Senior or Executive Editor - Original Publishing

Job Summary

VIZ Media, the world leader in English-language versions of manga and anime, is looking for a Senior or Executive Editor to join our Original Publishing team. The Senior Editor/Executive Editor, Original Publishing will commission and acquire commercially appealing books with an emphasis on Asian pop culture and entertainment. Titles may span a wide variety of formats and subjects, including illustrated books, novelty formats, cooking, general interest non-fiction, and more. Reporting to the Publishing Director, the Senior/Executive Editor will develop the trade list for the VIZ Media imprint, acquiring and editing approximately 10-15 original books per year. A significant amount of creative ideation and commissioning will be required. 

This role works closely with authors and agents, along with members of the editorial, design, production and marketing departments. Experience sourcing and collating images for illustrated/photographic books will be highly regarded. The final title for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s level of experience.

What you’ll do:

• Manage new publishing projects from ideation to completion
• Identify opportunities and commission authors and other creatives
• Evaluate book proposals and build the commercial case for their acquisition
• Undertake developmental and line edits, along with reviewing and collaborating on illustrated layouts
• Negotiate and manage relationships with agents and authors
• Engage with authors/agents throughout the acquisition and production process and ensure all relevant approvals and contracts are in place
• Report on trends and audiences and highlight potential new areas for growth
• Establish and manage production schedules
• Collaborate with freelancers, copydesk, designers, art directors, and production
• Prepare sales and marketing materials as required

The ideal candidate has:

• 8+ years of relevant publishing industry experience, including significant senior editorial experience with both prose and complex, full-color books
• Direct experience managing multiple concurrent projects from acquisition to completion
• A strong record of delivering projects to deadline with minimal supervision–effective organization and prioritization skills are a must
• Extensive experience managing freelance creative teams (including designers, photographers, and writers)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to successfully manage internal relationships
• Ability to problem solve creatively with strong critical thinking skills and deep attention to detail
• Demonstrated initiative with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
• Understanding of and interest in the publishing, entertainment, and pop culture landscape; some knowledge of or interest in anime and manga a plus
• Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, Communications, or related fields from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience

Work Environment & Schedule

Location: The Senior/Executive Editor, Original Publishing position is open to candidates residing and working in California, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, or Texas. If local to the San Francisco Bay Area, 1-2 days of work onsite at our downtown San Francisco office is expected weekly. If remote, the Editor should expect to travel to San Francisco 3-4 times per year.

Schedule: This is a Regular Full-Time position (40 hours per week) with core hours of 10 am to 4 pm with flexibility outside of core hours.

Compensation: $95,000 - $115,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional variable compensation