Lead Editor — Custom Children's Books (Hybrid/Remote)

ReaderLink; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans (Medical, Dental & Pres.)

Vacation pay & paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Author events

Publisher-sponsored book club

Job summary

ReaderLink in San Diego is seeking an experienced Senior Editor to lead a diverse list of children’s books for ages 0–12. This hybrid, in-house role involves development through licensor approvals with rapid turnaround publishing in a high-volume environment.

The ideal candidate will manage development schedules, edits, and copywriting, coordinate with licenses, and supervise freelance editors to ensure quality and timely delivery. Remote applicants may be considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English or Journalism is required.
• Five to seven years of editorial experience in a children’s publishing house preferred.
• Editorial and licensing experience with children’s books and novelty formats preferred.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
• Strong to advanced experience in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.

Responsibilities

• Project manage and develop Silver Dolphin and Studio Fun custom books and licensed titles.
• Oversee mock-ups, formats, and licensor presentations.
• Build and manage development schedules and track all approvals.
• Review, edit, and route manuscripts, dummies, designs, proofs; copyedit as needed.
• Write copy for back cover and marketing materials when needed; collaborate on art notes for illustrators.
• Coordinate with licenses for asset approvals and timely processes.
• Communicate with production, design, and freelancers throughout development.
• Attend weekly status meetings and report on title progress and design concerns.
• Brainstorm new publishing opportunities and lead complex projects with new ideas.
• Manage outside freelance editors as needed and ensure title data accuracy in title management systems.

Skills

Editorial experience

Licensing experience

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English or Journalism

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

ReaderLink in San Diego is seeking an experienced Senior Editor to lead a diverse list of children’s books for ages 0–12. This hybrid, in-house role involves development through licensor approvals with rapid turnaround publishing in a high-volume environment.

The ideal candidate will manage development schedules, edits, and copywriting, coordinate with licenses, and supervise freelance editors to ensure quality and timely delivery. Remote applicants may be considered.