Editorial Assistant/Assistant Editor/ Associate Editor, Charlesbridge, (Watertown, MA)
Posted August 21, 2026
Description
Charlesbridge, an independent publisher of high-quality children’s books, seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and
creative Spanish-speaking editorial candidate with a passion for bookmaking and the business of publishing. The
final job title and scope will be based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Reporting directly to the publisher, the selected candidate will work closely with a team of editors, designers, and
production staff on a range of fiction and nonfiction titles from board books and picture books to middle grade
and young adult.
Responsibilities
An editorial assistant:
- Reads and evaluates manuscripts; writes thoughtful and timely decline and revision letters
- Generates proposals, terms, and P&Ls for prospective projects through a project management platform (Biblio)
- Assists with editing manuscripts, demonstrating excellent writing, grammar, and spelling, and displaying a firm knowledge of Charlesbridge house style and Chicago Manual of Style, as well as creative flair
- Assists with evaluating sketches, final art, layouts, and proofs—balancing aesthetic, creative, and financial concerns
- Edits Spanish, bilingual, and paperback titles as assigned
- Writes flap copy and other selling copy for books
- Performs fact-checking and research on select titles
- Hires, onboard, and trains freelancers for projects
- Supports the editorial department with administrative duties such as copyright and CIP
An assistant editor (2-4 yrs experience):
- All the above, minus some of the administrative work
- Acquires and develops own list of titles
- Manages day-to-day operations of the Spanish/bilingual program
- Assists sales and marketing with Spanish/bilingual social media and promotional activities
- Targets, builds, and maintains a network of key industry contacts
- Attends and presents at sales launches, industry events, trade shows, and conferences, building visibility for Charlesbridge and self
- Prioritizes projects to meet deadlines, balancing personal workload with the needs and workloads of editorial and design colleagues
- Builds an understanding of market and list needs for all major buyers (teachers, librarians, booksellers, parents), while keeping abreast of innovations and media opportunities
An associate editor (4+ yrs experience):
- In addition to the above duties, acquires and develops 8-10 frontlist titles that fill a need in the company’s markets specifically and the children’s book market as a whole
- Develops books thoroughly, efficiently, and creatively to garner critical acclaim, enhance the company’s reputation, further its mission, and achieve its financial goals
- With the publisher, sets and implements strategic goals for the Spanish/bilingual program while managing the program
- Develops a network of key industry contacts to bring visibility to the Charlesbridge list and its Spanish/bilingual titles in particular
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate
- holds a bachelor’s degree and has several years of workforce experience
- has 1-5 years of children’s publishing experience (or demonstrated interest in a publishing career)
- is proficient and fluent in Spanish
- has prior knowledge of children’s books, especially the Spanish-language market
- performs efficiently under pressure, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys working on a team
Qualifications/Characteristics
- Excellent organization and time management
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to work autonomously
- Well-honed communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to learn online platforms quickly and comprehensively
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Hours and Compensation
Charlesbridge currently operates under a hybrid in-office/virtual work schedule, requiring two days per week in
our office in Watertown, Massachusetts. This is a full-time position with benefits. Candidates must reside in or be
willing to relocate to Massachusetts.
How to Apply
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the specific
requirements of the position to [email protected]. For more information about the company, visit
www.charlesbridge.com.