Harvard University - Cambridge, MA
posted 4 months ago
Harvard University Press is seeking an Acquisitions Editor for Philosophy and Political Theory to join their team. This full-time position is based in Cambridge, MA, and offers a hybrid work format. The primary responsibility of the Acquisitions Editor is to acquire new titles in philosophy and political theory, aiming to sign 10-15 new books each year that appeal to both scholars and the general readership. The successful candidate will report to the Editorial Director and will be instrumental in building a robust list of publications in these fields. The Editor will closely monitor innovative research by establishing contacts with scholars and experts, reading extensively in the literature, attending professional conferences, and traveling to campuses across the United States. This role requires maintaining a network of prospective authors, agents, and other publishing professionals, commissioning new works of broad appeal, and selectively soliciting and evaluating proposals for trade books and cutting-edge research monographs. The Editor will also negotiate contracts on behalf of the Press, send manuscripts for peer review, and work closely with authors to ensure that manuscripts are well-written and contractual obligations are met. In addition to these responsibilities, the Editor will write title information sheets and design briefs, present new books at marketing launch meetings, and to the Press's faculty board. The use of industry-standard software to maintain records, update metadata, find competitive titles, and track sales trajectory and inventory levels of HUP books is also a key aspect of this position. Candidates must possess a strong background in publishing, particularly in book acquisition, and a passion for philosophy and political theory.