Production Editor - Children's in Naperville, Illinois at Sourcebooks

At Sourcebooks, we're passionate about creating books that inspire, educate, and entertain readers of all ages. We're looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented Production Editor to support our growing children’s list.

As a Production Editor, you'll manage a diverse list of projects through every stage of editorial production—from copyediting and proofreading to final files for print and digital publication. You'll partner with editorial, managing editorial, manufacturing, design, freelancers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure every title is delivered on time and at the highest quality.

If you thrive on solving problems, managing multiple priorities, and working with talented teams to create exceptional books, we'd love to hear from you.

This an non-exempt, hourly position with a pay range of $26.44 - $30.00/hourly. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.

What you’ll do:

• Own the editorial production process for an assigned list of titles, ensuring projects move smoothly from manuscript through final production.
• Coordinate copyediting, proofreading, page production, and final file review to deliver books that meet Sourcebooks' quality standards.
• Build strong partnerships with Editorial, Managing Editorial, Manufacturing, Design, and freelance partners to keep projects moving forward.
• Assign and manage freelance copyeditors and proofreaders in collaboration with the Freelance Resource Manager.
• Monitor schedules, anticipate challenges, and proactively resolve production issues before they impact deadlines.
• Review page proofs and final corrections to ensure accuracy, consistency, and editorial excellence.
• Prepare and approve final print and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) files, confirming they meet technical and production specifications.
• Use production metrics and workflow insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted production partner, communicating project status, risks, and solutions to stakeholders throughout the publishing process.
• Contribute to process improvements that help our teams work smarter and deliver even better books.

What you bring:

• 3+ years of editorial production experience in a publishing environment.
• A strong understanding of the publishing production process from manuscript through final print and digital files.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience with project management tools and publishing systems, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
• Outstanding organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with freelancers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Experience in children’s books and/or highly illustrated full-color projects a plus.

Why Sourcebooks?
Sourcebooks is a thriving entrepreneurial publisher driven by our mission to change lives through books. The fifth-largest publisher in the U.S. by print units sold, we bring extraordinary authors to readers in dynamic, data-driven ways, leading to hundreds of national and international bestsellers. Our insight-driven approach has earned us recognition from Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company, a Best Workplace for Innovators, a Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek, a Best Workplace by Inc., and Publishers Weekly’s nod as “the most successful self-made publisher operating in the 21st century.” Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Ready to Apply:
Please submit your resume, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity — we’re looking for someone who’s as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription Drug Insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, and generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.