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Trade Publishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VP, Group Sales Director (Hybrid)

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Minimum of 10 years of related experience in book publishing; trade publishing experience required * Strong knowledge of sales distribution and merchandising across channels and formats * Highly ...

... a dynamic Trade Sales Assistant to support our National and Independent Accounts team and help ... Book Publishing Experience All salaries and salary ranges posted by The Quarto Group may vary ...

Digital Editor

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site +1

$70K - $80K/yr

Experience working in B2B media or trade publishing * Experience in a news-driven editorial organization * Familiarity with web analytics and audience performance tools * Knowledge of AP style This ...

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Trade Publishing information

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$27K

$67.1K

$106K

How much do trade publishing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trade publishing in the United States is $67,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Trade Publishing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Trade Publishing, you need a solid understanding of editorial processes, market trends, and content acquisition, typically supported by a degree in English, Communications, or Publishing. Familiarity with manuscript editing tools, content management systems, and digital publishing platforms is essential. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help professionals work effectively with authors, agents, and colleagues. These skills are crucial for producing compelling publications, reaching target audiences, and driving commercial success in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in trade publishing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in trade publishing often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing market trends, and balancing creative vision with commercial viability. Collaboration between editorial, marketing, and sales teams is essential to ensure titles reach their target audience effectively. Staying informed about industry trends and maintaining open communication across departments can help address these challenges and contribute to a successful publishing process.

What is the difference between Trade Publishing vs Book Publishing?

AspectTrade PublishingBook Publishing
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in publishing, journalism, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with a focus on literature or communications
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, industry-specific offices, often with sales and marketing teamsCreative, editorial-focused environments, including editing and production teams
Industry UsageUsed mainly for magazines, trade journals, and industry-specific publicationsUsed for general and literary books, novels, and non-fiction works
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare trade publishing roles with book publishing roles due to similar skills and industry overlap

Trade publishing and book publishing share many similarities, including credentials and work environments. However, trade publishing primarily focuses on industry-specific publications like magazines and trade journals, while book publishing centers on novels and general books. Both fields require strong editorial skills and industry knowledge, but they serve different markets and audiences.

What is trade publishing?

Trade publishing refers to the industry segment that produces books primarily for general consumer audiences, such as fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and young adult titles. These books are usually sold through bookstores, online retailers, and other outlets accessible to the public. Trade publishers work with authors to develop, market, and distribute books to reach the widest possible readership. This is different from academic or professional publishing, which focuses on specialized audiences.
More about Trade Publishing jobs
What cities are hiring for Trade Publishing jobs? Cities with the most Trade Publishing job openings:
What states have the most Trade Publishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Trade Publishing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trade Publishing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,149 per year, or $32.3 per hour.
Vice President/Editorial Director - Romance

Vice President/Editorial Director - Romance

Sourcebooks LLC

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Vice President, Editorial Director will lead the strategic vision, acquisitions, and publishing operations for Bloom Books, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Cosmo Reads. This executive leadership role is responsible for driving growth, shaping editorial direction, building bestselling author programs, and strengthening Sourcebooks position as a leader in romance publishing. The ideal candidate is a highly strategic and market-savvy publishing leader with deep expertise in commercial romance, strong agent relationships, and a passion for innovative, reader-focused publishing. This role partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Publicity, and Design to deliver high-impact publishing programs across print, digital, audio, and special edition formats while leading and mentoring editorial team.
Sourcebooks is looking for an experienced editorial executive to join our leadership team. If you're a seasoned publishing professional with a strong editorial vision and a passion for great books, we'd love to hear from you. Salary range: $155,000-$225,000, based on experience and career trajectory. This range is based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, location, 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 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:
  • Lead the editorial vision and publishing strategy for Bloom Books, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Cosmo Reads - the powerhouse portfolio behind Sourcebooks leadership in romance publishing.
  • Acquire and develop bestselling commercial romance across key growth categories including romantasy, dark romance, sports romance, contemporary, and new adult.
  • Drive innovative publishing models that combine entrepreneurial author partnerships, deluxe/special editions, and social-first marketing strategies.
  • Identify emerging reader and retail trends using data, sales analytics, and marketplace intelligence to shape a market-leading publishing program.
  • Build and expand relationships with top literary agents, bestselling authors, indie publishing entrepreneurs, and digital-first creators.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Design, and Publicity to launch high-impact campaigns and maximize sell-through across all formats and retail channels.
  • Represent Sourcebooks romance imprints at major industry events including Frankfurt Book Fair, London Book Fair, and key retailer presentations.
  • Lead and mentor a high-performing editorial team while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture.
What you bring:
  • 10+ years of progressive editorial leadership experience in trade publishing, with significant expertise in commercial romance publishing.
  • Proven track record of acquiring, developing, and publishing bestselling romance titles across multiple subgenres.
  • Deep understanding of the romance marketplace, including Book Tok, digital reader communities, influencer culture, and emerging category trends.
  • Demonstrated success leading editorial teams and managing high-performing publishing programs or imprints.
  • Strong relationships with literary agents, authors, scouts, and key industry stakeholders
  • Experience working with entrepreneurial, indie, or hybrid-publishing authors and familiarity with author-platform-driven acquisition strategies.
  • Exceptional negotiation, communication, and author relationship management skills
  • Proven ability to balance creative editorial vision with financial performance and profitability goals.
  • Strong organizational and strategic planning skills, with experience managing seasonal lists, publishing schedules, and divisional priorities.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability with experience hiring, mentoring, and developing editorial talent.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative publishing environment.
  • Willingness to travel for industry events, author meetings, retailer presentations, and international book fairs as needed.

Why Sourcebooks?
As Newsweek's #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We're a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we've been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. 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, & 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.