MG & Chapter Book Designer — Covers & Interiors (Hybrid)

Bertelsmann; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Random House LLC in New York is seeking a Designer for Middle Grade and Chapter Books to work on covers and interiors across RHCB imprints, from concept to final art. This hybrid role involves collaborating with art directors and editors, hiring illustrators, directing artists through revisions, and preparing print-ready files while tracking design trends in MG and graphic novels.

The successful candidate will have strong Adobe InDesign and Photoshop skills, a compelling book-design

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop; basic Illustrator and Acrobat.
• Portfolio showcasing strong book design and typography, including children’s design.
• Highly organized; able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Attention to detail, quality, and process.
• Willingness to take on responsibilities and seek support when needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Desire to learn and work collaboratively.
• Deep interest in middle grade, chapter books, and graphic novels.
• Experience with pre-press, 1-color and 4-color printing processes, and PDF workflow preferred.
• Hand lettering skills a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support publishing programs.
• Design high-quality covers and sales materials from concept to print-ready PDFs.
• Research and hire illustrators, present art samples, and pitch vision in meetings.
• Direct illustrators from concept to final art for covers.
• Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing and production with attention to deadlines.
• Track design trends and contribute to setting new MG and graphic novel trends.
• Develop cultural competence to portray diverse backgrounds authentically.
• Communicate clearly with internal and external contacts; participate in meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Acrobat

Portfolio

Attention to detail

Communication

Collaboration

MG/graphic novels interest

Pre-press & PDF workflow

Hand lettering (plus)

Tools

PDF workflow

Job description

Penguin Random House LLC in New York is seeking a Designer for Middle Grade and Chapter Books to work on covers and interiors across RHCB imprints, from concept to final art. This hybrid role involves collaborating with art directors and editors, hiring illustrators, directing artists through revisions, and preparing print-ready files while tracking design trends in MG and graphic novels.

The successful candidate will have strong Adobe InDesign and Photoshop skills, a compelling book-design