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Production Editor - Children's - Temporary

Sourcebooks

ProductionFull Time$62k - $67k
Location
Naperville, IL (Hybrid)
Posted
October 2, 2026

Job Description

Sourcebooks is seeking a Temporary Production Editor to uphold quality control standards for the children's managing and production editorial team. The Production Editor plays a critical role in ensuring books and digital materials are produced on schedule and to the highest quality standards.

This position manages the day-to-day execution of assigned projects, coordinating editorial production from manuscript through final files while collaborating with internal teams and external freelancers to keep projects moving efficiently. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented project manager with strong editorial expertise, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to solve production challenges in a fast-paced publishing environment.

What you'll do

  • Manage assigned book projects through all stages of editorial production, ensuring schedules, scope, and quality expectations are met
  • Oversee copyediting, proofreading, page production, and final file preparation for print and digital formats
  • Coordinate with editorial, managing editorial, manufacturing, and freelance partners to ensure seamless project execution
  • Assign projects to freelance copyeditors and proofreaders in partnership with the Freelance Resource Manager
  • Monitor production schedules, identify risks, and proactively resolve issues to keep projects on track
  • Review page proofs and editorial corrections for accuracy, consistency, and completeness prior to final approval
  • Prepare and approve final print and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) files, ensuring they meet quality and technical specifications
  • Track production metrics and identify opportunities to improve workflows and operational efficiency
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for production-related questions after manuscript handoff
  • Contribute to workflow documentation, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration initiatives
  • Adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining high editorial and production standards

What you bring

  • 5+ years of editorial production experience in a publishing environment
  • Strong understanding of the publishing production process from manuscript through final print and digital files
  • Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills and meticulous attention to detail
  • Experience with project management tools and publishing systems, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Smartsheet, or similar platforms
  • Outstanding organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Ability to build productive relationships with freelancers and cross-functional teams
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
  • Adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning and process improvement
  • Experience in children's books or highly illustrated full-color projects a plus

Compensation and Benefits

  • The pay range for this role is $26.44 - $30.00/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, including 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

Location

  • This position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois
  • Remote candidates may be 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

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

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.