Fast Facts

Join Poisoned Pen Press as an Associate Editor, where you'll work with genre fiction that captivates readers while acquiring and developing titles in mystery, thriller, horror, and fantasy.

Responsibilities: Manage titles from acquisition through production, independently acquire titles, support senior editors, and maintain author relationships.

Skills: 3+ years of editorial experience in trade publishing, strong editing skills, and a keen understanding of market trends.

Qualifications: Experience in genre fiction publishing, familiarity with publishing databases, and strong communication skills.

Location: This position is hybrid in Naperville, IL, or fully remote in select states including Arizona, Massachusetts, and New York.

Compensation: $50000 - $58000 / Annually

Do you love dark genre fiction that keeps you turning pages late into the night? Do you have a sharp editorial eye, a knack for market-savvy acquisitions, and a passion for nurturing author voices? If so, Poisoned Pen Press—Sourcebooks’ award-winning imprint for best-in-class genre fiction—wants you on our team.

At Poisoned Pen Press, we blaze trails with inclusive, thought-provoking, and pulse-pounding storytelling across mystery, thriller, horror, suspense, and fantasy. We are the home of #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden, Edgar Award–winning author Sulari Gentill, cozy fantasy writer J. Penner, and Bram Stoker Award nominee Johanna van Veen.

We’re looking for an Associate Editor to help shape the future of our list. This role blends hands-on editorial work with project management and acquisitions, giving you the opportunity to both support our senior editors and independently acquire and develop your own list of titles. You’ll work closely with authors, agents, and internal teams to create books that delight readers and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

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. 

This is an exempt salaried position between $50,000 - $58,000/annually. 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.   

What you’ll do:

• Manage assigned titles from acquisition through production, ensuring high-quality and on-time delivery.
• Independently acquire 3–4 titles per season, building your own list within Poisoned Pen Press.
• Collaborate with senior editors to evaluate submissions, negotiate deals, and shape projects for success.
• Provide support to senior staff as needed.
• Conduct market research to identify promising opportunities in mystery, thriller, horror, suspense, and fantasy.
• Perform developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading to polish manuscripts to our standards.
• Write compelling marketing copy, including catalog, back cover, and flap text.
• Coordinate schedules, track title data, and prepare materials for launches, sales conferences, and marketing.
• Maintain strong author and agent relationships, serving as a primary point of contact for assigned projects.

What you bring:

• 3+ years of editorial experience in trade publishing, ideally in genre fiction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects from acquisition to publication.
• Strong developmental and line editing skills, plus a keen understanding of market trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with publishing databases, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A passion for genre fiction and a reader-focused editorial mindset.
• Must Love Books (the spookier the better)!

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Sourcebooks, books change lives isn’t just a mission — it’s who we are. We’ve reached more than 500 million readers, and our innovative approach to publishing has earned recognition as:

• Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace
• Best Workplace by Inc.
• Fast Company’s Innovation Leader (twice)
• Publishers Weekly’s “Most Successful Self-Made Publisher of the 21st Century”
• BISG Industry Award 2025 for redefining what it means to be a publisher today.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re energized by bold ideas, breakout books, and building lasting author brands, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction at Poisoned Pen Press.

Submit your resume, salary requirements, and a cover letter that shows your passion for both the role and the genres we publish. Creativity counts — we want to see what makes you stand out. Applications without a cover letter 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.