Writer/Editor
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Full-time
Writing / Editing
Posted on May 8, 2019
Position Specific Summary: Guide the acquisitions list and editorial development of scholarly and trade books for the University of Iowa Press.
Research / Information Gathering:
- In concert with the director, editorial board, series editors, authors, and colleagues, shape the Press’s editorial program by identifying, researching, and acquiring academic and trade books in the humanities; maintain and expand upon current publishing lists while identifying new areas of interest; develop concepts for suitable titles; assess fiscal feasibility of individual books and series; submit all books for peer review; and work with authors and series editors in developing and revising manuscripts in response to peer review.
- Communicate regularly with the Press editorial board to discuss recent developments and future projects undertaken by the Press, and present contracted projects to the board and address board feedback.
- Assist the marketing department by providing complete information about each book’s promotion possibilities and procure blurbs when applicable.
- Attend scholarly, professional, and community events/meetings to make connections and research ideas for potential acquisitions, as well as promote the press’s books and participate in panel discussions.
- Ensure a clear passage for authors from manuscript to bound book by advising them on all phases of manuscript preparation—conception, content, organization, formatting, style, permissions procedure, and illustration requirements; and offer consultation on subject matter, identifying relevant themes and direction.
- Prepare manuscripts for editorial transmittal and launch meetings, linking the press’s marketing, editorial, design, and production units.
- Write catalog copy as appropriate.
- Responsible for providing the managing editor and design / production manager with complete information about each book’s editorial and production needs.
- Share responsibility for maintaining editorial and production standards of the Press.
- Perform accuracy review and fact checking, as well as editing and proofreading during developmental editing.
- Advise director on print runs, prices, and discount classification of individual projects.
- Participate in fund-raising activities.
- May analyze, monitor, and report financial data / budgets, information, and reports related to scholarly and trade book acquisitions for the Press.
- May initiate and approve routine transactions.
- Actively participate in Press / English honors internship program, including the mentoring and training of student interns.
- Actively participate in the Literary Nonfiction Contest program in collaboration with the University of Iowa creative nonfiction department.
- Set priorities, communicate status / problems /issues, and participate in long / short-range planning.
- Provide functional and / or administrative supervision for assigned staff; provide direction, feedback, coaching, and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved for staff.
Education Requirement
- A bachelor’s degree in a humanities-based field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. A master’s degree or PhD is desirable.
- Experience (typically 2-4 years) as an acquisitions editor or editorial assistant for academic and trade books in the humanities with a demonstrated track record of list-building and ability to identify emerging areas of scholarship is required.
- Extensive knowledge of academic book publishing processes required: including all aspects of manuscript preparation, development, and organization; experience working collaboratively with manuscript editing, production, and marketing; and experience assessing fiscal requirements of individual books.
- Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively transmit, receive and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through appropriate communication methods and behaviors at a working proficiency level is required. Highly developed interpersonal skills are a must for this position.
- Working proficiency in the use of computer software applications is required.
- Demonstrated ability to adjust and develop self to prepare for new or changing assignments, processes, people or priorities as organizational needs dictate at a working proficiency level is required.
- Demonstrated working proficiency in the ability to work with variety of individuals and groups in a constructive manner while appreciating the unique contribution of diverse individuals is required.
- Knowledge of trends in electronic publishing, basic publishing permissions, rights, fair use policies, and of The Chicago Manual of Style is required.
- Experience with AAUP peer review best practices is desirable.
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.