Editor, Original Graphic Novels

Job Summary

VIZ Media, the world leader in English-language versions of manga and anime (Japanese comics and animation), is looking for an Editor to join our Original Publishing team. The Editor, Original Graphic Novels, is a bilingual Japanese/English editor who works with both Japanese and English-speaking creators to develop original and licensed manga for our VIZ Originals imprint. The list encompasses original works by upcoming and established creators, and manga collaborations with pop culture partners such as Disney and LucasFilm. 

The primary responsibility of the Editor, Original Graphic Novels is identifying new creators to develop original graphic novels appropriate for VIZ Media, acquiring projects and seeing the development through from start to finish. The editor communicates directly with Japanese creators to help create works in English and translating for the VIZ Originals Publishing team. Accurate translation of reference material from English into Japanese is required.

What you’ll do:

1. Collaborate in Japanese with creators from Japan on the creation of original manga for the VIZ Originals team, requiring professional fluency in Japanese and knowledge of the manga creation process and manga editorial vocabulary.


2. Work directly with creators to ensure that projects are executed to a high standard, on schedule, and in compliance with licensor requirements.


3. Responsible for the timely execution of all editorial duties involved in the graphic novel production process for both print and digital formats, including, but not limited to: editing manuscripts, proofreading page and cover proofs, checking bluelines, and reviewing digital editions to ensure quality and consistency.


4. Scout skilled manga-style artists in Japanese and English.


5. Find, assign, negotiate with, and schedule freelance translators, editors, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels.


6. Address licensor requirements and concerns and secure approval for publication projects.


7. Work with in-house designers and freelance designers on the timely and high-quality creation of covers and miscellaneous text layout for graphic novels.


8. Write cover text, catalog copy, and other related marketing and sales materials.


9. Check promotional copy in items such as sell sheets, samplers, and other marketing materials to make sure they are consistent with the facts and spirit of the title.


10. Work with designated Production staff to determine production specifications as needed and with senior Publishing staff to conduct cost analysis and stay within budget.


11. Research and propose potential publishing acquisitions.


12. Represent and advocate titles placed under Editor's responsibility.


13. Set and carry out policies and business strategies as designated to each specific title.


14. Provide supporting editorial and informational services for other departments, including but not limited to Digital Publishing, Sales & Marketing, and Animation on an as needed/assigned basis.

The ideal candidate has:

• 2-3 years of experience in delivering high quality editorial services related to book publication, particularly comics and/or graphic novel publishing


• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in both Japanese and English, with strong interpretation skills from Japanese to English and English to Japanese


• Knowledge of and interest in the manga and anime creative space


• Experience managing graphic novel illustrators and authors (or similar creatives), both professional and amateur


• Experience in story development and story-related art direction in publishing, animation, or gaming


• Ability to successfully write and edit high-quality copy and maintain continuity in assigned projects


• Ability to make both business-oriented and creative judgments


• Strong administrative and project management skills


• Professional communication skills, capable of engaging with a culturally diverse range of clients, providers, and staff and communicating creative feedback effectively


• Bachelor's Degree in English, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, or related field, or equivalent experience, with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position

Additional preferred skills/knowledge:

• Knowledge of creative development stages and milestones in a graphic novel publishing environment


• Knowledge of book publishing and comics


• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro)


• Successful prior performance in the publishing industry

Work Environment & Schedule

Location: The Editor, Original Graphic Novels position is open to candidates within California, Oregon, or New York. If the candidate is local to the San Francisco Bay Area, this will be a hybrid position with 1-2 days of work onsite at our downtown San Francisco office expected weekly.

Schedule: This is a Regular Full-Time position (40 hours per week) with core hours of 10 am to 4 pm with some flexibility as needed. 

Compensation: $70,000 - $85,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional variable compensation