Sophia Kaufman – Editor

I shepherd my authors through all the steps of publishing, from acquisition to publication, while also assisting a Director and Associate Publisher with their titles. I meet frequently with agents, authors, and scouts, predict market trends, and develop backlist reissues. I also meet with historians, journalists, and culture critics to introduce them to trade publishing and develop potential book proposals.

I developed the culture vertical from scratch, fielded pitches, commissioned essays, edited all pieces for publication, attended pitch meetings, and advised the managing editorial team on growth strategies

I read slush submissions in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, both in the office and on Submittable weekly, provided feedback for editors, recommended certain stories for publication, and sent tiered rejections.

I ordered books for literary fiction and nonfiction genres; hired and managed staff; negotiated with indie presses; evaluated libraries and priced rare and used books; liaised with sales reps and publicists; organized events. I still work here part time as a rare/used book buyer.