Art Director - Fiction

Who We Are
Sourcebooks is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial publishing company on a mission to change lives through books. As an industry leader in author-driven, data-informed publishing, we are passionate about putting authors and readers first. Our collaborative, fast-paced team thrives on innovation, agility, and bringing high-quality books to market. If you’re excited about the future of publishing and love working in a dynamic, creative environment, Sourcebooks is the place for you!

What You’ll Do
As an Art Director on our fiction design team, you will be a creative leader and visionary, driving the design and execution of market-competitive, innovative book covers and interiors across assigned imprints. You will take ownership of creative strategy, ensuring designs align with positioning, business goals, and consumer expectations. This role requires a growth mindset, problem-solving agility, and strong cross-functional collaboration, balancing breakthrough creative excellence with workflow efficiency and budget considerations.

This position can be hybrid in Naperville, IL or New York City, or fully remote in the following states ONLY: AZ, CT, IL, LA, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, and WI.

The salary range provided is for the position is $62,500 - $80,000 for the Chicagoland area.  We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of creative strategies for assigned titles, ensuring strong market positioning.
• Design and art direct compelling, high-impact book covers and interiors, from concept to final production, striking the balance between breakthrough creative and commercial design that is always at the forefront of market trends.
• Be deeply collaborative, prioritizing authors and readers while working with editorial, marketing, and sales teams to align creative vision with business goals.
• Research and recruit top illustrators, artists, and designers, ensuring innovative and competitive book designs.
• Manage the cover approval process, facilitating feedback and achieving timely resolutions.
• Check the/for data, evaluating workflow efficiencies and refining processes to enhance team productivity.
• Maintain accurate records, organized files, and updated design archives for all projects.
• Stay curious and engaged, keeping up with market trends, emerging design innovations, and industry standards.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in book publishing design or a related creative field.
• An exceptional portfolio demonstrating strong typography and design and proven expertise in art direction.
• High-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and strong understanding of bookmaking and printing processes including advanced printing specs.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines.
• Strategic problem-solving skills, balancing creative vision with budget, timeline, and business goals.
• Ability to be deeply collaborative, ensuring alignment across editorial, marketing, and production teams.
• Be coachable and always learning, staying engaged with evolving design trends and innovations.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, salary requirements and portfolio along with a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
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