Editorial & Publishing Assistant

Quanta Books; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Quanta Books in New York City seeks an Editorial & Publishing Assistant with a strong interest in science and nonfiction publishing to support the Publisher and Senior Editor. The role blends editorial duties with administrative tasks in a collaborative small team.

You'll help with acquisitions research, drafting copy, managing databases, coordinating permissions, and liaising with Farrar, Straus and Giroux, authors, and agents throughout the publication process.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A genuine interest in science and math, popular science books, and nonfiction publishing.
• Familiarity with word processing and project management software (e.g., Asana), as well as comfort with learning new task-related software packages.
• Willingness to take ownership of projects and capacity to work well independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist editors in acquisitions: research book ideas, evaluate proposals, write reader reports, and send rejection letters
• Draft flap copy, title information sheets, catalog/web copy, social media posts, and newsletters
• Create and maintain departmental databases and calendars, and track publication process for approximately 3-5 titles per year
• Prepare transmittal paperwork, including formatting manuscripts, clearing permissions, and working with authors to complete permissions and illustration logs
• Coordinate fact-checking process
• Administrative support: schedule meetings, process expenses and invoices, prepare mailings, plan events, and coordinate travel as needed
• Serve as a primary liaison between Quanta Books and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and communicate with authors and agents throughout publication process
• Manage social media accounts and website updates
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Asana

MS Word

Job description

Position Summary

Quanta Books seeks an Editorial & Publishing Assistant with a strong interest in science, science communication, and nonfiction publishing to provide editorial and administrative support to the Publisher and Senior Editor. The ideal candidate will be an omnivorous, engaged reader, as well as an excellent administrator—highly organized and resourceful, with the ability to anticipate needs and communicate effectively with internal and external partners. We’re looking for someone who is equally comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a small team.

This full-time position will report to the Senior Editor and is based in our New York City offices. For more information, visit www.simonsfoundation.org/careers.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Assist editors in acquisitions: research book ideas, evaluate proposals, write reader reports, and send rejection letters
• Draft flap copy, title information sheets, catalog/web copy, social media posts, and newsletters
• Create and maintain departmental databases and calendars, and track publication process for approximately 3-5 titles per year
• Prepare transmittal paperwork, including formatting manuscripts, clearing permissions, and working with authors to complete permissions and illustration logs
• Coordinate fact-checking process
• Administrative support: schedule meetings, process and track expenses and invoices, prepare mailings, plan events, and coordinate travel as needed
• Serve as a primary liaison between Quanta Books and our publishing partner Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and communicate with authors and agents throughout publication process
• Manage social media accounts and website updates
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree

Experience

• Work experience or internship in science journalism or book publishing a plus
• Project management experience a plus

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A genuine interest in science and math, popular science books, and nonfiction publishing more broadly
• Familiarity with word processing and project management software (e.g., Asana), as well as comfort with learning new task-related software packages
• Willingness to take ownership of projects and capacity to work well independently

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter

Compensation And Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation for this position is $63,000 - $67,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

About Quanta Books

Quanta Books is a boutique nonfiction imprint whose mission is to discover, cultivate, and publish timeless science and math books of broad public interest. Launched by the founder of Quanta Magazine, in partnership with Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the imprint brings Quanta's editorial sensibility and rigorous journalistic standards to its author-centric publishing model, with the aim of illuminating science for everyone. Our authors include Terence Tao, David Tong, Kevin Hartnett, Emily Levesque, and Shruti Naik.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.