Assistant Editor, Manga - (Hybrid)

Penguin Random House Publisher Services is seeking an assistant editor to oversee manga titles on behalf of our client Kodansha Comics. Since it began publishing in 2009, Kodansha’s English-language manga program has been a runaway success, with hits including Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, AKIRA, and A Silent Voice vaulting it into the top ranks of global English-language graphic novel publishers. The successful candidate will have a passion for comics and Japanese culture, strong Japanese literacy, good editorial judgment, English-language writing and editing skills, and professional comportment. They will be excited for the challenge of editing manga translations in a variety of genres and age categories and eager to pitch in on other tasks. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Assist with administrative tasks including sending complimentary copies to vendor and licensors and maintaining an office library of Japanese- and English-language books. 
• Record and follow up on quality control tickets (internal team-facing) from bi-weekly meetings 
• Supporting other editors via access to in-office resources such as color-matching tools and shipping out materials 
• Assists editorial director with freelance vendor management on an as-needed basis 

• Work with translators and designers to complete English-language manga localizations at a high standard of quality. 

• Review printer proofs of covers and interiors. 

• Work with the managing editorial team to complete the above tasks on time. 

• Periodically develop proposals, in collaboration with the client and PRH publishing and production teams, for successful print manga, including recommended licenses, formats, cover designs, and other specifications. 

• Help identify target consumers and key selling points and write cover copy for new acquisitions. 

• Work alongside other editors, fielding difficult localization or technical questions according to seniority and skills. 

Please apply if you meet the following requirements: 

• Work samples showing strong English writing and/or editing ability 

• Aptitude in written Japanese sufficient to evaluate potential titles, correct translation errors, and understand conversational nuance 

• Writing ability and judgment necessary to craft localizations that replicate the Japanese reading experience closely for a reader of English 

• Unquenchable passion for Japanese comics 

• Professional organizational skills and eagerness to learn more about all aspects of the manga publishing industry 

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (or ability to learn) 

This is a Hybrid role. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA). 

The salary for this position is $56,000.00 All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.      

Please apply by March 31, 2025 and include your resume for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page.  

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

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, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.<http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/>

Penguin Random House 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.

Company: Penguin Random House LLC 

Country: United States of America 

State/Region: New York 

City: New York 

Postal Code: 10019 

Job ID: 278509