Editor - Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Chapter Books, Union Square Kids

Union Square Kids is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, insightful, and resourceful Editor who is passionate and knowledgeable about chapter books, middle grade, and young adult fiction.

Reporting to the Senior Editor, the Editor will acquire, shape, position, and successfully publish 12 to 14 titles per year across a variety of commercial fiction genres from contemporary realism to speculative fiction, with a particular eye towards pursuing projects of high interest to today's kids, tweens, and teens (ages 6-18). The Editor's yearly project list will consist of approximately 5 to 7 young adult titles, 5 to 7 middle grade titles, and 2 to 4 chapter book titles. Select nonfiction and imports may be included in the total title count. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team and meaningfully contribute to a growing imprint at an esteemed publishing company.

At Union Square & Co., our mission is to publish books and products with a point of view. We promote excellence in contemporary book publishing and honor the vision of our creators by providing best-in-class editorial and design paired with the highest quality production, sales, and marketing. Established in 2022, our growing lists highlight our dedication to talent-driven publishing for adults and children.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acquire, edit, and oversee the publication of approximately 12 to 14 titles per year, with a focus on young adult (5 to 7 titles annually), middle grade (5 to 7 titles annually), and chapter books (2 to 4 titles annually).
• As needed, edit titles acquired by Senior Editor and/or Editorial Director.
• Research trends with an eye towards spotting nascent opportunities via both agented submissions and non-traditional methods (self-published, IP, etc.).
• Communicate with authors and agents in all phases of the publishing process, from acquisition to on-sale date and beyond.
• Maintain updated title information, including title information sheets, title management content, P&L creation, estimate request forms, and competitive title research.
• Shepherd manuscripts and manage information flow throughout the publication process in coordination with other key in-house departments.
• Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
• Oversee all editorial aspects of book development, including manuscript development and copy writing including jacket copy, metadata, and other marketing copy as needed.
• Develop strong working relationships with Managing Editorial, Production, Publicity, Marketing, Design, Subsidiary Rights, and other essential in-house departments.
• Meet frequently with Publicity, Design, Marketing, Production, and Managing Editorial to discuss projects and resolve problems.
• Regularly provide information to the Senior Editor and co-workers in written or verbal forms in a timely manner.
• Write scripts and present titles at list launch, editorial, and acquisitions meetings.
• Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
• Pursue and maintain agent relationships across a wide range of relevant agencies.
• Solicit, review, and respond in a timely fashion to agented submissions.
• Develop story or content ideas that align with the Union Square Kids imprint strategy, considering reader or audience appeal.
• Participate in editorial meetings, including reading and reviewing peer submissions being considered for acquisition.
• Participate in pre-cover and cover meetings to provide feedback on book cover designs in progress.
• Oversee contract negotiations with authors and agents and ensure efficient and timely execution of contracts.
• Hiring and supervision of freelance writers and editors.

• 4-year college degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum 4 years of editorial experience in children's book publishing
• Strong interest in children's, middle grade, or Young Adult Publishing
• Experience with assisting or managing own titles in a similar role or experience
• Proven computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Excel
• Passionate interest in identifying trends in the children's literature and awareness of the constantly shifting children's and young adult publishing landscape
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced work environment and manage time effectively while also ensuring accuracy of work through attention to detail
• Proven ability to complete tasks independently and manage time without constant supervision
• Excellent, verbal and written communication skills, with internal and external colleagues and creators at every level of seniority
• Proven ability to exercise judgement and decision making by considering costs and benefits and choosing appropriate actions to take
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service to authors and agents, including assessment, meeting quality standards for Hachette Book Group, and evaluation of satisfaction.
• Imagination, creativity, playfulness, sense of humor, and original thinking