Editor

Editor

Verso Books is looking for an Editor to join the team in Verso’s New York office. This role will be responsible for acquiring and editing books for the Verso list, which covers a wide range of subject areas including politics and world history, economics and sociology, ecology and climate change, race, gender and feminism, cultural and social theory, and arts and letters.

Verso is a radical, independent publisher specializing in both trade and scholarly titles. We are seeking a candidate with strong relationships with authors and agents and who is eager and able to work with a wide range of new and existing authors. 

Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of editorial experience in publishing along with excellent written, organizational, and communication skills.  

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Editorial: Acquire 8-10 new, high-quality books each year in a number of areas. The editor will be responsible for acquiring and publishing commercially viable books across a range of disciplines that meet Verso’s high intellectual and literary standards. 

• Publishing: Cost, negotiate, contract, and deliver manuscripts on schedule and in excellent condition. Work with the Marketing, Sales and Publicity Departments to position Verso’s new books to reach the widest possible readership. Research and propose new initiatives to make Verso more visible, widely accessible and profitable, including new series, lists and imprints as appropriate. 

• Strategy: Use your expertise and knowledge of Verso’s political and intellectual history to help develop Verso’s list, identify and address areas that Verso should publish in, and help to execute Verso’s editorial and business strategy. 

Verso embraces diversity and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. This position is a hybrid role, but candidates will need to be able to work in-person from our Manhattan office on a regular basis. 

The salary range is $64,500 — 69,750 depending on experience. Benefits include fully funded health, vision, and dental insurance, a 401k with an employer match, 25 days of vacation, and 30 sick days.

Please send a full cover letter and resumé to verso@versobooks.com with the subject line ‘Editor Application’ by December 1.