We are seeking a dynamic and imaginative Children’s Book Publishing Assistant specializing in middle grade and YA books to join our publishing team in Wonderland. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting program growth and refining original book and series ideas tailored to young adults. You may also be asked to assist with projects in the board and picture book space as required. . This growth position allows the employee to learn the publishing and creative development process, sharpen organization, process management, and data analysis skills, and work with remarkable authors and licenses while supporting various department functions, editors, and product lines.
This hybrid position is located in our home office in Naperville, Illinois, in the western suburbs of Chicago. This is an hourly, non-exempt position between $20.44-$26.44 (pay range to commensurate with experience).
Responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with editorial team members to chase fresh opportunities, develop, and refine ideas for middle grade, YA, and children’s titles as assigned
- Work closely with design and production teams to ensure the smooth execution of book projects from concept to publication.
- Assist in the development of new book projects by researching market trends and identifying potential authors and illustrators.
- Actively participate in meetings and discussions to contribute ideas for new opportunities to explore within each program
- Provide support to senior team members in various aspects of the publishing process, including editing, proofreading, page reviews, and project management.
- Stay informed about current trends and developments in children's books, as well as emerging technologies and platforms in the publishing industry.
- Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal teams as well as authors, illustrators, and other external partners.
You will be a great fit for this role if you:
- Have 1 - 3 years’ editorial experience and are ready to create and manage opportunities for growth.
- Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal teams as well as authors, illustrators, and other external partners.
- Be a well-organized self-starter. Exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong desire to grow in book and product development.
- Play well with others across the business – you are a strong team player and enjoy collaboration
- Be agile and have the ability to juggle and coordinate both short- and long-term projects.
- Be a clear communicator who is highly detail-oriented, organized while following through on deadlines and keeping projects on schedule.
- Possess a Growth Mindset.
- Love middle grade and YA books. This is a must!
If you are interested in being part of this creatively driven, growing team, please send a cover letter of interest and salary requirements.
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
As Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We’re a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we’ve been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!
