Production Specialist (Romance) Book Publishing Job at Sourcebooks in Naperville

Overview

Are you passionate about book design and the romance genre? Do you want to shape the visual identity of some of the most beloved romance books in the market, while still getting your hands into the layout work that brings them to life? At Sourcebooks, we’re not just making books—we’re redefining what’s possible in publishing. With hundreds of national bestsellers and industry awards, we’re a fast-growing, entrepreneurial company filled with bold thinkers and difference makers.

We are currently seeking a Production Specialist with strong design instincts and a love for romance publishing to join our Frontlist Production team. This mid-level role is ideal for someone with 3–5 years of experience who is eager to contribute to both the technical execution and creative evolution of our romance imprints, including Bloom Books and Casablanca.

This is more than a production layout role. It\'s a growth opportunity for a skilled designer who wants to eventually own the internal visual direction for romance titles—starting with high-quality page production, template development, and gradually building influence across multiple genres and imprints. The ideal candidate brings clarity to design direction, enjoys fast-paced schedules, collaborates across teams, and is energized by the diversity and creativity of the romance publishing space.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position with a range of $21.63 - $24.04 / hourly. 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.

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. Travel not required but there may be opportunities to attend industry conferences.

What you’ll do

• Versatile Workflow Management : Adapt to the unique needs of each title, demonstrating flexibility, organization, and resiliency.
• Template Creation & Refinement : Develop and refine production templates for a wide range of book types. Ensure consistency, scalability, and clarity across layouts.
• Layout Execution : Perform high-quality layout work and page corrections with attention to detail, accuracy, and genre-specific nuances. Support fast-paced production schedules and high-author-care workflows.
• Workflow Optimization : Ensure clean XML workflows and preflight files for printer-ready output.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Partner with Editors, Designers, Production Editors, and Marketing teams to align on schedules, visual standards, and workflow expectations.
• Quality Assurance : Deliver consistent, high-quality page designs and layouts that reflect our commitment to author care and reader experience.

What you bring

Why Sourcebooks?

At Sourcebooks, books change lives is more than just our mission. It’s the reason we do what we do every day. Just ask the 500 million+ readers we\'ve reached so far. We put authors at the heart of everything we do, blending creativity with deep insights and data to break new ground. Our innovative approach has earned us recognition as Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace, a Best Workplace by Inc., and an innovation leader by Fast Company twice. Publishers Weekly named us “by far the most successful self-made publisher operating in the 21st century,” and in 2025 we received the Book Industry Study Group’s highest honor for “redefining what it means to be a book publisher in the 21st century.”

We’re looking for a team member who’s excited to take ownership, dive into the romance space, and help shape the future of our imprints through thoughtful, high-impact design. If you’re someone who takes pride in both the craft and the process of book production, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready To Apply

Please submit your resume, a link to your portfolio, and a cover letter detailing your experience, design interests, and why you’re excited about romance publishing. Applications without a cover letter and portfolio 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.

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