Assistant Editor

HarperCollins Publishers; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

HarperCollins Christian Publishing seeks an Assistant Editor to support editorial development across a diverse range of books and devotional content in the Renew division. You will assist editors, review manuscripts, and help prepare briefs, contributing to organizational workflows in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

You will work with experienced editors and teams to coordinate schedules, manage documents, and support author and agent communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field.
• 1–3 years experience in publishing or a related field preferred.
• Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style, Scripture references, and the Christian Writer's Manual of Style is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support editors throughout the editorial development process from concept to publication.
• Assist with manuscript reviews, proofreading, editorial corrections, and preparation of project briefs.
• Organize previously published source content and maintain accurate records of selections and references.
• Assist with catalog copy, cover copy, consumer descriptions, and other editorial materials including reviews and approvals.
• Coordinate editorial schedules, track deadlines, and maintain project records in publishing databases.
• Assist with author, agent, and internal communications, manuscript deliveries, and follow-ups.
• Prepare editorial meeting agendas, project updates, and publishing presentations.

Skills

Strong writing

Proofreading

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Research abilities

Editing workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Overview

Discover an exciting opportunity to build your career in Christian publishing with HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the world's leading Christian publisher.

We're seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and detail-oriented Assistant Editor to join our innovative and growing Renew division. Renew brings new life to proven content from respected Christian authors and brands, reframing and repositioning timeless messages to reach new readers and meet today's needs.

If you love books, enjoy the creative side of publishing, and have a talent for keeping projects and people organized, we'd love to meet you.

You’ll work alongside experienced editors and publishing professionals, supporting the development of a diverse range of trade books, devotionals, children's books, Bible engagement resources, gift books, and special editions. From researching new publishing opportunities to coordinating editorial projects, you’ll gain valuable experience across the publishing process.

This is more than an entry-level editorial position. It’s an opportunity to develop your professional skills, contribute to an innovative publishing team, and help create books that make a meaningful difference in readers’ lives.

This is a hybrid position based out of our Nashville office.

Responsibilities

Editorial and Author Relations

• Support editors throughout the editorial development process, from initial concept and research through manuscript preparation and publication.
• Assist with manuscript reviews, proofreading, editorial corrections, and preparation of project briefs and transmittal materials.
• Help organize previously published source content, maintaining accurate records of editorial selections, references, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with catalog copy, cover copy, consumer descriptions, and other editorial materials, including reviewing, editing, and routing approvals.

Project Management

• Coordinate editorial schedules, track deadlines and approvals, and maintain accurate project records in publishing databases.
• Assist with author, agent, and internal communications, following up on requests, manuscript deliveries, and outstanding items.
• Prepare editorial meeting agendas, project updates, publishing presentations, and other team materials.
• Support contracts, freelance assignments, invoices, payments, and other editorial administrative processes.
• Collaborate with design, production, marketing, and sales teams to help keep projects organized and moving forward.

Research and Editorial Development

• Research comparable books, authors, market trends, and emerging reader needs to support new publishing opportunities.
• Assist with competitive analysis, sales research, and preparation of publishing proposals.
• Support metadata development, including BISAC categories, keywords, and online book descriptions.
• Contribute ideas and identify opportunities to improve editorial organization and workflow efficiency.

Qualifications

Knowledge / Work Experience

Minimum of one to three years of experience in publishing or a related field preferred. Familiarity with editorial processes, manuscript preparation, research, or project coordination is helpful.

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field. Other majors are welcome when combined with relevant experience.

Industry Knowledge

Interest in Christian books, authors, and the publishing industry. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, Scripture references, and the Christian Writer's Manual of Style is a plus.

Skills

• Strong writing, proofreading, and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational abilities and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to research, organize, and communicate information clearly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, service-oriented approach.
• Ability to learn publishing systems and new technologies quickly.

Personal Characteristics

• Enthusiastic about books, learning, and professional growth.
• Organized, dependable, and detail-oriented.
• Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and enjoys solving problems.
• Positive, flexible, and comfortable working with a variety of people and projects.
• Creative, curious, and eager to contribute new ideas.

Renew offers a collaborative, creative, and fast-paced publishing environment where new ideas are encouraged and professional growth is valued. Our team works across multiple publishing imprints and initiatives, combining established content with fresh approaches to reaching today's readers.

At Renew, we believe an inspired message has no expiration date.

As an Assistant Editor, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced publishing professionals, work with remarkable authors and content, and contribute to books that inspire and encourage readers.

If you’re passionate about books, eager to develop your editorial career, and excited to be part of a growing, innovative team, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Renew and help bring enduring messages to life for a new generation.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at [e-mail]. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.