Managing Editor

The Managing Editor is responsible for co-ordinating the work of the editorial team. The person in this position supervises, organizes, and co-ordinates all editorial aspects of book production, from raw manuscript to finished publication. She/he is responsible for maintaining the smooth workflow of the editorial aspects of the book publishing and contract services program.

For the right person, this position offers a great opportunity to learn just about everything there is to know about the editorial side of independent publishing. Challenging, satisfying and often exhilarating, the work requires a level head, perceptiveness, and an ability to keep many balls in the air at all times.

Responsibilities include:

Editing and Editorial Co-ordination
• Organizing and ensuring an orderly and timely flow of editorial content of all titles through all phases of production, including structural editing, copyediting, indexing, preparing for production, proofreading, and reviewing of printers’ proofs
• Organizing and coordinating the work of in-house and contract editorial staff; developing style guides and providing guidance and, where appropriate, training
• Acting as copyeditor for selected publications produced by the company, including catalogues, brochures, and/or book-length manuscripts
• Acting as primary liaison with authors throughout the editing, production and manufacturing processes
• Overseeing and coordinating the work of authors and editors on manuscript preparation and revision, both on paper and electronically
• Ensuring compliance with high corporate standards for editorial quality and productivity

Contractual Co-ordination
• Developing contracts for book manuscripts, based on offers negotiated by the acquiring editors
• Securing permission and/or rights to reproduce copyrighted materials or co-ordinating and supervising the permissions process

Budgeting and Administration
• Developing and managing the budget for editorial expenditures, including individual title budgets
• Participating in management meetings and reporting to the management team on the status of the lists, as well as budgets, scheduling, resource requirements and results
• Keeping abreast of developments in the industry by reading trade and literary publications, developing and maintaining a national network of colleagues within the industry (including authors and agents), and attending conferences and trade fairs, where appropriate
• Preparing supporting materials for grant applications and, where appropriate, taking a lead role in developing grant applications
• Handling telephone calls and correspondence requiring knowledge of the industry

Promotion/Marketing
• Developing preliminary materials, such as Advance Book Information forms, Tip Sheets for sales representatives, and catalogue copy
• Writing cover or jacket copy as required
• Representing the company at various public events, conferences, book launches, and workshops

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in English, History or a related field plus certification in publishing or editing or equivalent professional experience

Skills/Experience
The person in this position must have excellent writing and editing skills. He/she must be a successful team builder, with proven negotiating, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills. He/she must have a demonstrated knowledge of the book production and editorial processes, at least 2 years of editorial experience, strong interpersonal skills, excellent general knowledge, and an ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies. Familiarity with MS Word, Outlook, and MS Excel is essential. The ideal candidate will have intense curiosity about almost everything, an aptitude for detail, the ability to work within tight schedules, and an appreciation of the charms of a somewhat eccentric, fast-paced workplace.

Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience. Goose Lane offers a comprehensive cost-shared health care/ insurance package, a collaborative work environment, and flexible working arrangements.