Acquisitions Editor, B&H Academic

Lifeway Christian Resources; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifeway Christian Resources is seeking an Acquisitions Editor for B&H Academic to identify, develop, and champion biblically faithful resources for the local church. You will build relationships with authors and agents, evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market potential, and guide projects from concept through contracts.

You will travel 4–6 times per year for team meetings and engage in remote work across the U.S., with healthcare, time off, and retirement benefits for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Theological Studies, or related field is required.
• M.Div or MA in English, Communications, Journalism, Theological Studies, or related field is required.
• PhD or PhD in progress is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with CMOS and SBL style guides is expected.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue authors and proposals aligning with the product line's vision and priorities.
• Serve as primary contact for proposals from authors and literary agents.
• Develop original book concepts and present ideas to authors to shape new projects.
• Evaluate proposals for theological alignment, market viability, and fit within product line.
• Prepare proposals for Pub Board meetings and summarize terms in deal memos.
• Negotiate contract terms with authors and agents per publishing guidelines.
• Review outlines, chapters, and manuscripts for structure, clarity, and readability; assist authors in refinement.
• Ensure content reflects theological accuracy and Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
• Champion titles internally by representing books at sales conferences with Marketing and Production teams.
• Monitor production schedules and budgets; adjust plans with team input.

Skills

Relationship building

Manuscript evaluation

Editing

CMOS knowledge

SBL knowledge

Contract review

Deal memos & records

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

M.Div or MA

PhD preferred

Tools

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

SBL style guide

Job description

Lifeway is seeking an Acquisitions Editor for B&H Academic t o identify , develop, and champion biblically faithful resources that serve the local church. In this role, you will build relationships with authors and literary agents, evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market potential, and guide projects from initial concept through contract execution. This is a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for Christian publishing to shape an editorial list that reflects Lifeway's mission and reaches readers acro ss the church.

Why Lifeway?

This is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more.

About

Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code

This is a remote position in the U.S with occasional travel to Nashville for in-person team gatherings.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue authors and book proposals that align with the product line's publishing vision and strategic priorities
• Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming proposal submissions, responding promptly and professionally to authors and literary agents
• Develop original book concepts and present ideas to prospective authors to inspire and shape new projects
• Evaluate proposals for theological alignment, market viability, and fit within the product line
• Prepare and present proposals at Pub Board meetings and create deal point memos summarizing key terms and acquisition rationale
• Negotiate contract terms with authors and literary agents in accordance with publishing guidelines
• Review chapter outlines, sample chapters, and full manuscripts for structure, clarity, concept, style, and readability, and assist authors in refining their work
• Ensure all published content reflects theological accuracy and alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000
• Champion acquired titles internally by representing books at sales conferences and collaborating with Marketing and Production teams
• Monitor production schedules and budgets for assigned titles, adjusting plans in consultation with the broader team as needed

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Theological Studies, or a related field , required

M.Div or MA in English, Communications, Journalism, Theological Studies, or a related field , required

PhD or PhD in progress, strongly preferred

Skills & Experience — Required

• Relationship building with authors, literary agents, and ministry contacts
• Manuscript and proposal evaluation for theological accuracy, market viability, and editorial fit
• Critical thinking and editing skills applied to structure, clarity, and readability
• Working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
• Working knowledge of the Society of Biblical Literature style guide (SBL)
• Contract review and foundational understanding of licensing and rights administration
• Reporting and documentation practices for deal memos and contract records
• Ability to travel 4-6 times per year for team meetings and events

Actively involved in an evangelical Christian church

Skills & Experience — Preferred

• Prior experience in a ministry, denominational, or church-related context
• Familiarity with biblical Greek or Hebrew
• Co‑writing or ghostwriting experience
• Knowledge of the SBC and Baptist Faith and Message 2000