-production cycle for 18–24 new titles annually (varies by list); copyedit, proof, collate, and route pages through pass stages (1st to Final).
- Engage and manage freelance copyeditors/proofreaders/indexers; ensure adherence to house style guidelines and schedule.
- Maintain style sheets, using CMS 18 and Merriam-Webster standards; resolve queries with editors and authors.
- Collaborate with design and desktop departments on typesetting quality (widows/orphans, ladders, hyphenation, tables, figures, callouts).
- Track milestones in the title management system; proactively flag risk, negotiate timelines, and coordinate scheduling across departments.
- Apply and check page and cover corrections in PDFs; perform rigorous quality checks on final files for print.
- Prepare indexes (copyediting/coding/proofreading via vendor or in-house coordination), front/back matter, and reprint/correction cycles; log AAs and maintain clean records.
- 3 years in book production, copyediting, or closely related publishing role (or 1–2 years plus strong internship track record).
- Expert command of grammar, punctuation, and style; ability to explain edits clearly and tactfully.
- Fluency with Microsoft Word (Track Changes), Adobe Acrobat (PDF markup), and project trackers (e.g., Firebrand, Workfront).
- Calm, organized, and solution-oriented; meticulous attention to detail under deadline pressure; must know how to work well with others.
- Mac literate
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.