Editor - Children's

Title: Editor - Children's/YA

Location: Naperville, IL

Job Description:

Full Time

Mid Level

At Sourcebooks, we believe books change lives—and we're looking for an Editor who wants to help shape the next generation of children's and young adult publishing. This isn't a traditional editorial role. It's an opportunity to build a publishing list, champion new voices, and develop books that resonate with readers and drive commercial success. We're looking for someone who loves discovering authors, thinking strategically about the marketplace, and partnering across every stage of the publishing process—from acquisition through publication.

As an Editor on the Children’s and YA team, you'll acquire and develop children's, middle grade, and young adult titles while helping shape the future of one of the industry's most entrepreneurial publishing programs. If you're excited by balancing creativity with business strategy, thrive in a collaborative environment, and believe books have the power to change lives, we'd love to meet you.

This is an exempt salaried position with a range of $60,000 - $65,000.  We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.  

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote 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.   This role includes some travel with occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, Illinois and includes occasional travel for industry events.

What You'll Do

• Build and manage your own publishing list across the Children’s + YA program.
• Identify, acquire, and develop commercially successful children's, middle grade, and young adult titles.
• Cultivate relationships with literary agents, authors, and publishing partners to identify new opportunities.
• Present projects at acquisitions meetings and negotiate deals with authors and agents.
• Develop manuscripts through developmental editing, positioning, and editorial guidance from acquisition through publication.
• Shape each project's market positioning, including titles, subtitles, packaging, metadata, marketing copy, and sales materials.
• Partner with Design, Production, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, and Content Delivery to successfully launch every title.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality, organization, and deadlines.
• Analyze marketplace trends and competitive titles to help inform publishing strategy and future acquisitions.
• Contribute to licensing opportunities, independent publishing partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives across the Children’s + YA program.

What You Bring

• 3–5+ years of publishing experience with editorial acquisitions and developmental editing experience.
• A passion for discovering new talent and building successful publishing programs.
• Strong editorial instincts and the ability to shape manuscripts for both readers and the marketplace.
• Experience managing multiple publishing projects from acquisition through publication.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• A commercial mindset paired with strong creative judgment.
• An entrepreneurial spirit—you enjoy taking ownership, solving problems, and helping build something bigger than yourself.
• A collaborative approach and excitement for working across departments.
• A genuine love of children's and young adult books.

Ready to Apply:

Please submit your resume, portfolio, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter and portfolio 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! 

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, 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, & generous paid time off.  
  
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.