Chief Editorial Officer
(Los Angeles) Respected independent publishing group seeking a Chief Editorial Officer. This role will lead editorial teams across multiple imprints and will be responsible for shaping editorial vision, directing acquisitions, and overseeing the long-term literary identity of the publishing program. This imprint focuses on literary fiction and nonfiction, with books that explore complex ideas and perspectives. The ideal candidate will have significant editorial experience, a keen eye for enduring work, and is passionate about narrative storytelling. Our client would consider many types of professional backgrounds, including traditional publishing, media organizations, platform-driven or hybrid media, and senior literary agents.
Main Responsibilities Include:
Acquire and edit select fiction and nonfiction titles while providing high-level developmental guidance to editors and authors.
Shape the editorial direction of the publishing list across multiple imprints, upholding rigorous editorial standards.
Develop and execute a forward-looking editorial program, identifying original manuscripts and cultivating distinctive voices and ambitious projects.
Manage acquisitions budgets and evaluate investment decisions, balancing editorial ambition with disciplined financial oversight.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of editors while fostering thoughtful editorial collaboration and strong professional growth.
Build and maintain relationships with agents, authors, and industry partners, representing the publishing program within the literary community.
Qualifications/Experience/Skills Include:
Bachelor’s Degree
Significant editorial leadership experience in book publishing preferred, with a strong track record of acquiring and developing narrative fiction and nonfiction titles.
Exceptional editorial judgment and literary sensibility.
Proven experience managing acquisitions budgets and balancing budget with editorial vision.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentoring editors and maintaining strong relationships with authors, agents, and publishing partners.
Salary: Competitive
Job#: SG-4785