Senior Editor, Books

New Posted 20 October 2023 | New York, NY | People Magazine

I. Job Summary | Major goals and objectives.

PEOPLE’s Senior Books Editor will be responsible for all book-related content across all platforms, including the print magazine, people.com, and our social channels. PEOPLE is known as a major player in the book world, and our coverage often helps launch a book’s success and contributes to the cultural conversation and buzz around a book or topic. This editor will continue that tradition and help make our coverage even more impactful, particularly on new platforms. Deep knowledge of the book industry and impeccable relationships with the publishing community is vital to this role. The editor will secure book-related exclusives and first-looks, negotiating contracts and rights with publishers, lead and grow digital coverage of books and work collaboratively with our 16 verticals (TV, movies, royals, crime, human interest, etc.) to maximize exposure and reach of our book-related content. This staffer will edit and produce print and digital stories or be a partner with our vertical leads as needed. The editor will maintain a robust calendar of upcoming books and manage freelance and staff reviewers to produce our weekly Picks page of book reviews.

II. Essential Job Functions

Weight % - Accountabilities, Actions and Expected Measurable Results

20% - Managing books calendar, identifying books for coverage throughout the year, assigning books for review and editing reviews

30% - Securing major books exclusives; collaborating with staffers to triangulate best access to major books (e.g. working through celebrity reps and book publishers simultaneously); coordinating exclusives with PR

20% - Editing stories, sometimes interviewing subjects and writing stories

20% - Extending books coverage on all platforms (e.g. news coverage around revealing memoirs; coverage on fan-favorite books for specific verticals; developing a strong books presence on TikTok, etc.)

10% - Managing and executing contracts for excerpts, working with legal team

III. Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements | All must be met to be considered.

Education: BA

Experience: 8 years min., with strong editing skills to produce copy that can be published without another eye

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Deep knowledge and contacts in the book industry; strong line editing and writing skills; ability to collaborate creatively with others. Understanding of various audiences on different platforms. Interest in our broad range of topics: Celebrity first and foremost, but also Hollywood nostalgia, royals, crime, human interest. Impeccable organization and preparation, and creative thinker who is flexible and nimble in the current competitive media landscape.

It is the policy of Meredith Operations Corporation ("Dotdash Meredith", "the Company") to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests can be made by emailing ddm.hr@dotdashmdp.com.

The Company participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees

Pay Range
Salary: $98000 - $130000


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