Role overview

Sourcebooks is revolutionizing romance publishing and is looking for an Associate Editor to help elevate authors and their stories. As a fast-growing publisher with a market-leading, author-first approach, Sourcebooks delivers unforgettable stories to devoted readers. This is an incredible opportunity for a passionate, hands-on editor with experience in shaping commercially successful fiction who loves romance. You will work closely with bestselling and breakout authors to craft compelling books.

In this role, you will acquire, edit, and manage your own list of adult romance authors, while also providing essential editorial and publishing support to senior staff. This is a hands-on position for a self-sufficient, commercially minded editor ready to build a list, champion authors, and shape the future of a dynamic imprint. The ideal candidate possesses a deep, current understanding of the romance market and a strong sense of what readers are eager to discover. You will evaluate submissions, develop projects from acquisition through publication, collaborate across departments, and build lasting relationships with authors and agents. You will also support senior editors with precision, initiative, and good judgment, ensuring a fast-moving list stays on track. If you are a deeply engaged, perceptive romance reader, an entrepreneurial editor, and eager to make a meaningful mark on the genre, Sourcebooks would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Build and develop a romance list by identifying, evaluating, and soliciting manuscripts in priority categories and areas of opportunity.
Monitor the romance marketplace, reader trends, competitive titles, and industry developments to identify acquisition and positioning opportunities.
Present potential acquisitions at editorial and acquisitions meetings; recommend projects, recruit authors, evaluate proposals, and participate in contract negotiations with authors and agents under Associate Editorial Director guidance.
Develop acquired manuscripts for content, structure, voice, commercial appeal, and market positioning; assist senior editors with early editorial reads of key titles as assigned.
Build and maintain strong relationships with author and agent partners.
Collaborate closely with marketing, publicity, sales, and design to identify opportunities and ensure that each title is positioned effectively for its intended audience.
Maintain accurate editorial schedules and serve as a proactive point of contact for authors, agents, and internal stakeholders to keep projects moving on time.
Support senior editors with editorial preparation, launch materials, acquisitions materials, and other high-priority projects as assigned.
Tasks will include conducting development first reads, assisting with list management, and completing editorial and administrative tasks as assigned.
Manage general editorial and administrative responsibilities as needed, including correspondence, shipping, copyediting and proofreading corrections, and other tasks necessary to support a successful publishing program.

Requirements

3-5 years of publishing experience, with significant experience in romance editorial.
Direct experience with evaluating submissions, making acquisition recommendations, and acquiring romance fiction.
Be a self-starter, exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong curiosity about what's next in book and product development.
A willingness to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
The ability to juggle and coordinate tasks at great speed.
A clear communicator who is detail-oriented, organized, and can keep short- and long-term projects on schedule while following through on deadlines.
Comfort speaking in front of groups and building strong relationships across teams and with external partners.
A positive, collaborative spirit.
Strong editorial judgment, commercial instincts, and the ability to articulate why a project will appeal to romance readers.
A voracious reading habit in adult romance, with strong familiarity with traditional and indie authors, tropes, trends, and community conversations.

Compensation and Benefits

This is an exempt, salary position with a salary range of $55,000 - $65,000.
Starting pay is determined based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education.
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program.
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.

Logistics

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.
This role includes some travel, including occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL.

Application Information

Please submit your resume, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Show your passion and creativity; Sourcebooks is looking for someone as enthusiastic about this opportunity as they are.

Associate Editor - Romance

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Job Description