Editorial Director, Nonfiction - Shape a Bestselling List

Simon-; New York; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster's Atria Books is seeking an Editorial Director of Nonfiction to join the team in New York. The role partners with the publisher to build a vibrant, editorially distinctive, commercially successful nonfiction list.

The ideal candidate has exceptional editorial judgment, strong author and agent relationships, and a track record identifying emerging voices and developing books with lasting impact.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in trade nonfiction publishing, typically eight or more years.
• Track record of publishing commercially successful books in nonfiction.
• Established relationships with literary agents and talent.
• Exceptional developmental editing to strengthen narrative and voice.
• Strong understanding of nonfiction audiences and reader discovery.
• Ability to balance creative goals with commercial considerations.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and develop a strong nonfiction list aligned with editorial identity and growth.
• Cultivate writers, agents, and public figures with distinctive perspectives.
• Develop original concepts and bring authors to life with market insight.
• Guide authors through development, manage projects from acquisition to publication.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, design, and production.
• Monitor performance and reader interests to inform acquisitions and backlist strategy.
• Mentor junior editors and represent Atria within the publishing community.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Acquisitions

Author development

Market insight

Negotiation

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Agent relationships

Industry networking

Job description

Simon & Schuster's Atria Books is seeking an Editorial Director of Nonfiction to join the team in New York. The role partners with the publisher to build a vibrant, editorially distinctive, commercially successful nonfiction list.

The ideal candidate has exceptional editorial judgment, strong author and agent relationships, and a track record identifying emerging voices and developing books with lasting impact.