Editorial Assistant - Children's and YA
Sourcebooks
- Location
- Naperville, IL (Hybrid)
- Posted
- October 26, 2026
Get Started
Sign inJob Description
Love books, big ideas, and discovering what readers will fall in love with next? Sourcebooks is looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and highly organized Editorial Assistant to join our Children's Indie Program! Our Children's Indie Program is an entrepreneurial, fast-moving team that partners with innovative independent authors, exciting brands, and emerging creative voices to bring extraordinary books to young readers. From picture books and middle grade adventures to young adult fiction, we're always looking for the next great idea—and the right person to help us bring it to life.
As our Editorial Assistant, you'll work closely with our Senior Editor and Editor to support projects from acquisition through publication, contributing to everything from manuscript development and creative positioning to market research and project management. You'll be part of a collaborative team that values curiosity, creativity, and commercial instincts, with plenty of opportunities to grow your editorial skills and make a meaningful impact on the books we publish. If you're passionate about children's and YA publishing, love a good spreadsheet almost as much as a good story, and thrive in an environment where no two days look quite the same, we'd love to meet you! This is a hybrid position based with your in-office days being in our Naperville, Illinois office, where you'll collaborate closely with our editorial team and colleagues across departments.
Compensation and Benefits
- This is an hourly non-exempt position at $22.00/hourly
- 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 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, and generous paid time off
What you'll do
- Support our Kids Indie Program editors in developing and managing a dynamic list of children's, middle grade, and young adult books, helping keep projects on track from acquisition through publication
- Draft and edit compelling back cover copy, catalog descriptions, website copy, metadata, and other materials that help our books stand out in the marketplace
- Contribute to the creative positioning of new projects, including brainstorming titles, subtitles, packaging concepts, and marketing language
- Research competitive titles, sales performance, emerging consumer trends, and exciting opportunities across the children's and YA publishing landscape
- Read and evaluate manuscript submissions, assist with editorial notes and manuscript preparation, and provide proofreading and copyediting support
- Help manage project schedules, publishing milestones, databases, and tracking systems, ensuring accuracy and timely communication across departments
- Collaborate with editorial, design, production, sales, marketing, and publicity teams to help bring our books successfully to market
- Support our author and agent relationships through responsive, thoughtful communication and excellent attention to detail
- Prepare materials for acquisitions meetings, book launches, sales conferences, and other key publishing milestones
- Assist with keyword research, metadata optimization, and ongoing frontlist and backlist title management
- Contribute to weekly reporting, sales analysis, meeting preparation, and general editorial administration
- Bring fresh ideas, curiosity, and a proactive mindset to a growing program that values innovation and continuous improvement
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience required
- Previous publishing experience is not required; relevant internships, coursework, or transferable experience are welcome
- A genuine passion for books, storytelling, and the children's and young adult publishing marketplace
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong writing, proofreading, and communication skills, with an eye for both creative storytelling and compelling commercial copy
- An interest in publishing trends, consumer behavior, and understanding what makes a book connect with its audience
- A collaborative, adaptable attitude and enthusiasm for working with authors, creative partners, and colleagues across departments
- Comfort with spreadsheets, databases, Microsoft Office, and learning new tools and publishing systems
- Resourcefulness, initiative, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and tackle everything from creative brainstorming to detailed administrative work
- A desire to develop your editorial judgment, expand your publishing knowledge, and grow your career in an entrepreneurial environment
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 us your passion and creativity—we're looking for someone who's as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!
