Editor / Senior Editor / Exec Editor, Adult Commercial Fiction
195 Broadway, New York, NY, United States, 10007
Position: Full-Time
Abrams is excited to announce the launch of an imprint dedicated to adult commercial fiction, and we're looking for a creative, innovative, and driven editor to help us shape this exciting new chapter!
About the role:
ABRAMS is launching an imprint dedicated to adult commercial fiction, and we are seeking a creative, talented, and self-driven editor to join us in shaping this exciting new program. Primary areas of focus will include horror, rom-com, contemporary romance, historical romance, fantasy, romantasy, new adult, upmarket women’s lit, and entertainment (licensed) fiction.
Our ideal candidate is tapped into pop culture and #BookTok, is aware of trends, and reads broadly across all genres of adult fiction. This person thrives in fast-paced environments, is a clear and effective communicator, collaborates well with all types of people, and feels capable of independently shaping a story both at the developmental and line levels. You should consider yourself adept at spotting talent and cultivating longstanding relationships, and you should have strong existing connections with adult literary agents.
Our new editor or senior editor will be responsible for acquiring and editing approx. 8-10 titles per year, written by authors who speak to the commercial readership. These titles will be a mix of agented submissions and manuscripts found through non-traditional methods. You should be a motivated acquirer who is able to generate ideas for the list and anticipate trends. You should feel comfortable drafting excellent copy and brainstorming plot solutions. You may also be responsible for the occasional YA novel, if bandwidth allows.
Please do not apply if you do not have several years of experience at an adult fiction imprint.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the charge in acquiring and editing bestseller potential titles.
- Maintain a list of ~8-10 adult novels per year: a mix of entertainment (licensed) fiction; genre fiction (horror, rom-com, fantasy, romantasy, new adult); and upmarket, women’s lit / “book club” fiction
- Act as the spokesperson and coordinator in-house for each project, speaking clearly to the book’s potential audience and merits and keeping an open and constructive line of communication with the author and agent
- Identify holes on the list; generate and pursue ideas for filling them
- Manage and prepare P&Ls, present titles at editorial meetings and pub board, negotiate deal terms, and oversee project budgets.
- Shepherd new titles through the entire editing process: oversee book schedules and collaborate with managing editorial, design, and production teams on formatting, design, and all stages of publication.
- Prepare sales materials including fact sheets, catalogue copy, flap copy, and metadata research; participate in seasonal launch meetings and sales conference
- Work closely with publicity and marketing teams to plan promotional activities and materials for acquired titles
- Stay current in the adult publishing and adult / new adult pop culture spaces to identify trends and potential opportunities for new publications
- Act independently as the primary liaison between authors, agents, and the publishing team
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- 6-8 years of experience in fiction publishing, with at least 3-4 years in adult fiction.
- A proven history of acquiring and editing multiple commercially successful projects
- Strong communication skills—you’ll need to pitch, negotiate, and collaborate with the best.
- Excellent negotiation skills and a thorough understanding of contracts
- An established network of agents and industry connections.
- Demonstrated interest in adult commercial fiction and well-honed market knowledge, including awareness of design trends
- Ability to juggle multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
What We Offer:
- A competitive salary and hybrid work schedule (3 days in the office).
- Generous paid holidays and Summer Fridays.
- Company-paid time off during Christmas week.
- Comprehensive health benefits, including short-term and long-term disability.
- Retirement savings and life insurance.
- Paid time off and professional development opportunities.
Application Instructions: Excited? Please submit your resume and cover letter to join our dynamic team!
This role is based in New York, NY with a hybrid schedule. We’re also open to remote candidates from the following states: CA, CT, DC, WA, FL, KY, MA, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, TX, TN, VA.
To submit your application, click here.
About Abrams Books: