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Senior Editor / Executive Editor, Simon Maverick

Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York, NY, United States


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1230 Ave of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, USA

Job Description
Posted Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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.

Simon Maverick, a division of Simon & Schuster, is looking for a Senior Editor or Executive Editor to join our audio/hybrid imprint geared towards publishing audiobooks from independent and hybrid authors. Our goal is to introduce both new and established voices on the independent author scene to our rapidly‑growing list, merging the entrepreneurial spirit of these writers with the unsurpassed resources and distribution of Simon & Schuster. This individual will report directly to the VP, Editorial Director and work closely with authors, agents, production, publicity, marketing, sales, and subrights to pursue opportunities across a wide range of subject matters in both fiction and non‑fiction.

Major Responsibilities

Acquiring projects for audiobook publication, evaluating both frontlist and backlist titles, with a focus on independent/self‑published/hybrid authors. Audio will be the primary format but print potential will be considered both at acquisition and throughout the life of the project.

Identifying a wide range of independent authors and creators, as well as select small presses, to approach and engage for publication, as well as working with agents who represent independent/hybrid authors.

Negotiating multi‑faceted publishing deals that include rights acquisition, content development guidelines, delivery schedules and other production commitments, occasionally in multiple formats.

Coordinating and collaborating with production departments, often in multiple formats, to shepherd projects from acquisition to publication.

Maintaining relationships and collaborating with other divisions of Simon & Schuster for potential joint publications across multiple formats and imprints.

Managing title acquisition P&Ls that capture the dynamic complexity of assessing the finances of publications across multiple formats.

Coordinating with sales and marketing teams to ensure we explore all possible sales and promotional opportunities for our titles.

Managing a rapidly‑expanding list of audiobooks and print titles in varied stages of development, in a wide range of editorial categories, with diverse production formats.

Required Experience

Minimum 8 years of acquisitions experience for Senior Editor and 10 years for Executive Editor, with an exceptional track record of successful publications, including several breakout and/or bestselling titles where you were the acquiring editor. Experience in audio publishing is not mandatory, but a general familiarity and enjoyment of audiobooks and their various platforms is a plus, as well as the types of books and genres that have strong potential in audio.

A working knowledge of the independent, hybrid, and/or non‑traditional author space and the various platforms authors use to sell and promote their books.

A very strong network of publishing industry contacts.

Ability to be a self‑starter and willingness to make primary contact on potential projects.

Experience acquiring in commercial fiction, including but not limited to romance/romantasy, fantasy, horror, historical, book club fiction, mystery, thriller, and suspense, as well as non‑fiction in health and wellness, spirituality, true crime, and more. But above all, an interest in terrific books often released outside of the traditional publishing space, whether through independent creators or non‑traditional presses, that you believe readers will fall in love with.

A commitment to publishing works by diverse voices and creators.

Ability to adapt to ever‑changing production necessities and schedules across multiple formats.

Strong and demonstrable editorial and project management skills.

Experience creating P&Ls, and managing them to incorporate changing input and financial goals across multiple formats.

An understanding of not only the current marketplace, but an eye as to where the marketplace might go next.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

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.

1230 Ave of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, USA

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