Editor/ Senior Editor, Saga Press

Simon & Schuster, Inc.; Northern, New York (KY, NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Saga Press is seeking an Editor or Senior Editor to acquire and edit a dynamic list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction. The role calls for strong editorial vision, author-care, and the ability to balance creative ambition with commercial opportunity.

The position may be filled at Editor or Senior Editor level, depending on experience. You will work with a cross-functional team to guide manuscripts from acquisition to publication and help shape Saga Press’s future in a

Qualifications

• Minimum of approximately 3 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing.
• Strong knowledge of the genre marketplace, including established authors, emerging writers, reader communities, and trends.
• Excellent editorial judgment, with the ability to assess both creative and commercial potential.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong author- and agent-relationship management skills.
• Ability to articulate a clear publishing vision and build support across departments.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and edit a successful list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction titles.
• Identify new authors, emerging voices, publishing trends, and opportunities in the marketplace.
• Evaluate proposals and manuscripts and present compelling acquisition recommendations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with authors, agents, scouts, and others in publishing.
• Provide editorial feedback and guide authors from acquisition through final manuscript.
• Serve as primary contact for authors with clear communication and strategic guidance.
• Create persuasive acquisition materials and internal presentations.
• Partner with publicity, marketing, art, production, and editorial teams on strategies.
• Advocate for titles across the publication lifecycle and build internal enthusiasm.
• Participate in cover development, title positioning, launch planning, and author-brand growth.
• Manage publication schedules, manuscript delivery, and editorial priorities.
• Monitor marketplace trends to inform acquisitions and publishing strategy.
• Contribute to Saga Press identity and strategic direction.

Skills

Editorial experience

Genre marketplace knowledge

Editorial judgment

Communication skills

Author-relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Editor/Senior Editor, Saga Press

Saga Press is seeking a creative, impassioned Editor or Senior Editor to acquire and edit a dynamic list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction. The ideal candidate will have a strong editorial vision, a passion for genre storytelling, and a keen understanding of the evolving marketplace and readership.

This individual will identify distinctive voices, guide authors through the editorial process, and collaborate across the organization to position each book for success. The role requires excellent editorial judgment, strong author-care skills, and the ability to balance creative ambition with commercial opportunity.

The position may be filled at the Editor or Senior Editor level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire and edit a successful list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction titles.
• Proactively identify new authors, emerging voices, publishing trends, and areas of opportunity within the marketplace.
• Evaluate proposals and manuscripts and present compelling acquisition recommendations, including positioning, readership, competitive titles, and financial considerations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with authors, literary agents, scouts, and other members of the publishing community.
• Provide thoughtful, substantive editorial feedback and guide authors from acquisition through final manuscript.
• Serve as the primary contact for authors, providing clear communication, strategic guidance, and a high level of author care throughout the publishing process.
• Create persuasive title information, including acquisition materials, positioning statements, catalog copy, tip sheets, and presentations for internal meetings.

• Partner closely with publicity, marketing, art, production, and managing editorial teams to develop and execute effective publishing strategies.

• Advocate for titles throughout the publication lifecycle and help build enthusiasm among internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate actively in cover development, title positioning, launch planning, and long-term author-brand development.
• Manage publication schedules, manuscript delivery, and editorial priorities across multiple projects.
• Monitor consumer behavior, competitive publishing, cultural conversations, and genre trends to inform acquisitions and publishing strategy.
• Contribute to the overall identity, growth, and strategic direction of Saga Press.

Qualifications

• Minimum of approximately 3 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing for the Editor level and 5-6 years for the Senior Editor level.
• Demonstrated experience acquiring and editing adult fiction; experience in science fiction, fantasy, horror, or speculative fiction is strongly preferred.
• A track record of identifying promising projects and successfully guiding books through the publishing process.
• Strong knowledge of the genre marketplace, including established authors, emerging writers, reader communities, competitive imprints, and evolving trends.
• Excellent editorial judgment, with the ability to assess both the creative and commercial potential of a project.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong author- and agent-relationship management skills.
• Ability to articulate a clear publishing vision and build support for projects across multiple departments.
• Highly organized, responsive, and able to manage several books and deadlines simultaneously.
• Collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working within a creative, cross-functional environment.
• Commitment to publishing a broad range of voices, perspectives, stories, and imaginative worlds.

Additional Qualifications for the Senior Editor Level

• An established network of authors, agents, and other industry contacts.
• A demonstrated record of successful acquisitions and commercial publishing results.
• Ability to acquire competitively and attract established as well as emerging talent.
• Experience developing authors across multiple books and building sustainable publishing programs.
• Capacity to serve as an editorial leader and strategic contributor to the imprint.