About Penguin Random House & Ten Speed Press
Penguin Random House stands as the world’s largest general‑trade book publisher, a vibrant tapestry of nearly 300 imprints that together publish the most acclaimed and beloved titles across every genre and market. From timeless literary classics to cutting‑edge guides on food, design, wellness, and culture, the company is dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and sharing stories that resonate globally.
Ten Speed Press is a dynamic imprint within Penguin Random House, celebrated for its beautifully illustrated, high‑impact books that inspire readers to explore culinary arts, visual creativity, and contemporary lifestyle topics. Operating from Emeryville, California, Ten Speed Press has built an enviable reputation for producing award‑winning cookbooks, graphic‑design manuals, gardening guides, and gift‑ready titles that marry striking visuals with authoritative content.
As the publishing industry continues to evolve in a digital‑first world, Ten Speed Press remains at the forefront of innovation, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern platforms to reach diverse audiences worldwide. Joining this team means becoming part of a culture that values curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Why This Role Matters
This remote editorial position sits at the heart of Ten Speed Press’s acquisitions engine. The Editor, Ten Speed Press will shape the imprint’s future by identifying compelling book concepts, cultivating relationships with authors and agents, and shepherding projects from initial pitch through to polished publication. The role requires a unique blend of editorial acumen, culinary expertise, and collaborative spirit—all delivered from the flexibility of a home‑based workspace.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Acquisition & Idea Generation
- Generate fresh book ideas by monitoring culinary trends, lifestyle shifts, and emerging market opportunities.
- Prospect and develop relationships with new and established authors, chefs, food writers, and creative collaborators.
- Lead the evaluation of proposals through rigorous analysis of market potential, competitive landscape, and risk assessment.
Proposal Evaluation & Decision‑Making
- Conduct thorough research, including profit‑and‑loss forecasting, competitive title reviews, and audience analysis.
- Prepare detailed title sheets and acquisition briefs to inform senior editorial leadership.
- Make data‑driven recommendations on which projects to pursue, ensuring each acquisition aligns with Ten Speed’s brand vision.
Agent & Contract Management
- Build and sustain productive relationships with literary agents, negotiating contracts that protect both author interests and the imprint’s commercial goals.
- Navigate rights, royalties, and subsidiary licensing considerations with precision.
Author Partnership & Project Stewardship
- Serve as the primary liaison for authors, guiding them from concept through manuscript development.
- Collaborate closely with designers, art directors, photographers, and production teams to translate culinary concepts into visually compelling book experiences.
- Maintain clear, consistent communication channels, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on timelines, expectations, and creative direction.
Production Scheduling & Problem Solving
- Develop and manage complex production schedules that synchronize multiple creative and technical workflows.
- Proactively identify potential bottlenecks and devise creative solutions to keep projects on track.
- Facilitate cross‑functional meetings that bring together editorial, design, marketing, and sales teams to drive seamless execution.
Cross‑Department Collaboration
- Partner with the marketing and publicity teams to craft compelling launch strategies and promotional campaigns.
- Work with sales leadership to position titles effectively within retail, online, and specialty channels.
- Represent the imprint’s editorial vision in internal forums, championing the author’s voice while aligning with Ten Speed’s brand standards.
Essential Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum three (3) years of editorial experience with complex, full‑color books or content‑rich media where text and visuals intersect.
- Culinary Expertise: Proven background in recipe writing, culinary editing, or food‑focused publishing; a deep understanding of cooking techniques, ingredient sourcing, and food culture is required.
- Acquisition Track Record: Demonstrated success in identifying, acquiring, and bringing to market titles that achieve both critical acclaim and commercial viability.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects from concept to publication, delivering on schedule without compromising quality.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the confidence to negotiate contracts, convey complex ideas, and nurture author relationships.
- Digital Literacy: Familiarity with contemporary social media platforms and a keen sense of how digital trends influence book marketing and audience engagement.
- Collaboration & Diplomacy: Proven aptitude for working within cross‑functional teams, handling sensitive conversations with tact, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications
- A degree in English, Journalism, Culinary Arts, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience editing award‑winning or bestseller cookbooks, lifestyle guides, or visually driven publications.
- Knowledge of emerging publishing technologies such as augmented reality cookbooks, interactive e‑books, or multimedia platforms.
- Prior experience working remotely in a fully distributed editorial team.
- Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish or Mandarin, to support diverse author and market needs.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Editorial Judgment: A refined instinct for narrative flow, voice consistency, and the integration of visual elements that enhance the reader experience.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret market data, forecast sales performance, and assess risk while maintaining a creative outlook.
- Project Coordination: Mastery of project‑management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) and editorial workflows that keep teams aligned.
- Relationship Building: Strong networking capabilities to attract top talent, negotiate win‑win agreements, and sustain long‑term partnerships.
- Adaptability: Comfort navigating the fast‑paced publishing landscape, embracing new formats, and responding to shifting consumer preferences.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in copyediting, fact‑checking, and ensuring culinary accuracy down to measurements and techniques.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Ten Speed Press invests heavily in the professional development of its people. As a remote editorial specialist, you will have access to:
- Mentorship programs linking you with senior editors and imprint leaders across Penguin Random House.
- Internal training workshops covering advanced acquisition strategies, digital publishing innovation, and leadership development.
- Opportunities to attend industry conferences such as the James Beard Awards, BookExpo America, and culinary symposiums, with travel budgets allocated for approved events.
- Clear pathways to senior editorial roles, acquisitions management, or strategic publishing positions within Ten Speed Press or other PRH imprints.
Work Environment & Company Culture
Penguin Random House champions a culture of inclusivity, curiosity, and bold thinking. Our remote teams enjoy:
- A flexible work‑from‑home model that respects work‑life balance while maintaining high‑impact collaboration via video, chat, and shared editorial platforms.
- A diverse, global community where varied perspectives are celebrated and integrated into publishing decisions.
- Regular virtual social events, book circles, and cross‑departmental meet‑ups that foster connection beyond the screen.
- Commitment to accessibility and accommodations, ensuring every team member can thrive.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 – $73,000 annually, commensurate with experience and expertise. Eligible for annual profit‑sharing awards or performance‑based bonuses, subject to company results.
Benefits Package Includes (Full‑time Employees):
- Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care and dependent care, as well as a Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Retirement savings options – pre‑tax and Roth 401(k) with company matching contributions.
- Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.
- Paid parental leave, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick days), and paid volunteer days.
- Employee assistance programs, mental‑health resources, and wellness initiatives.
- Commuter benefits, student loan repayment assistance, and educational tuition reimbursement.
- Access to Penguin Random House’s extensive library of titles for personal and professional enrichment.
How to Apply
We encourage you to submit a complete application package that includes:
- Your up‑to‑date résumé highlighting editorial and culinary experience.
- A tailored cover letter that tells us why you are passionate about food‑focused publishing and how your vision aligns with Ten Speed Press’s mission.
- Salary expectations and any relevant portfolio samples (e.g., edited cookbook excerpts, project briefs, or design collaborations).
Applications are accepted through October 23, 2024. Please review Penguin Random House’s Applicant Resources and familiarise yourself with the Open‑to‑Remote Guidelines before submitting.
Join a Team That Shapes How the World Eats, Lives, and Creates
If you are a visionary editor with a palate for storytelling, a knack for spotting culinary trends, and a drive to bring beautifully crafted books to a global audience, Ten Speed Press wants to hear from you. This is more than a job—it is an invitation to influence the way millions discover new flavors, experiment in kitchens, and celebrate culture through ink and illustration.
Take the next step in your editorial career. Apply today and become a pivotal voice in the future of food and lifestyle publishing.
Apply Now