Production Editor - Children's - Temporary
Sourcebooks
- Location
- Naperville, IL (Hybrid)
- Posted
- October 2, 2026
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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.