Assistant Editor - W Publishing

Overview

W Publishing is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and highly values diverse backgrounds and insights that fuel our innovation.

W Publishing Group is a nonfiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. We are obsessed with creating transformative books for God's kingdom. And we are committed to providing authors a nurturing, faith-based publishing home. Some of our recent bestselling titles include The Awe of God, The Great Disappearance, Power Moves, Like a River, Mostly What God Does, and Becoming Free Indeed. We’re proud to amplify a wide range of voices such as Sarah Jakes Roberts, Demi-Leigh Tebow, Ann Voskamp, Dr. David Jeremiah, Katherine Wolf, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Levi Lusko.

We are looking for an assistant editor who is a team player with a heart for service and a passion for compelling Christian writing.

The ideal candidate will not only be an organized, detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills, but will also be an avid book reader with some knowledge of the Christian book market.

This is a hybrid position based out of our Nashville office.

Responsibilities

Editorial and Author Relations

• Attend and contribute to production and other related meetings
• Provide necessary support to the editorial team on front list manuscripts through production all the way to delivery of final files to the printer
• Assist with the catalog copy process and back-ad process, including reviewing, proofing, editing, and routing
• Create contract/addendum/Work-for-Hire requests
• Works with acquisitions editors and authors on manuscript deadlines, copy due dates, and other project needs
• Update reprint corrections as needed
• Work with authors and agents to secure permissions, releases, and endorsements, as needed, and obtains approval for text design, copyediting, cover design, and cover copy
  
  

Project Management

• Support editors with RSuite tasks
• Review project list throughout the year, research potential projects, and schedule repacks and updated editions
• Assist acquisitions editors and marketers in creating high-profile publishing offers
• Create documents in preparation for weekly editorial meetings
• Manage monthly editorial expenses and manage freelancer communications
• Revise and update templates and forms as needed
• Support W Publishing Team in preparation for and presenting at Sales Conference
• Field questions and handle inquiries when Editors are unavailable
• Under the direction of the Managing Editor oversee editorial timeline and payment logisitics
  
  

Administrative

• Assist in author and editorial meetings, including creating agendas, handling logistics, and taking notes
• Find new ways to streamline paper and information flow
• Assist Acquisitions Editors with mail and scheduling as needed
• Assist Associate Publisher with administrative tasks as needed
• Develops excellent working relationships with colleagues, including acquisitions editors, marketing and publicity staff, salespeople, production staff, designers, typesetters, and freelancers
• Respond to manuscript requests from marketing, publicity, and sales
  
  

Research

• Manage the SEO keyword and BISAC process
• Research competing/comparable titles
• Research prospective authors
• Create sales reports for analysis
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge/Work Experience: 1-3 years’ experience in publishing

Education: Bachelor's degree in English or similar field

Industry Knowledge: Cursory understanding of the world of Christian nonfiction publishing. Familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style and the Christian Writer's Manual of Style preferred

Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of the English language and a keen eye at catching errors
• Ability to anticipate needs, plan ahead, and effectively encourage planning ahead
• Proven organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and manage a wide variety of tasks and resources across multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to professionally and cordially interact with authors and agents
• Ability to distill numerous pieces of information and communicate key points to others
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with timely communication, especially expressing difficult/sensitive information tactfully; ability to identify team conflict and communication problems
• Ability to quickly learn and use electronic databases and new software applications; maintain awareness of new and emerging technologies
  
  

Personal Characteristics:

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Detail oriented
• Able to work on both long-term and short-term projects
• Team player
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and problem solve
• Ability to relate to and empathize with others
• Flexible and ready to respond to new opportunities
  
  

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer