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Editorial Assistant, Portfolio, Sentinel, & Thesis (Hybrid)

Penguin Random House has a job opening for an editorial assistant for the following imprints: Portfolio, Sentinel, and Thesis. The assistant will provide administrative and editorial support to an Executive Editor with a broad list of provocative political, religious, and prescriptive nonfiction titles. 


We are a small group of friendly people with high standards and a sense of humor. Across three imprints--Portfolio, Sentinel, and Thesis--we publish practical and idea-driven nonfiction in the business, politics, self-help, and social sciences categories. Our authors include Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Oprah Winfrey, Arthur Brooks, Amy Coney Barrett, Ryan Holiday, Sharon McMahon, Vivian Tu, John McWhorter, Greg Zuckerman, Morgan Housel, Coleman Hughes, Annie Duke, John Doerr, Scott Galloway, Abigail Shrier, Katy Milkman, Nick Bilton, General Stanley McChrystal, Peggy Noonan, Codie Sanchez, Allie Beth Stuckey, and Jordan Peterson. 


For our assistants, we offer training, support, mentorship, and access to a community of editors, authors, and agents. Our assistants are expected to start contributing to acquisitions, packaging, and editorial conversations from day one.


About You: 
You are a book person: you always have a book on hand, grapple with difficult texts, and are an evangelist for your favorite titles. You’re adaptable and persuasive, capable of writing in a range of styles and tones. You’re ambitious and pragmatic, and you read books that help you get better results. You’re an independent thinker, often seeking new perspectives that challenge your assumptions. You have strong convictions, and you know when the time is right to either stand your ground or change your mind. You love a good spreadsheet (or at least know how to make one) and feel satisfied when systems run smoothly. You take ownership over your work and know how to manage up. 
Finally, you love working with people. We find that candidates with backgrounds in service and teaching jobs tend to excel on our team. If you have experience in a field that required you to handle a massive number of details while providing sensitive and tactful people support, you will like it here.


Specific responsibilities include:  

  • Support an executive editor in publishing operations
  • Draft materials such as blurb requests, flap copy, TI sheets, editorial memos, and letters
  • Manage critical parts of the publication process, such as contracts, deadlines, manuscripts, and book jackets
  • Evaluate submissions and be ready to discuss them within 48 hours of receipt
  • Read and share feedback on manuscripts in progress; provide editorial support on manuscripts and/or excerpts as needed
  • Shepherd manuscripts through production, from styling to transmittal to trafficking materials back and forth with the author
  • Collect data and maintain imprint databases on acquisitions, sales, contact information, and freelancers
  • With supervision, take sole editorial ownership of 1-3 titles a year
  • Collaborate closely with colleagues in marketing, publicity, rights, production, and design to ensure books are published to the highest standard
  • Schedule meetings and meals; handle expense reports
  • Other support tasks as needed


Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:   

  • Demonstrated interest in editorial work (prior experience within book publishing a plus, but not required)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow-up skills
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple assignments in a deadline-driven environment
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team
  • Ability to take initiative and problem-solve creatively
  • Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term projects simultaneously
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google Docs 


The PRH office is located in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role, requiring in-office presence approximately two days per week. We will consider candidates who are able to commute to our office at 1745 Broadway from the tri-state area (NY/NJ, CT, and PA). 

The salary for this position is $51,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.  

Please apply by June 7 using our online application process, and please include your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.  

 

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: 280298

Date:  Jun 2, 2025
Location: 

New York, NY, US, 10019


Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City

Job Segment: Book Publishing, Editorial Assistant, Editor, Publishing

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