Assistant Editor

Role overview

Chronicle Books is hiring a resourceful Assistant Editor to join its Art & Entertainment publishing team. This group develops and publishes pop-culture-forward books, formats, and calendars across a broad range of nonfiction areas. The work is playful, commercially minded, and visually strong, so the ideal candidate will bring sharp editorial instincts, a strong sense of trends, and fresh ideas for books that connect with readers.

Reporting to the Publishing Director, this role combines editorial support with project management across a varied list of commercial titles, with particular emphasis on licensing relationships. The position also includes the opportunity to independently acquire or serve as project editor on 6 to 8 books, calendars, and formats each year. The team is looking for someone who can help build a distinctive, innovative, and profitable list by developing ideas, researching audiences, and strengthening relationships with authors, makers, and industry partners.

Key responsibilities

The Assistant Editor will evaluate manuscripts and proposals, keep track of corrections, maintain schedules, prepare memo copy for tipsheets, and communicate with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and literary agents. The role also involves researching and assessing submissions, managing licensor approvals, preparing P&Ls and deal sheets, presenting proposals in publishing group meetings, and helping lead creative discussions. Market awareness and collaboration with internal teams will be important parts of the job as well.

Focus areas

This position centers on entertainment and pop-culture publishing, including licensing, humor, brand-driven and trend-driven projects, pets, and related commercial categories.

Salary and compensation

The expected pay range for this role is $27.41 to $31.50 per hour. The final offer will depend on education, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, geographic location, and internal pay alignment. The role is also eligible for the company profit share plan.

Benefits

Chronicle Books provides a broad benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k); profit sharing; three weeks of vacation at the start; two weeks of sick time annually; company holidays; a paid winter break from Christmas Day through New Year's Day; paid family, maternity, and paternity leave; commuter benefits; long-term disability insurance; annual tuition support; and an annual wellness stipend.

Work schedule

This is a hybrid role based in the San Francisco office. Employees are expected to work in the office at least three days per week and may be scheduled for up to five in-office days weekly depending on project and business needs. The job description also notes that it is not intended to list every task that may be required.

Equal opportunity and culture

The company welcomes qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. Chronicle Books values candidates who contribute to a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace and encourages applicants to apply even if they do not meet every stated qualification.

About the company

Founded in San Francisco in 1967, Chronicle Books is known for illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its list covers art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children's books, stationery, and more. The publisher works with a wide range of creators and business partners and aims to support diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

Requirements

Applicants should have at least three years of publishing experience and a track record of strong project management. A genuine interest in licensing is important, along with excellent written communication and copywriting ability. Candidates should be able to represent the Publishing Director and Executive Editor in meetings, manage multiple details at once, work with a high level of accuracy, stay self-directed, and collaborate effectively with others.

Application note

Qualified candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter through the company career site.