OPPORTUNITIES
Publishing Assistant
Berkeley, CA
$22,000, 20 hours per week. Healthcare, PTO.
Posted April 3, 2024. This will be up until the position is filled.
About Transit Books
Transit Books is a nonprofit publisher of international and American literature, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 2015, Transit Books is committed to the discovery and promotion of enduring works that carry readers across borders and communities.
Transit Books publishes a carefully curated list of award-winning literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, essay, and literature for children. Transit authors have received the Nobel Prize in Literature, a National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN Translation Prize, and have been finalists for the National Book Award, the International Booker Prize, the National Translation Award, and more.
Position Description
Transit Books is hiring a part-time, hourly Publishing Assistant to provide support across departments, with an emphasis on editorial/production, social media management, and office administration, reporting to the Publisher.
The ideal candidate will share our commitment to publishing boundary-pushing literature from around the world, and possess the creativity, sensitivity, and vision to write copy for everything from marketing materials to social posts; design social assets and marketing collateral; and evaluate manuscripts for acquisition. Proficiency in InDesign is a plus. The Publishing Assistant is also responsible for all books coming and going from the Transit office, and should be prepared to fulfill online orders, carry out subscription mailings, and send out galleys and other marketing materials.
Compensation for this position is $21.15 per hour, 20 hours per week, and has the potential to develop into a full-time role. This is an in-person position at our new offices in Berkeley, with occasional travel for conferences, literary festivals, and events, as needed. Benefits include PTO, flexible work schedule, and the option to join a healthcare plan.
Primary Responsibilities
Managing our subscription program—including database management, outreach, and mailings—and fulfilling online orders
Creating social assets, developing social media strategies, and running social accounts
Reading, tracking, and reporting on submissions
Working closely with the Publisher throughout the editorial and production process, including, liaising with authors, translators, and agents; clearing permissions; copyediting and proofreading manuscripts and materials; and inputting changes to typesets
Writing copy for information sheets, catalogs, newsletters, and press releases
Supporting metadata input and upkeep for frontlist and backlist titles
Working closely with staff on event outreach and management
General office administration
Required Skills and Qualifications
Enthusiasm for and knowledge of literature in translation and contemporary American literature
Willingness to familiarize yourself with Transit’s backlist; existing familiarity a plus
Excellent organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills
A strong understanding of the Chicago Manual of Style
Deadline management, attention to detail, and an ability to work independently on projects
A familiarity with the publishing landscape
Ability to take initiative on new projects and opportunities
Proficiency in Word and Google Suite is required; proficiency in InDesign and other design software is a plus
Equal Employment Opportunity
Transit Books is an equal opportunity employer that embraces a diverse, multicultural work environment. Transit does not discriminate in employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, religious creed, ancestry, age (except minors), marital status, medical condition and disability, and the other bases prohibited by law.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Adam Levy at hiring@transitbooks.org with the subject “Publishing Assistant.”