Designer, Fablelistik Editions

At Fablelistik Editions, we are bookmakers, book lovers, and believers in the enduring power of book collectibles to inspire, challenge, and transform. Every title we produce is crafted with intention-from concept to final binding-with a deep respect for the story at its heart. Our team channels this philosophy into every project, creating stunning books that are not only read but experienced.

We're looking for an experienced, concept-driven Designer to join our team. This role is for someone who's passionate about bold, high-impact design and thrives in both the ideation and execution stages of creative work. You'll be responsible for overseeing the full design lifecycle-from initial concept sketches to final product-on a diverse range of projects, with a strong emphasis on both fiction and non-fiction publishing.

What you'll do:

• Lead the end-to-end design process on select titles, developing and executing innovative, format-flexible designs including book packaging and full-color interior layouts.
• Create and pitch polished, compelling sketch comps to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Commission, manage, and art direct freelance designers and illustrators to maintain consistent quality and creative vision.
• Conduct in-depth art and photo research and recommend top-tier illustrators suited to each project's voice and audience.
• Design across a wide variety of genres with a primary focus on fiction-including classics, thrillers, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, romantasy, and literary fiction.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to high creative standards.
• Support the Creative Director in streamlining workflows, optimizing design processes, and helping define best-in-class creative practices.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, production, marketing, authors, and external publishing partners to deliver cohesive, audience-forward work.

What you'll bring:

• 3+ years of professional design experience in publishing, media, or a creative agency setting.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in book cover design, interior layouts, and/or narrative-driven visual storytelling.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); knowledge of additional tools like Figma or Canva a plus.
• Excellent visual communication, typographic, and layout skills.
• Experience commissioning and directing freelance talent.
• Highly organized, with strong project management skills and an ability to balance multiple deadlines.
• Adaptable and collaborative, with strong communication skills and a commitment to creative excellence.

Ideal Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in bookmaking, ideally with interior layout experience and high-concept design.
• Motion graphics or video editing skills (After Effects, Premiere Pro) a plus.
• Experience working with clients or external partners.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in graphic design or another related field, or equivalent work experience preferred.

This role will have an annual salary of $60,000-$68,000.

Macmillan Publishers is the U.S. trade company that is part of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned group of media companies headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Holtzbrinck Publishing Group's publishing companies include prominent imprints around the world that publish a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.

U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, The St. Martin's Publishing Group, and Tor Publishing Group. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, companies in the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group publish under the Pan Macmillan name. The German publishing company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively seeking job applicants who reflect a broad representation of differences, including race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical ability, neurodiversity, age, family status, economic background and status, geographical background and status, and perspective. We believe that the best companies reflect the incredible diversity in viewpoints, backgrounds, and identities of the world in their staffs, and are committed to inclusive hiring across departments and levels. The successful candidate for this position will be an employee of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC.