Freelance Text Editor - Project Hire

Highlights For Children - Columbus, OH

Full-time - Entry Level

Columbus, OH

Publishing Industries

About the position

Zaner-Bloser is seeking an experienced Project Hire-Editor to assist with planning, writing, editing, and coordinating the development of student-facing decodable and uncontrolled literary and informational texts for the Superkids K-2 Reading Program for the next 12+ months. This role is crucial in delivering high-quality, engaging grade-level texts that support developing readers, as well as complex read-aloud texts aimed at building knowledge and vocabulary. The initial project timeframe is set for 12+ months, with a time commitment of 40 hours per week at an approximate hourly rate of $35.00 based on experience. It is important to note that a project hire/freelancer is not employed directly by Zaner-Bloser and is not eligible for company benefits. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of literary and informational text development specifically for grades K-2. This includes aligning decodable texts with a phonics scope and sequence, telling engaging stories, and expressing complex ideas using grade-appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure. Additionally, the candidate should be adept at using visuals and text together to support children's understanding. In this role, the editor will be responsible for planning new and revised texts to align with requirements for readability level (such as Lexiles®), decodability, thematic connections, and the company's standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The editor will create detailed writing guidelines for different types of student texts, including decodable and uncontrolled literary and informational texts. Responsibilities also include writing, reviewing, and revising concepts, outlines, and manuscripts to ensure compliance with text requirements and writing guidelines, as well as writing creative/art specifications to guide illustration. Conducting research and documenting sources as part of the development process, and coordinating the phases of the book production process are also key aspects of this position.

Responsibilities

• Plan new and revised texts to align with requirements for readability level, decodability, thematic connections, and standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Create detailed writing guidelines for different types of student texts, including decodable and uncontrolled literary and informational texts.
• Write, review, and revise concepts, outlines, and manuscripts to ensure compliance with text requirements and writing guidelines.
• Write creative/art specifications to guide illustration.
• Conduct research and document sources as part of the development process.
• Coordinate the phases of the book production process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of editorial experience in educational publishing for grades K-2.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, specifically for children's literary and informational texts.
• Experience developing decodable text and working with readability requirements for specific grade levels.
• Experience coordinating editorial projects and providing guidance for writers.
• Skilled at conceptualizing the design and layout of children's books.
• Familiarity with early (K-2) elementary school reading curriculum.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally on creative projects.
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines on multiple simultaneous projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in educational publishing beyond K-2 levels.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools and platforms.
• Knowledge of current trends in children's literature and educational resources.