Acquisitions Editor: Fiction & Nonfiction (NYC)

Nashville Public Radio; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Skyhorse Publishing, based in Manhattan, seeks an editor to shape both fiction and non-fiction titles. You will evaluate, acquire, and develop manuscripts, guiding them from proposal through publication while maintaining the author\'s voice and market appeal.

This full-time, in-office role requires 2–5 years of publishing experience, strong editing skills, and the ability to manage multiple titles on tight deadlines within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 2 to 5 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing
• Versatile editing for fiction and non-fiction
• On-site presence in Midtown Manhattan 5 days/week
• Exceptional developmental editing, line editing, and copy-writing skills
• Solid grasp of current publishing trends, agent networks, and consumer reading habits
• Outstanding organizational skills; ability to prioritize multiple complex projects
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Comparative Literature, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)

Responsibilities

• Scout, evaluate, and acquire 12-20+ titles per year across fiction and non-fiction
• Review manuscript submissions, proposals, and query letters from agents, authors, and packagers
• Prepare acquisition P&L statements, present titles at editorial board meetings, and negotiate contract terms
• Build and maintain relationships with literary agents, authors, subject matter experts, and industry contacts
• Perform detailed structural, developmental, and line editing on manuscripts
• Collaborate with authors to refine manuscript organization, pacing, and market appeal
• Write copy for book jackets, catalog descriptions, sales sheets, and press materials
• Oversee end-to-end editorial workflow from manuscript to bound book
• Coordinate with copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, and production managers
• Collaborate with cover designers and art directors for cover concepts and positioning
• Partner with Marketing/Publicity to identify audiences and pitches for lead titles
• Provide sales with metadata, pitch points, and competitive comparisons

Skills

Editorial experience

Genre versatility

Project management

Copywriting

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Comparative Literature, or related field

Job description

Skyhorse Publishing, based in Manhattan, seeks an editor to shape both fiction and non-fiction titles. You will evaluate, acquire, and develop manuscripts, guiding them from proposal through publication while maintaining the author\'s voice and market appeal.

This full-time, in-office role requires 2–5 years of publishing experience, strong editing skills, and the ability to manage multiple titles on tight deadlines within a collaborative team environment.