Editorial Assistant, Little, Brown Spark

Job Summary

Little, Brown Spark, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, is seeking an Editorial Assistant to provide essential support to the Editorial Director and Executive Editor. This is an entry-level position within the editorial department, offering significant opportunities for learning and professional growth. The team focuses on publishing impactful nonfiction titles spanning big ideas, expert-led prescriptive content, and health and wellness.

Key Responsibilities

• Interact professionally with authors, literary agents, and various internal departments including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales.
• Perform diverse administrative duties such as scheduling, responding to inquiries, conducting research projects, coordinating blurb outreach, managing mailings, and updating metadata.
• Draft and circulate contract forms, process check requests, and compose detailed deal memos.
• Create compelling descriptive copy for new titles, including fact sheets, galley copy, and jacket copy.
• Track the book production process, route materials efficiently, and ensure all deadlines are met.
• Attend and actively participate in editorial meetings, taking comprehensive notes, and join art, acquisition, marketing, and sales meetings as needed.
• Review and analyze book proposals and submissions from literary agents and writers, preparing insightful discussions for potential acquisitions.
• Conduct thorough research on book sales using both internal and external databases to inform editorial decisions.
• Contribute actively to brainstorming sessions, sharing innovative ideas for future books.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful Editorial Assistant, Little, Brown Spark candidate will possess:

• A genuine passion for books, particularly within the nonfiction genre.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities.
• An enthusiasm for the creative process and a willingness to share ideas and opinions.
• The capacity to collaborate effectively with colleagues across all levels of seniority.
• Strong self-direction, the ability to work independently, and a proactive approach.
• Demonstrated imagination, creativity, and original thinking in problem-solving.
• Comfort and proficiency with email, calendar management, and file management tools.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel or similar software.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation range for the Editorial Assistant, Little, Brown Spark position starts at $50,000, with potential variations based on skills, experience, and location. Hachette Book Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, FSA, commuter benefits, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), a discretionary bonus program, and generous PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays, and sick leave).

Commitment to Diversity

Hachette Book Group is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects diverse voices in all aspects of its business. The company's publishing programs aim to represent a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views, and ideas, publishing books for all readers.

Key skills/competency

• Editorial Support
• Nonfiction Publishing
• Administrative Tasks
• Author Relations
• Project Coordination
• Copywriting
• Research & Analysis
• Communication Skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Deadline Management