Editor, Storey Publishing

$55,000 - $59,000/Yr

Workman Publishing - North Adams, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

North Adams, MA

Publishing Industries

About the position

Storey Publishing, a leading publisher of do-it-yourself technique books, is seeking an experienced editor who is passionate about the DIY lifestyle and Storey's key categories, which include homesteading, gardening, backyard building, crafts, and children's books. The successful candidate will be responsible for acquiring and editing 6-8 books annually, demonstrating a strong ability to identify and network with a diverse range of authors who possess strong platforms and unique approaches to their subjects. This role requires the editor to originate book ideas that have strong sales potential, develop strategic positioning statements, and create well-honed proposals. The editor will work collaboratively with authors, fellow editors, and art directors, providing in-depth editing and writing support to first-time authors. Additionally, the role involves conceiving new formats and creative approaches to topics, ensuring that the books produced are innovative and engaging. The ideal candidate will be available to work in the North Adams, MA office two days per week, although remote arrangements may be considered. Essential duties include conceiving and developing original book ideas, reaching out to a diverse range of potential authors, and providing proposal development support to un-agented authors. The editor will also develop and maintain productive relationships with agents, attend conferences and networking events in key topic areas, and present proposals regularly at publishing committee meetings to ensure a steady flow of proposals for consideration. Participation in regular acquisitions pitch meetings with the Editorial Director and other acquisitions editors is also required, along with providing feedback and guidance on pitched proposals across all of Storey's publishing categories. The editor will be responsible for writing strong positioning statements, marketing copy, and sales conference presentations for acquired books. They will perform strong developmental editing for acquired books, working closely with authors and Storey's Editorial Director to ensure that the books deliver in-depth content in both text and visuals. Acting as project manager for all acquired books, the editor will manage the schedule in conjunction with the Managing Editor, monitor the book budget, hire freelance copyeditors and proofreaders, review all stages of page proofs, and collaborate with key team members in design, production, and sales to shepherd the book through the 14-18 month production process, from receipt of manuscript to delivery to the printer. Additionally, the editor will plan illustration and photography needs for each book, working collaboratively with the art director and author, and attend photo shoots to ensure the accuracy of all step-by-step photos and illustrations.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and develop original book ideas.
• Reach out to a diverse range of potential authors.
• Provide proposal development support to un-agented authors.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with agents.
• Attend conferences and networking events in key topic areas.
• Present proposals regularly at publishing committee meetings.
• Participate in regular acquisitions pitch meetings with Editorial Director and other acquisitions editors.
• Provide feedback and guidance on pitched proposals in all Storey's publishing categories.
• Write strong positioning statements, marketing copy, and sales conference presentations for acquired books.
• Perform strong developmental editing for acquired books, working closely with authors and Storey's Editorial Director.
• Act as project manager for all acquired books, managing the schedule and monitoring the book budget.
• Hire freelance copyeditors and proofreaders; review all stages of page proofs.
• Work collaboratively with key team members in design, production, and sales to shepherd the book through the production process.
• Plan illustration and photography needs for each book, working collaboratively with the art director and author.
• Attend photo shoots and ensure the accuracy of all step-by-step photos and illustrations.

Requirements

• BS or B.A. in English, journalism, writing, or similar field.
• 5+ years of editorial or equivalent experience.
• Enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills in gardening, crafting, and other DIY topics and lifestyle highly desirable.
• Commitment to elevating a diverse range of voices and cultivating an equitable, inclusive craft community.
• Superior writing and editing skills and knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.
• Keen design eye and skill in working collaboratively with art directors to conceive book formats and critique book design, photography, and illustrations.
• Flexible team player with strong commitment to working in a highly collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of MS Word necessary.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Hospital indemnity insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Health and dependent care FSA
• Commuter benefit plan
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Travel assistance
• 401(k)
• Discretionary bonus program
• PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays, and generous sick leave)
• Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services