Jobs & Internships

Beacon Press is owned and operated under the auspices of the Unitarian Universalist Association and is an equal opportunity employer. Beacon Press values a diverse workforce; people with disabilities, people of color, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply. In alignment with our commitments to science and equity while protecting those are most vulnerable, proof of a full-course vaccination against COVID-19 is a requirement of employment. Medical exemptions are considered upon recommendation from a provider.

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JOBS

Associate Editor or Editor Opening at Beacon Press

Beacon Press, a 170-year-old independent, nonprofit book publisher in Boston that specializes in progressive nonfiction, is hiring either a full-time associate editor or editor.

The associate editor (5-7 books per year) or editor (7-9) books a year) will acquire, edit, and shepherd through publication of crossover and trade books. They will have prior experience acquiring books as an assistant or associate editor, will be politically engaged, intellectually curious, and attuned to what makes a powerful reading experience. They will acquire titles consonant with the Press’ existing lists but may also have ideas to develop a list that expands the Press’ mission to new subject areas.

This position requires excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently toward the collaborative and common goals of the lists, the editorial department, and the Press. It entails travel to relevant academic conferences and cultivating contacts both within and outside the publishing industry, demands keeping up on trends within acquisitional areas, and requires excellent time-management and organizational skills, and the ability to manage detail-oriented projects with overlapping deadlines.

This is a hybrid position, open to negotiation, with some day(s) required in our Boston office. This position is an excellent opportunity to join Beacon's editorial team in an established autonomous role with potential for growth.

Beacon Press is owned and operated under the auspices of the Unitarian Universalist Association and is an equal opportunity employer. Beacon Press values a diverse workforce; people with disabilities, people of color, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply. In alignment with our commitments to science and equity while protecting those who are most vulnerable, proof of a full-course vaccination against COVID-19 is a requirement of employment. Medical exemptions are considered upon recommendation from a provider.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Acquire either 5-7 (associate editor) or 7-9 (editor) strong crossover and trade books a year, preferably on the higher end
• Develop contacts, keep abreast of trends, and attend conferences in acquisitions field(s)
• Work directly with writers to develop book ideas
• Actively participate in weekly editorial meetings, editorial retreats, staff and marketing/publicity meetings. Pass projects appropriate for other editors’ lists. Foster strong connections with all departments—sales, marketing, design, publicity and production. Share ideas to improve processes or to increase efficiency
• Make offers to authors or agents, developing familiarity with Beacon contract terms and industry norms
• Shepherd books from the proposal stage to final book, including:
  • Develop and edit manuscripts
  • Track permissions, as needed. Prepare manuscripts for transmittal to production department
  • Work with authors and in-house colleagues on titles and subtitles and draft title information sheets
  • Launch titles inhouse and as needed with Beacon’s distributor, Penguin Random House
  • Draft and circ design memo
  • Draft all copy—online copy, flap copy, back panel copy
  • Solicit blurbs
  • Collaborate with publicity and marketing on developing publication strategy
  • Send out complimentary copies of printed book to endorsers and influencers
  • Submit books for awards
• Maintain files and contact with backlist authors
• Mentor assistants and interns, along with others in editorial
• Take on other departmental tasks as needed

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree although some graduate level work and experience is a plus. Strong language, grammar, writing, and critical thinking skills
• Strong presentation manner
• Organized, attentive to detail, resourceful, prioritizes well, and poised under pressure
• Self-directed and independent with the ability to follow through consistently on assignments
• Good time management and organizational skills with the ability to multitask across departments, activities, and projects
• 5-7 years of publishing and/or office experience preferred
• Interest in progressive nonfiction publishing and a dedication to Beacon’s mission is a big plus
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and proficient computer skills

To apply:

Applicants should email a cover letter and resume with the job title in subject heading to jobs@beacon.org. No phone calls, please.