Benefits: Health; 401K
Duration: Full Time
Location: New York, NY
Salary Range: $45,000-$55,000
DAW Books is seeking to hire a Designer of high-quality science fiction and fantasy to join the Astra Publishing Design Group. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years in design experience, a strong creative vision, effective written and oral communication skills, and a passion for genre fiction in alignment with DAW Books' mission and values. They will be self-motivated and independent but also contribute positively as part of a small team where all ideas and innovations are highly valued and supported.
Responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:
- Manage the cover design process under the direction of the Senior Graphic Designer for up to 12 frontlist titles a season, for 2 seasons a year. (Opportunity to work on some cover projects independently.)
- Collaborate directly with the Senior Graphic Designer, editorial team and other internal departments.
- Lead communication with freelance art directors and illustrators with oversight from the Senior Graphic Designer.
- Create mechanicals for all titles, review proofs, and collaborate with the Production Manager and Managing Editor to support the print production process.
- Manage schedules and meet deadlines for multiple assigned projects.
- Research and suggest illustrators and stay current on illustration, design, and genre trends.
- Lead the redesign of backlist opportunity titles between seasons.
- Create occasional sales and publicity material as needed including galleys.
What we’re looking for:
- 3+ years of design experience in book publishing.
- Proficient in Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Knowledge of typography, illustration, and photography necessary to develop exciting and fashionable designs across multiple formats
- Awareness of popular visual trends and subgenres within the adult science fiction, fantasy, and horror markets.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to communicate in individual and group settings as well as with out-of-house illustrators and other freelancers.
- Solid working knowledge of the production and printing process
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and to be supportive of other team members.
Title and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
This is a hybrid role, with preference for candidates in the NYC area who will work from our office 2-3 days per week. This position reports to the Senior Designer in the Astra House Design Group.
All candidates must have the right to work and live in the United States.
About DAW Books:
Founded in 1971, DAW Books was the first publishing company ever devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. Now over 50 years and 2,000 titles later, under the direction of Astra Publishing House and publisher Betsy Wollheim, DAW has a well-deserved reputation for discovering and publishing the hottest talents in the industry.
DAW Books seeks to publish a wide range of voices and stories, because we believe that it is the duty of the science fiction and fantasy genres to be inclusive and representative of as many diverse viewpoints as possible. Science fiction and fantasy have always been genres in which creators have infinite space to explore bold and inventive new ideas, while also reflecting the multiplicity of cultures, traditions, and identities of our own world. At DAW, we are proud of the work that our authors have already done to explore and celebrate diversity. We have a history of publishing feminist and LGBTQIA+ fiction, but we are always seeking to expand our own horizons, as well as those of our readers. For more, please see dawbooks.com.
About Astra Publishing House:
Astra Publishing House includes the adult literary imprint Astra House; DAW Books, devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy; Astra Books for Young Readers, which features five children’s book imprints, Astra Young Readers, Calkins Creek, Hippo Park, TOON Books, and Wordsong.
Application instructions:
All candidates interested in applying should email a resume, cover letter, and a design portfolio to positions@astrapublishinghouse.com.
Astra Publishing House is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, national origin, or citizenship.