The Atlantic is seeking an ambitious and experienced reporter for the Books desk to cover the biggest ideas and developments in the publishing and literary realm. This writer will produce stories that explain how books shape—and are shaped by—the culture and politics of the world around us.

The ideal candidate will be well-versed in magazine journalism, obsessed with clarity and accuracy, and deeply curious about books of every genre and style. You’ll be eager to report on debates, controversies, and hidden corners in the world of books. You will be just as interested in investigating the popularity of romance and fanfiction, or a particular kind of self-help, as you are in the story behind a suddenly timely classic, or a dishy memoir everyone’s talking about (or will be in six months). And you’ll develop approaches—whether for timely dispatches, trend stories, or profiles—that don’t merely serve the marketing or publicity cycle. You’ll always be eager to break news that matters far beyond the industry bubble, but in ways that bring a magazine sensibility to a competitive digital environment. 

The role will require you to move very quickly when the moment calls for it, without sacrificing rigor, and to understand that the best work comes through collaboration. You should strive to locate the most exciting and complex ideas and deliver them in stylish, accessible prose for a wide audience.

Qualifications of the ideal candidate: 

• Substantial experience as a reporter in cultural fields.

• A history on the books beat is very welcome but not a must; a dogged instinct for reporting and an appreciation of a wide spectrum of books is mandatory

• Facility with the standards, ethics, and rigors of journalism

• Deep familiarity with The Atlantic

• Impeccable news judgment and the ability to craft an argument even within a piece of breaking news

• Sophisticated writing skills, with a facility for communicating compelling ideas to a general-interest audience

• Interest in and openness to a wide variety of views and perspectives

• A proven ability to meet deadlines and switch gears as needed

• Close attention to detail and high standards for accuracy

• An ability to communicate effectively with editors as well as the deep bench of sources you’ll be cultivating

Salary minimum: 120,000 ; Salary maximum: 180,000

This job is based in New York City or Washington, D.C.

This is a Guild position. 

About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

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The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.  

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.