Editorial Assistant, Simon Spotlight

Simon-; New York; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster’s Simon Spotlight unit seeks an Editorial Assistant to support the editorial team in bringing children’s books from concept to publication. You will assist with manuscript reviews, catalog copy, and coordinating editorial tasks, while supporting multiple departments to meet publication schedules.

The role is entry-level and requires strong writing, superb organization, and a willingness to learn new publishing systems in a fast-paced imprint.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in children's publishing and early reader formats.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to editorial team, including scheduling meetings and organizing files.
• Enter and maintain title information in internal publishing systems and meet deadlines.
• Review manuscripts, layouts, and proofs for accuracy and age-appropriate language.
• Draft and edit catalog and cover copy under editorial guidance and write select manuscripts.
• Track manuscripts, artwork, and materials through the editorial process and follow up on items.
• Coordinate submissions to licensing partners and track feedback and approvals.
• Communicate with authors, illustrators, agents, and licensing partners as directed.
• Collaborate with design, production, editorial, marketing, and sales teams to support publication schedules.
• Prepare materials for editorial meetings, seasonal presentations, and sales conferences.
• Research children’s books, brands, and market trends; contribute ideas for new projects.

Skills

Strong writing

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Proactive learner

MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Editorial Assistant, Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, creative Editorial Assistant to support the Simon Spotlight editorial team. Simon Spotlight publishes children's books featuring popular characters and brands across a variety of formats and is home to the Ready-to-Read line for beginning readers.

This entry-level role provides an opportunity to learn about children's publishing while supporting the editorial and administrative work that brings books from initial concept to publication. The ideal candidate has strong writing and organizational skills, close attention to detail, and an interest in creating engaging books that help children develop a love of reading.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the editorial team, including scheduling meetings, maintaining calendars, processing invoices, coordinating mailings, and organizing files.
• Enter and maintain title information in internal publishing systems, ensuring accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Assist with reviewing manuscripts, layouts, and proofs for accuracy, consistency, and age-appropriate language.
• Draft and edit catalog, cover, and online descriptive copy under editorial guidance as well as writing select manuscripts inhouse.
• Track manuscripts, artwork, and other materials through the editorial process, following up on outstanding items and helping keep projects on schedule.
• Help coordinate submissions to licensing partners and track feedback and approvals.
• Communicate with authors, illustrators, agents, and licensing partners as directed.
• Work closely with design, production, managing editorial, marketing, and sales colleagues to support publication schedules and departmental needs.
• Prepare materials for editorial meetings, seasonal presentations, and sales conferences.
• Research children's books, brands, and market trends, and contribute ideas for new projects.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in children's publishing, particularly beginning readers, licensed books, middle-grade,and character-driven storytelling.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. This is a fast-paced imprint with many accelerated schedules, so individual must be able to juggle multiple projects and prioritize tasks.
• A collaborative approach and comfort communicating with internal and external contacts.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and a willingness to ask questions and learn new systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Previous internship, administrative, bookselling, library, or related experience is helpful but not required.