Associate Editor - Adult Non-Fiction

Are you ready to shape the next generation of bestselling books? At Sourcebooks, one of the most innovative publishing houses in the industry, we believe in the life-changing power of books, the magic of team-driven creativity, and the power of an entrepreneurial spirit. We don’t just publish books—we build movements. And we’re looking for a sharp, driven Associate Editor to help us do it.

Why This Role Is Different

As an Associate Editor on our adult nonfiction team, you won’t be stuck behind the scenes. You’ll be developing high-impact titles in a range of commercial nonfiction categories—memoir, prescriptive, narrative, and beyond. You’ll play a critical role in shaping ideas, nurturing authors, and driving acquisitions of bold, distinctive content that connects deeply with readers.

Our nonfiction program includes powerful, bestselling works like The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, College Girl, Missing by Shawn Cohen, and the Hear Your Story? series by Jeffrey Mason. You’ll help us build on that legacy—with your taste, your vision, and your editorial voice.

The location for this position can be based in any of the following states: Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. This role includes some travel, including occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL.

This is an exempt, salaried position with an annual salary between $50,000 - $65,000. 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:

Acquire & develop 7–10 titles annually across a variety of adult nonfiction categories.

Shape and champion compelling narratives and innovative book concepts.

Edit with precision and empathy, supporting authors through the full publishing lifecycle.

Collaborate cross-functionally—from design to marketing—to ensure cohesive, successful publishing strategies.

Support senior editors while also making your own mark on the list.

Conduct market and competitive analysis to position projects for commercial success.

Write and manage content for covers, marketing copy, and metadata.

Communicate clearly and proactively with authors, agents, and internal teams.

What you bring:

An experienced editor with 3+ years in adult nonfiction publishing (agency, house, or hybrid welcome).

A trend-spotter and tastemaker—you know what resonates and how to develop it.

A strong communicator and relationship builder, able to collaborate and advocate.

A natural juggler—comfortable managing multiple deadlines and moving parts.

A self-starter, energized by fast-paced, creative environments.

A book lover to your core, passionate about making stories matter.

Why Sourcebooks?

As Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We’re a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we’ve been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Ready to Apply:

Please submit your resume, salary requirements and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity — we’re looking for someone who’s as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!

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.