Senior Editor, Genre Fiction: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy

Nashville Public Radio; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Broad Based Ownership

Job summary

Simon & Schuster in New York City seeks an Editor or Senior Editor to acquire and edit a dynamic list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction. The role demands a strong editorial vision, keen market understanding, and the ability to guide authors through the publishing process.

The position may be filled at either level, depending on experience, and requires excellent judgment, author-care, and collaboration across departments to position titles for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of approximately 3 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing for the Editor level and 5-6 years for the Senior Editor level.
• Demonstrated experience acquiring and editing adult fiction; experience in science fiction, fantasy, horror, or speculative fiction is strongly preferred.
• A track record of identifying promising projects and successfully guiding books through the publishing process.
• Strong knowledge of the genre marketplace, including established authors, emerging writers, reader communities, competitive imprints, and evolving trends.
• Excellent editorial judgment, with the ability to assess both the creative and commercial potential of a project.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong author- and agent-relationship management skills.
• Ability to articulate a clear publishing vision and build support for projects across multiple departments.
• Highly organized, responsive, and able to manage several books and deadlines simultaneously.
• Collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working within a creative, cross-functional environment.
• Commitment to publishing a broad range of voices, perspectives, stories, and imaginative worlds.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and edit a successful list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction titles.
• Proactively identify new authors, emerging voices, publishing trends, and areas of opportunity within the marketplace.
• Evaluate proposals and manuscripts and present compelling acquisition recommendations, including positioning, readership, competitive titles, and financial considerations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with authors, literary agents, scouts, and other members of the publishing community.
• Provide thoughtful, substantive editorial feedback and guide authors from acquisition through final manuscript.
• Serve as the primary contact for authors, providing clear communication, strategic guidance, and a high level of author care throughout the publishing process.
• Create persuasive title information, including acquisition materials, positioning statements, catalog copy, tip sheets, and presentations for internal meetings.
• Partner closely with publicity, marketing, art, production, and managing editorial teams to develop and execute effective publishing strategies.
• Advocate for titles throughout the publication lifecycle and help build enthusiasm among internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate actively in cover development, title positioning, launch planning, and long-term author-brand development.
• Manage publication schedules, manuscript delivery, and editorial priorities across multiple projects.
• Monitor consumer behavior, competitive publishing, cultural conversations, and genre trends to inform acquisitions and publishing strategy.
• Contribute to the overall identity, growth, and strategic direction of Saga Press.

Skills

Editorial experience

Acquisitions

Genre knowledge

Communication skills

Author relationships

Job description

Simon & Schuster in New York City seeks an Editor or Senior Editor to acquire and edit a dynamic list of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction. The role demands a strong editorial vision, keen market understanding, and the ability to guide authors through the publishing process.

The position may be filled at either level, depending on experience, and requires excellent judgment, author-care, and collaboration across departments to position titles for success.