Editor (Toronto Hybrid)

Harlequin; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in romance publishing is seeking a trend-forward editor to join their dynamic team. This exciting role involves acquiring and developing commercially successful books across various formats, including print and digital. The ideal candidate will have a passion for storytelling and a commitment to author care, while also being attuned to the latest trends in the romance market. Join a creative environment where your contributions will help shape the future of romance literature, and be part of a team that values diverse voices and innovative storytelling.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in commercial fiction, especially in romance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Editing stories with a deep understanding of structure and character arcs.
• Collaborating with authors to provide constructive feedback.

Skills

Editorial experience

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Project management

Negotiation skills

Job description

Company: Harlequin Enterprises ULC, an affiliate company of HarperCollins Publishers

Date: April 7, 2025

Job Title: Editor

Department: Editorial – Harlequin Brand Group

Reporting To: Senior Editor, Harlequin

Status: Regular Full Time

Location: 195 Broadway, New York, NY (hybrid model), 22 Adelaide Street West, Toronto (hybrid model)

Job Summary

Leading romance publisher Harlequin Books is looking for a trend-forward editor to work on a new, exciting branch of our publishing business. Reporting to the Senior Editor, the editor will acquire and develop commercially successful books that stand out in a dynamic romance market for Afterglow Books, Carina Adores, and Harlequin Books, as well as our digital-first publishing program, Carina Press. This creative, hands-on editor will have a dedication to compelling storytelling; an interest in publishing a wide range of voices and subgenres, including spicy and queer romance; a passion for author care; and an understanding of multiple publication formats, from print to digital, audio, and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Editing stories that resonate in the romance market, and a deep understanding of structure, pacing, dialogue, and character arcs
• Collaborating with authors to elevate their storytelling through diplomatic, constructive feedback that respects their voice and lived experience
• Finding and developing new authors through reading solicited and unsolicited submissions, and pitching projects to a cross-functional team
• Performing all editorial functions, including reading and evaluating proposals, developmental and line editing, creating cover copy and art briefs, and shepherding manuscripts through the production process
• Building relationships with agents that lead to landing competitive projects and relationships with authors that position their books and careers for long-term success
• Staying ahead of book trends in a competitive market, across all formats, and being curious about larger cultural trends
• Staying open to learning from all members of the team, and mentoring team members when applicable
• Collaborating with a cross-functional team to position book copy, covers, and sales pitches for maximum impact
• Managing projects for new initiatives as directed
• Representing the company internally, externally, and with the media

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ editorial experience in commercial fiction with demonstrated successes in the romance space
• A keen editorial eye for stories that are emotionally compelling and commercially appealing
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• A curious, collaborative mindset that welcomes adaptability and innovation
• A drive for results plus skills in project management and meeting multiple deadlines
• Experience with authors and agents and proven negotiation skills

About HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin

Harlequin is a leading publisher of commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. We publish more than 100 titles a month that reach audiences globally. Encompassing highly recognizable imprints that span a broad number of genres, we are home to many award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world. Through HarperCollins’s global publishing program, Harlequin titles are published in 17 countries and 16 languages.

Known worldwide for the quality of its list, HarperCollins Canada is the proud home of many bestselling and award-winning authors, including Esi Edugyan, Heather O’Neill, and Lawrence Hill. It is our vision to publish the best books of our generation and to work with authors over the length and breadth of their careers. Our authors are at the centre of everything we do. In addition to the Canadian publishing program, HarperCollins Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and publicity of HarperCollins titles from around the globe.

HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to equal employment opportunities. Employment decisions are based on job requirements and the skills, knowledge, and experience of the candidate, regardless of any other factors unrelated to job performance.

We are also committed to ensuring that the accessibility needs of candidates and employees are considered and accommodated during the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.