Editor (NYC Hybrid)

As an Editor at HarperCollins Publishers, you will be responsible for acquiring and developing books that shine in the romance market, particularly for Afterglow Books and Carina Adores. Your duties will include editing narratives for structure and emotional depth, collaborating with authors through constructive feedback, and managing projects across various formats, including print and digital. Additionally, you'll be in charge of building strong relationships with agents and authors while keeping a pulse on the latest book and cultural trends.

To apply for the Editor role at HarperCollins Publishers, you'll need a minimum of 5 years of editorial experience in commercial fiction, preferably in the romance genre. A sharp eye for storytelling, exceptional communication skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential, along with proven experience in project management. Understanding various publication formats and having negotiation skills with authors and agents will also be beneficial.

The Editor at HarperCollins Publishers plays a crucial role in supporting authors by providing diplomatic and constructive feedback that respects their unique styles and lived experiences. You'll work collaboratively to elevate the storytelling through hands-on editing, development, and guidance, enabling authors to produce their best work and position their books for long-term success in the market.

The salary range for the Editor position at HarperCollins Publishers is between $65,000 to $75,000. When considering compensation, the company tailors offers based on candidates' experiences, industry knowledge, and skills. In addition to cash compensation, a comprehensive benefits package is provided to support the diverse needs of employees.

The Editor at HarperCollins Publishers will focus on developing a wide range of romance novels, particularly those published under Afterglow Books, Carina Adores, and Carina Press. The role emphasizes an interest in diverse voices and subgenres, including spicy and queer romance. You'll be at the forefront of acquiring stories that appeal to a variety of readers in the thriving romance literary market.

When answering this question, express your passion for romance literature and how the company’s commitment to diverse voices resonates with you. Talk about your career goals and how the role aligns with your interests in shaping narratives that touch readers' hearts.

Your answer should highlight your approach to collaborating with authors. Discuss how you provide constructive feedback, respect their voice, and how you incorporate their perspectives into the editing process. Mention any specific techniques you use to help authors enhance their storytelling.

Share your strategies for monitoring market trends, such as reading industry publications, attending workshops or book fairs, and engaging with the community on social media. Emphasize your curiosity and willingness to adapt to new trends affecting romance publishing.

Discuss the elements that contribute to emotional resonance in a narrative, such as character development, relatable conflicts, and authentic dialogue. Share examples of stories you’ve edited or read that exemplify these qualities, making it clear how you look for these aspects when evaluating new submissions.

Illustrate your project management skills and how you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects. You can share techniques such as creating detailed timelines, setting mini-deadlines, and maintaining open communication with authors and team members to ensure everything stays on track.

Provide a concrete example that showcases your collaborative spirit and the environment you foster when working with authors. Focus on specific actions you took to support the author’s vision and how the final product was positively received by readers or the publishing team.

Discuss your approach to relationship-building with agents, such as regular communication, attending industry events, or providing timely feedback. Emphasize your understanding of the importance of fostering good relationships for acquiring competitive projects.

Explain your method for handling unsolicited submissions, emphasizing criteria like originality, plot structure, and character development. It’s important to convey your objective to find stories that align with the company’s vision while being fair to all submissions.

Articulate your belief about the vital qualities needed for success in this role, such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a passion for storytelling. Be sure to support your claims with examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities throughout your career.

Discuss the concept of author care and its importance in fostering long-term relationships between the publisher and authors. Explain how supporting authors through empathy, constructive communication, and a genuine interest in their success can lead to better books and a more positive industry reputation.