Editorial Assistant / Assistant Editor, One Signal Publishers

Editorial Assistant / Assistant Editor, One Signal Publishers

One Signal Publishers, an imprint of Atria Books at Simon & Schuster, is seeking a highly organized, curious, and collaborative Editorial Assistant or Assistant Editor to join its team. One Signal publishes narrative nonfiction that sparks conversation, challenges conventional thinking, and helps readers better understand the world.

This position will provide administrative and editorial support across the publishing process, from evaluating submissions to coordinating books through publication. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic nonfiction reader with strong writing skills, attention to detail, and an interest in memoir, journalism, history, politics, and cultural criticism.

The position may be filled at the Editorial Assistant or Assistant Editor level, depending on experience and would report directly to One Signal VP and Publisher, Alessandra Bastagli.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative support, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, processing expenses, coordinating mailings, and maintaining departmental records.
• Track incoming submissions, read proposals and manuscripts, and prepare thoughtful reader’s reports and recommendations.
• Conduct research on potential authors, comparable titles, industry trends, and emerging topics.
• Support manuscript preparation and editorial work, including drafting correspondence, organizing author materials, and tracking revisions.
• Draft and refine catalog copy, cover copy, title information, and materials for internal presentations.
• Maintain accurate title data, schedules, and project records in publishing systems.
• Coordinate with managing editorial, production, design, marketing, publicity, and sales to keep projects moving and ensure materials are delivered on time.
• Communicate with authors and agents regarding schedules, materials, and routine inquiries.
• Prepare materials for editorial and publishing meetings and track follow-up items.

Additional Responsibilities at the Assistant Editor Level

• Take greater ownership of assigned projects, managing routine author communication and coordinating key publishing milestones.
• Assist with substantive manuscript feedback and editorial letters under the guidance of senior editorial staff.
• Contribute ideas for potential acquisitions and develop relationships with agents and prospective authors.
• Help evaluate acquisition opportunities through market research and editorial discussion.

Qualifications

• Approximately 1–2 years of relevant publishing experience, preferably in nonfiction editorial
• Strong interest in nonfiction publishing and enthusiasm for One Signal’s books and mission.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and a professional approach to working with authors, agents, and colleagues.
• A collaborative mindset, willingness to ask questions, and readiness to support both administrative and editorial work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and an ability to learn new systems.