Editor, Graphic Novels

Who We Are
Founded in 1949, ABRAMS was the first company in the United States to specialize in publishing art and illustrated books. The company continues to publish critically acclaimed and bestselling works in the areas of art, photography, cooking, craft, comics, interior and garden design, entertainment, fashion, and popular culture as well as narrative non-fiction and new works of fiction for adults; children’s books ranging from middle grade to young adult fiction to picture books to board books.

Job Purpose:

The Editor for Graphic Novels is part of the Abrams Adult Comic Arts team, acquiring and editing titles for the ACA imprint and the Megascope line of books, focusing on Graphic Novels, collections, and art monographs. This position collaborates with the ACA publisher, associate publisher, and Editor-in-Chief to identify suitable titles and opportunities for the Graphic Novels program. The Editor plays an integral part in the publishing process, working closely with authors/creators and Abrams professionals to shape and bring forth interesting content to readers worldwide.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and evaluate manuscripts submitted for consideration, assessing their quality, relevance, and potential for publication.
• Acquire new and original adult fiction for Graphic Novels for the adult Comic Arts (ACA) imprint and Megascope line of books. This includes debuts, series, genre fiction, and new releases from established authors.
• Acquire foreign Graphic Novels and oversee their conversion in English
• Develop and contribute 10–15 titles per year to the Graphic Novels/ComicArts list
• Oversee concept creation, content development, and author relationships for a diverse book list. This includes managing profit and loss statements, presenting titles at Editorial Meetings and Pub Board, negotiating deal terms, and overseeing project budgets in line with approved acquisition terms.
• Manage new titles throughout the entire editing process oversee book schedules, and collaborate with managing editorial, design, and production teams on formatting, design, and all stages of publication.
• Research and development for new projects.
• Prepare sales materials including fact sheets, catalogue copy, flap copy, metadata research, and participate in seasonal launch meetings and sales conference. Work closely with publicity and marketing teams to plan promotional activities for acquired titles.
• Attend and work 2–3 comics conventions a year, often over weekends and involving travel.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and potential opportunities for new publications or editions.
• Format manuscripts according to agreed guidelines and standards, ensuring consistency throughout the text.
• Organize and maintain archives of published material and related documents for future reference.
• Assist in obtaining necessary permissions and copyright clearances for previously published material or artwork used in publications.

• Manage administrative tasks such as maintaining databases, filing documents, managing correspondence, recording, and circulating meeting minutes, maintaining schedules, preparing P&Ls, mailings, collating galleys, draft fact sheets, catalogue copy, and flap copy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three–five years editorial book publishing experience

• Experience working with graphic novel titles/authors/creators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential to effectively communicate with authors, editors, and other members of the publishing team.
• Strong passion for Graphic Novels and comics art, with a deep understanding of storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics.
• Must be meticulous—a keen eye for detail is critical.
• Able to handle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines is essential.
• Proficient with the MS Office Suites specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to create and maintain simple databases.
• Knowledge of Adobe and InDesign a plus.
• A genuine interest in books, literature, and the publishing industry is beneficial.
• Ability to pivot and change rapidly, and open to learning new processes and technologies.

A hybrid work environment is permitted.

Salary: $65,000.00 Annually