The posting
Editorial Director, Nonfiction — Atria Books Simon & Schuster is seeking an accomplished and entrepreneurial Editorial Director of Nonfiction to join Atria Books. This role will work closely with the publisher to build a vibrant, editorially distinctive, commercially successful nonfiction list. The ideal candidate brings exceptional editorial judgment, strong author and agent relationships, and a proven ability to identify emerging voices, anticipate reader interests, and develop books with both immediate appeal and lasting backlist potential. Areas of interest may include narrative nonfiction, memoir and biography, popular culture, history, current affairs, popular science, psychology, personal development, and spirituality. Key Responsibilities Acquisitions and List Development
Acquire a strong list of nonfiction titles that supports Atria’s editorial identity, commercial goals, and long-term growth. Identify and cultivate writers, journalists, experts, public figures, and emerging voices with distinctive perspectives and the ability to connect with readers. Develop original book concepts and proactively seek out authors to bring them to life. Build and maintain productive relationships with literary agents and other sources of talent. Evaluate proposals and manuscripts for editorial quality, originality, audience potential, competitive positioning, and financial viability. Present acquisitions with a clear publishing vision, supported by market insight, comparable titles, and financial analysis. Negotiate acquisitions in collaboration with imprint leadership and the contracts team.
Editorial and Author Development
Guide authors through the development and revision process, providing substantive editorial direction that strengthens structure, narrative, voice, clarity, and reader engagement. Manage projects from acquisition through publication, maintaining high editorial standards and meeting established schedules. Build lasting author relationships through thoughtful communication, creative collaboration, and strategic career development. Work with authors and relevant colleagues to address sourcing, permissions, and legal review needs as appropriate.
Publishing Strategy and Collaboration
Collaborate with marketing, publicity, sales, design, managing editorial, production, and subsidiary rights teams to develop and execute cohesive publishing plans. Shape titles, subtitles, cover direction, positioning, and descriptive copy to communicate each book’s appeal and reach its intended audience. Serve as an enthusiastic and persuasive advocate for books and authors at internal meetings and sales presentations. Monitor sales performance, reader interests, and developments in media and culture to inform acquisitions, identify growth opportunities, and support backlist sales. Identify opportunities to expand authors’ readership across formats, markets, and sales channels. Balance creative ambition with sound commercial judgment, including attention to advances, production costs, schedules, and profitability.
Editorial Leadership
Partner with imprint leadership on nonfiction list planning, publishing priorities, and opportunities to expand Atria’s readership and influence. Help develop a balanced publishing program that includes established authors, emerging talent, timely subjects, and books with enduring appeal. Mentor editorial colleagues, providing guidance on acquisitions, manuscript development, author relationships, and publishing strategy. Build a collaborative editorial environment that welcomes fresh ideas and a broad range of voices and perspectives. Represent Atria within the publishing community and at relevant industry and cultural events.
Qualifications
Significant experience in trade nonfiction publishing, typically eight or more years, with a demonstrated record of successful acquisitions and editorial development. A strong track record of publishing commercially successful books in one or more nonfiction categories relevant to Atria. Established relationships with literary agents and a demonstrated ability to discover and attract new talent. Exceptional developmental editing skills, including the ability to strengthen narrative, sharpen arguments, and preserve an author’s distinctive voice. Strong understanding of nonfiction audiences, author platforms, and how readers discover and engage with books. Broad intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness, and the ability to recognize subjects and voices with meaningful publishing potential. Experience evaluating acquisition financials, negotiating deals, and managing the commercial considerations of a publishing list. Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and relationship-building skills. The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining close attention to detail. A collaborative leadership style and experience mentoring or developing editorial talent.
