Senior Editor, Original Publishing — Shape Bestsellers

VIZ Media; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance/Benefits package

401(k) with employer matching

Commuter stipend

Job summary

VIZ Media seeks a Senior/Executive Editor, Original Publishing in California to oversee acquisition and editing of 10–15 original books per year, emphasizing Asian pop culture and entertainment. Role requires ideation, commissioning, and close collaboration with editorial, design, production, and marketing teams.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in publishing, strong project management, and a track record of delivering complex, full-color projects on deadline.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of publishing industry experience, with senior editorial roles.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects from acquisition to completion.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Experience leading freelance teams (designers, photographers, writers).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong internal relationships.
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and handle competing priorities.
• Interest in publishing, entertainment, pop culture; anime/manga knowledge a plus.
• Bachelor's Degree in English/Journalism/Creative Writing or related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage new publishing projects from ideation to completion.
• Identify opportunities and commission authors and other creatives.
• Evaluate book proposals and build the commercial case for their acquisition.
• Undertake developmental and line edits, and review illustrated layouts.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with agents and authors.
• Engage with authors/agents through production and ensure contracts.
• Report on trends and audiences; establish production schedules.
• Collaborate with freelancers, copydesk, designers, and production.
• Prepare sales and marketing materials as required.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Project management

Freelance management

Communication skills

Multitasking

Deadline-oriented

Education

BA English

Journalism

Creative Writing

Comparative Literature

Job description

VIZ Media seeks a Senior/Executive Editor, Original Publishing in California to oversee acquisition and editing of 10–15 original books per year, emphasizing Asian pop culture and entertainment. Role requires ideation, commissioning, and close collaboration with editorial, design, production, and marketing teams.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in publishing, strong project management, and a track record of delivering complex, full-color projects on deadline.