Senior Editor, Young Adult and Middle Grade Books - Union Square Kids

POSITION OVERVIEW 

Union Square Kids is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, and resourceful senior editor to join our editorial team. Reporting to the VP/ editorial director, the senior editor will acquire, shape, position, and successfully publish 12 to 14 titles per year across a variety of commercial fiction and nonfiction categories with a particular eye towards identifying and pursuing industry trends. The yearly acquisition list will consist approximately of 6 to 7 young adult titles and 6 to 7 middle grade titles. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to hands-on and dynamic team; meaningfully shape a growing the middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction lists.  

 

At Union Square & Co. our mission is to publish books and products with a point of view. We promote excellence in contemporary book publishing and honor the vision of our creators by providing best-in-class editorial and design paired with the highest quality production, sales, and marketing. Established in 2022, our growing lists highlight our dedication to talent-driven publishing for adults and children.  

 

THE ROLE    

• Acquiring, editing, and overseeing the publication of approximately 12 to 14 titles per year, with a focus on young adult (6 to 7 titles annually) and middle grade (6 to 7 titles annually).  
• Researching trends with an eye towards spotting nascent opportunities via both agented submissions and non-traditional methods (self-published, IP, etc.).    
• Communicating with authors and agents in all phases of the publishing process, from acquisition to on-sale date and beyond.  
• Shepherding manuscripts and managing information flow throughout the publication process in coordination with other key in-house departments.   
• Overseeing all editorial aspects of book development, including manuscript development and copy writing including jacket copy, metadata, and other marketing copy as needed.  
• Developing strong working relationships with Managing Editorial, Production, Publicity, Marketing, Design, and other essential in-house departments.  
• Presenting titles at launch meetings.   
• Represent Union Square Kids at industry events and conferences.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum 8 years of editorial experience in commercial trade book publishing for children and teens. 
• Acquisition and publication of multiple profitable and/or critically viable projects.  
• Exceptional attention to detail. 
• Proven ability to multi-task, set priorities under pressure, and problem solve in a deadline-driven environment. 
• An informed awareness of middle grade and young adult commercial fiction, market trends, and competitor activities. 
• Strong negotiation skills and excellent presentation skills.  
• Established relationships with relevant agents and industry colleagues.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.  

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.  

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

The compensation range for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.   

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.