Editor, Modern Library/Hogarth (Hybrid)

The Modern Library and Hogarth, imprints of Random House, seek an Editor to join their teams. The Editor will acquire, edit, and publish titles on both lists, working directly with the Modern Library’s Vice President, Publishing Director, and Hogarth’s Vice President, Editor in Chief. This position offers the opportunity to publish new and classic literary titles on two dynamic lists of the highest literary standards. 

The Modern Library, founded in 1917 by the publisher Boni and Liveright, features treasured classics, volumes of essential writings, major translations of great works from around the globe, and rediscoveries of literary and historical merit.   

Named in honor of Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s Hogarth Press, today’s Hogarth publishes fiction and non-fiction by authors of exceptional talent who are deeply engaged with the world, emphasizing new perspectives and boundary-pushing voices. A boutique literary imprint of Random House, our writers include such prizewinners and bestsellers as Sally Rooney, Javier Zamora, Angie Kim, Han Kang, Namwali Serpell, Mariana Enriquez, Anthony Marra, Anuk Arudpragasam, and Fatima Farheen Mirza.  

The Editor will be fully involved in the publishing process, from acquisition through production and publication. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker who can help reimagine, extend, and diversify The Modern Library classics. The Editor will acquire new translations, add overlooked public domain titles to the classics canon, acquire out-of-print works worthy of rediscovery, commission new materials, repackage treasured books, as well as maximize sales opportunities with anniversary editions, movie tie-ins, and other promotions.  

For Hogarth, the Editor will play an essential role in the imprint’s growth, developing relationships with agents to acquire and edit books that complement our editorial mission. The Editor should have a successful history of acquiring and publishing titles at a literary imprint. 

The Role: 

• Evaluate submissions and identify potential acquisitions, presenting a clear and persuasive argument for a book’s literary merits and marketplace potential 

• Develop and nurture relationships with leading literary agents and authors  

• Edit manuscripts and work closely with writers and agents to publish the best version of every book 

• Steer each book through the publication process, from acquisition to transmittal to publication including: writing copy, seeking blurbs and endorsements, shaping the book’s messaging and jacket design, and responding to requests from publicity, marketing, and sales, in order to position and publish each book as effectively as possible 

• Read with other editors as they assess projects, as needed, and drafting rejection letters 

• Research trends and competition, including sales research on comparative titles 

• Identify opportunities for renewed promotion or repackaging of Modern Library titles  

• Prepare essential paperwork, including P&Ls and contract requests 

• Collaborate with colleagues across all in-house departments: publicity, marketing, sales, production, design, to package and position books effectively 

Knowledge & Experience: 

• At least 4-5 years of experience editing and publishing literary fiction and non-fiction  (Please include a list of published titles and a list of top agent contacts with application) 

• Deep enthusiasm for literature, both classic and new literary fiction and non-fiction 

• Strong editing capabilities  

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate with authors and agents 

• Superb organizational skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively  

• Creative problem solving, decision making, and time management 

• Careful attention to detail and timely follow-up, both internally and externally 

• Ability to work both independently and with team 

• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to position books and authors clearly and persuasively 

• Outstanding writing skills, especially for editorial memos, copy, and internal and external communications 

• Strong record of meeting deadlines with effective organization and prioritization skills, direct experience taking multiple concurrent projects from conception to completion, and a high sense of self-motivation 

• A rich and growing network among literary stakeholders, including writers, agents, publishing colleagues, booksellers, librarians, media and social media influencers, and beyond 

This hybrid position has in-office responsibilities, including but not limited to: in-office meetings, author/agent visits or events, and other ad hoc projects as needed. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the surrounding areas (NY, NJ, CT, & PA). 

The salary range for this position is $70,000-$73,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results. Kindly include your cover letter and resume in our application system.   

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: 270779