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

Editorial Assistant or Assistant 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 editorial assistant or assistant editor.

The editorial assistant (1-2 books a year) or assistant editor (3-4 books a year) position includes a mix of editorial and administrative responsibilities while assisting the editorial director. It is an excellent way to grow as an editor and gain further publishing knowledge and simultaneously do good in the world. Responsibilities can shift or increase in one direction as the assistant learns more and develops specific publishing interests.

In addition to administrative tasks, this position includes acquiring, editing, and shepherding through publication crossover and/or trade books. Prior experience as an editorial assistant is preferred. This role requires being politically engaged, intellectually curious, and attuned to what makes a powerful reading experience. It 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 keeping up on trends within publishing, and requires excellent time-management and organizational skills, and the ability to manage detail-oriented projects with overlapping deadlines.

This is a hybrid position, with some day(s) each week required in our Boston office. Hiring level—editorial assistant or assistant editor—will depend upon prior editorial experience.

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:

• Provide editorial support to editorial director. This includes reading submissions, writing readers reports, drafting editorial and marketing memos for internal use; drafting online and flap copy for external use; researching book ideas and authors
• Provide administrative support, including processing author payments; handling permissions; mailing books; updating editorial meeting minutes; tracking deadlines; preparing manuscripts for production
• Coordinate with publicity, marketing, production and design departments to meet in-house deadlines and keep books on schedule
• Know and understand the books the editor is working on; contribute informed ideas about them
• Acquire either 1-2 (editorial assistant) or 3-4 (assistant editor) strong crossover and/or trade books a year
• Develop contacts, keep abreast of trends, and attend events
• Work directly with writers to develop book ideas
• Actively participate in weekly editorial meetings, editorial retreats, staff and marketing/publicity meetings
• Assist or independently 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
• 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
• 1-2 years of publishing and/or office experience required
• 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 résumé with the job title in the subject heading to jobs@beacon.org. No phone calls, please.

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.

INTERNSHIPS

Beacon Press Internships for People of Color: Editorial Internship Fall 2025

The Beacon Press Internships for People of Color program seeks to increase diversity and inclusiveness in the book publishing industry. We encourage applicants anywhere in the country to apply. We offer a competitive hourly wage of $20 an hour for each internship. Interns are expected to work for 10–14 weeks, with a 17–20 hour-per-week commitment and a flexible schedule. It is preferable, though not required, that interns be available to work on Thursdays for various meetings.

The editorial intern assists all members of the editorial staff. Day-to-day tasks include reading and reporting on submissions, researching potential book ideas, helping guide books to production, and working on special projects. Interns sit in on a number of proposal and other meetings and get the chance to learn how editors evaluate book proposals and a glimpse into the publishing cycle. Candidates should have a strong interest in publishing (especially the editorial process), in social justice, and how the two can work together.

To apply for the Beacon Press Internship for People of Color for the Fall 2025, please send your résumé and a cover letter to internships@beacon.org with “Editorial Intern” in the subject line. Applications are due by July 30.

Beacon Press Internships for People of Color: Audiobook Production Internship Fall 2025

The Beacon Press Internships for People of Color program seeks to increase diversity and inclusiveness in the book publishing industry. The Beacon Press Audio program seeks a candidate with a multimedia background who desires firsthand experience working in audiobook production and publishing. We offer a competitive hourly wage of $20 an hour. Interns are expected to work for 10–14 weeks, with a 12–14 hour-per-week commitment and a flexible schedule. It is required that interns be available to work on Thursdays for various meetings and it is preferable that they come into the office on Thursdays.

The intern will work closely with the Beacon Audio team; help research the audiobook industry for the latest methods and trends, listen to auditions, manage an audiobook production schedule, work with external audio vendors, and develop future production strategies. Candidates should be familiar with audio recording and editing software, proficient with multimedia content creation and working with software like Photoshop and Canva. We are looking for someone with a can-do attitude, attention to detail, and a love for audiobooks.

To apply for the Beacon Press Internship for People of Color for the Fall 2025, please send your résumé and cover letter to audio@beacon.org with “Audio Intern” in the subject line by July 30, 2025.

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.