Careers at Lee & Low

About the company: LEE & LOW BOOKS is the largest multicultural children's book publisher in the United States. We are committed to publishing culturally authentic diverse books that are about everyone and for everyone. Founded in 1991, we are family-owned and independent, which means we publish what we want and aren't afraid to take risks. Our books have won major awards including the Coretta Scott King Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the NAACP Image Award, and many more.

Lee & Low Books is an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to diversity within our books is matched by a commitment to support a diverse and inclusive workforce behind the scenes. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color; those who identify as disabled; and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
 

Marketing & Publicity Assistant

Summary: The Marketing & Publicity Assistant supports a small team in all aspects of book promotion for a highly regarded independent publisher specializing in diversity. This role offers experience in many different types of marketing and publicity, with a focus on the school and library markets.

Are you someone who has the uncanny ability to boil an entire book down to one succinct sentence that makes people say, “I want to read that—give that to me!”? Are you passionate about children’s books and diversity? Lee & Low Books has an opening in our marketing and publicity department. This department is tasked with the goal of getting our books on readers’ radar. We’re looking for a strong, adaptable, and personable communicator who can convey excitement about diverse books both in writing—through our social media channels, email marketing, and blog—and in person at book festivals and trade conferences.

It has been said that a year at Lee & Low goes by like blink of an eye—this is called Lee & Low time. This is a busy department with a lot on its plate, so if you have trouble juggling many different projects and deadlines, this is not the job for you. However, if you are the type of person who loves organization; thrives on building and maintaining systems and relationships; and cares as much about the small details as the big picture, you might be a good fit for us and we might be a good fit for you.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and attending virtual and in-person conferences and local book festivals (some travel required if/when it becomes safe)
• Award submissions and review mailings to key publications and contacts
• Author and illustrator event planning and support
• Maintaining author relationships
• Social media and blog content development
• Website maintenance
• Email marketing
• E-book and wholesaler seasonal updates
• Seasonal catalog and brochure work
• Coordinating the creation of promotional materials
• Pitching media and building relationships with key reviewers
• Brainstorming, plus researching new and existing markets for our books

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Interested in children’s books
• Knowledgeable in and passionate about issues surrounding diversity and representation
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• A strong writer and communicator
• Extremely organized and self-directed
• Proficient with major social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Knowledge or experience that would be a plus:

• Prior internship experience in book publishing
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop

This role is full time and will report to our Marketing & Publicity Manager. This position is currently remote but may transition to in-person work for candidates in the New York City area. Remote candidates will also be considered.

Compensation: Full-time annual salary along with bonus incentives. Company benefits package include single coverage health insurance (including prescription drug coverage), 401K plan, and generous vacation policy.

How to apply: Please fill out this online form to submit your application.
 

Editorial Assistant 

Summary: Lee & Low Books, the nation’s largest publisher of children’s and YA books by and about BIPOC and other underrepresented groups, is seeking an editorial assistant for its flagship imprint. The assistant will be part of a small, highly collaborative editorial team that publishes ten to fifteen picture books and chapter books each year. Lee & Low prides itself on its mission to publish books about everyone, for everyone; its reputation for accurate and authentic representation within its books; its long history of award-winning titles; its independence and its place as one of the few minority-owned publishing companies in the United States; and its thirty years of leadership in multicultural books for children and young adults. This position offers a marvelous opportunity to learn about the children’s publishing industry and editorial practices and to contribute to the conversations around diverse books in a serious but supportive space. BIPOC and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The assistant will:

• Help manage the company’s annual New Voices writing contest and serve as a first reader for all submissions to the contest
• Participate in Lee & Low editorial meetings and presentations (both internal and public-facing)
• Review passes of and comment upon other editors’ projects
• Write sales copy (flap copy, catalog copy, etc.)
• Read and respond to submissions
• Check publication information for ongoing reprints
• Register books with the Library of Congress and US Copyright Office
• Complete clerical and administrative tasks as needed to support the department

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate and thoughtful about children’s books and representation
• Engaged with the world and ambitious to make quality books that reflect it for young readers
• Willing to bring their whole self and life experience to discussion of titles in process and under consideration, and to listen to and learn from others
• A good colleague and collaborator, in possession of perspective, courtesy, and a sense of humor
• An attentive and insightful reader
• A clear and persuasive writer of everything from reader’s reports to sales copy
• Detail-oriented, with excellent spelling, grammar, and organizational skills
• Capable of working independently; recognizing, taking on, reprioritizing, and completing tasks as needed; and keeping track of and meeting deadlines
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups
• Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat

Knowledge or experience that would be a plus:

• Copyediting/proofreading experience, especially with The Chicago Manual of Style
• Proficiency in reading and writing a language other than English, especially Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin
• Experience working in a school, library, or bookstore or in the educational publishing market
• Familiarity with contemporary children’s books and conversations within the diverse-books space
• Familiarity with InDesign and other programs in the Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with the Zoho family of business software programs
• Knowledge of illustration art and design principles

Applications from throughout the United States are welcome. The position will start out as remote and may be permanently remote for the right candidate, though applicants in the New York tri-state area are preferred.

Compensation: Full-time annual salary along with bonus incentives. Company benefits package include single coverage health insurance (including prescription drug coverage), 401K plan, and generous vacation policy.

How to apply: Please fill out this online form to submit your application.