Associate Editor - Poisoned Pen Press

Job Description

Job Description

Are you an experienced editor with a deep passion for genre fiction and a proven track record in trade publishing?  Do you have the industry relationships and market acumen to shape standout titles that rise above the noise? Poisoned Pen Press—Sourcebooks’ award-winning imprint dedicated to innovative and inclusive genre fiction—is seeking a highly motivated Associate Editor to join our team.

At Poisoned Pen Press, we champion bold storytelling that captivates and surprises—across mystery, thriller, horror, suspense, and fantasy. Our list includes #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden, Edgar Award–winner Sulari Gentill, cozy fantasy writer J. Penner, and Bram Stoker Award nominee Johanna van Veen. We are looking for an experienced editor who brings not only editorial expertise but a strong agent network and market-savvy instincts to help grow our list and deepen our impact.

This position offers a dynamic blend of editorial project management and frontlist acquisitions, providing the opportunity to acquire and shape your own list while supporting senior editors on flagship titles.

This position can be hybrid in Naperville or NYC, or fully remote in the following states ONLY : Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

This is an exempt salaried position between $50,000 - $58,000 / annually. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

What you’ll do :

Acquire and develop 3–4 original titles per season, growing a distinctive, market-aware list within Poisoned Pen Press.

Leverage strong agent relationships and an established industry network to evaluate submissions and scout new talent.

Manage assigned titles from acquisition through production, ensuring excellence in editorial quality and timely delivery.

Provide detailed developmental edits, line edits, and editorial guidance across stages of the publishing process.

Collaborate with senior editors on key acquisitions, deal negotiation, and strategic planning.

Write and refine marketing and sales copy, including catalog, back cover, and flap copy.

Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify category trends and whitespace opportunities.

Prepare materials for launch, sales conference, and internal presentations.

Serve as a key point of contact for authors and agents, maintaining strong, professional relationships.

What you bring :

Minimum 3–5 years of editorial experience at a trade publishing house, with a demonstrated focus on genre fiction.

A proven network of agent contacts and the ability to bring in market-relevant submissions independently.

Strong track record in acquisitions, developmental editing, and list development.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience managing multiple titles in various stages of production.

Proficiency with publishing tools and databases; familiarity with project management software is a plus.

A reader-first editorial mindset and genuine enthusiasm for mystery, thriller, horror, suspense, and fantasy.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Sourcebooks, books change lives isn’t just a mission — it’s who we are. We’ve reached more than 500 million readers, and our innovative approach to publishing has earned recognition as :

• Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace
• Best Workplace by Inc.
• Fast Company’s Innovation Leader (twice)
• Publishers Weekly’s “Most Successful Self-Made Publisher of the 21st Century”
• BISG Industry Award 2025 for redefining what it means to be a publisher today.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re energized by bold ideas, breakout books, and building lasting author brands, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction at Poisoned Pen Press.

Submit your resume, salary requirements, and a cover letter that shows your passion for both the role and the genres we publish. Creativity counts — we want to see what makes you stand out. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical / Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life / AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Powered by JazzHR

8VTlWczWYn