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Editorial Assistant, Random House

Penguin Random House, New York, NY

Home of the world’s best books.

Duration: Full-Time


Editorial Assistant, Random House
Random House seeks an Editorial Assistant to join our team. The assistant's role provides administrative and editorial support to an Executive Vice President & Publisher as well as a Senior Editor, on a wide-ranging list of fiction & nonfiction – one that includes journalism, history, biography, memoir, and literary fiction. This position offers the opportunity for growth and to learn about the editorial process and the inner workings of a publishing office.
The Random House imprint was founded in 1927 and is the proud home of some of the world’s most acclaimed storytellers, thought leaders, and innovators, including George Saunders, Nicole Dennis-Benn, Tara Westover, Hisham Matar, Fredrik Logevall, Emily Bazelon, Cameron Russell, Brené Brown, Imbolo Mbue, Michael Cunningham, Draymond Green, Daphne Palasi Andreades, Carol Leonnig, Ben Rhodes, and many more. 
At Random House, the Editorial Assistant acts as a liaison between authors, agents, and the many different departments within Random House. Daily responsibilities include all-around project support for the editors, calendar and meeting management, proposal/manuscript reading and submission management, drafting flap and catalogue copy, and brainstorming creative publishing approaches and solutions to help authors/books through the publication process.
We are looking for a detail-oriented, meticulous self-starter who loves to read, has strong writing and analytical skills, communicates clearly and is invested in being part of a collaborative team. The ideal candidate will manage a diverse set of responsibilities efficiently and effectively and is comfortable asking for help when needed.
The position of editorial assistant at Random House is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which will include but not be limited to executing mailings, participating in and contributing to in-person meetings with authors and agents, and providing office support by scheduling meetings, prepping for department and author meetings, managing expense reports, archiving, maintaining hard copy and electronic files, etc.We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT, & PA).
For consideration, please apply using our ATS system and include your cover letter and resume. Here are some tips on how to apply for roles here at Penguin Random House.
The Role:
* Communicating between authors, literary agents, and internal departments to coordinate and facilitate the production process from finished manuscript to bound book (including trafficking of copyedited manuscript, pages, galley copy, cover copy, and cover mechanicals)
* Writing copy including TIs, online retail copy, and flap copy for supervisor’s approval
* Managing campaigns for endorsement quotes on various titles, including trafficking mailings (electronic and print) and revision approvals.  Drafting pitch letters
* Preparing and routing P&Ls and contract information sheets for acquisitions
* Evaluating manuscripts and writing reader reports and rejection letters
* Begin training in editorial development of manuscripts in conjunction with supervisors
* Providing general administrative support by scheduling meetings, prepping for department meetings, managing expense reports, etc.

The Essentials:
* Strong writing skills and a broad range of interests.
* Exceptional attention to detail, the ability to prioritize, and strong follow-up skills.
* Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask.
* Strong communication skills, both verbal & written, used on timely follow-up over email and phone.
* A team player who treats others with respect and has the ability to build internal & external relationships with departments, authors, and stakeholders.
* Ability to anticipate deadlines, and meet them.
* Ability to take initiative and problem-solve creatively.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
* An avid reader who keeps up with trends and has an abiding interest in current events.
* Solutions-focused when met with challenges and can comfortably adapt to changes and anticipate needs when needed once familiar with the role of an Editorial Assistant

The salary for this position is $45,000.  All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

About Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children’s publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution.

Penguin Random House

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