Developmental Editor I

Human Kinetics; Champaign (IL); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site, hybrid or fully remote work

Job summary

Human Kinetics seeks a Developmental Editor I to review and develop text manuscripts and accompanying visuals to meet reader needs within budget and schedule constraints. You will guide authors, produce editorial templates, and ensure content reflects diversity and accessibility standards.

The role requires strong manuscript editing skills, attention to detail, and collaboration with production teams to maintain HK’s standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a language-related field, instructional design, or sport sciences.
• Has at least 5 years of print or online publishing experience (3 years if advancing internally).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat DC.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate manuscripts to assess adherence to acquisition vision and identify changes needed.
• Write manuscript reviews with clear weaknesses and actionable revisions for authors.
• Guide freelancers/authors on diversity, accessibility, and bias considerations.
• Develop art/photo manuscripts and video shoot lists within cost guidelines.
• Ensure design materials accurately reflect book content and audience needs.

Skills

Editorial editing

Manuscript evaluation

Diversity & inclusiveness guidance

Attention to detail

Communication with authors

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in language-related field

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Adobe Acrobat DC

Job description

Description

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $53,000-$71,000. We expect to hire in between $53,000- $60,000 for this position.

Human Kinetics is headquartered in Champaign, IL.This position is eligible for on-site, hybrid, or fully remote work.

Remote workers may not reside in the following locations: CA, CO, Washington, D.C., HI, MA, Montgomery County, MD, MN, NM, NJ, NY, RI, & WA.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Applicants are not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records of adjudication, arrest, or conviction as part of the application process.

Human Kinetics is committed to building a more diverse workforce. We welcome BIPOC candidates and others who identify with underrepresented groups to apply.

Human Kinetics is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Human Kinetics will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HR at 217-403-7543.

Human Kinetics Compensation & Benefits Information

Our compensation philosophy is to value the contributions of all HK employees and to reward exceptional performance exceptionally. To do that, we provide a standard increase to all HK staff, and we award merit increases and bonuses to people who make extraordinary contributions to the work we do.

Learn more about our perks and benefits here: https://us.humankinetics.com/pages/human-kinetics-compensation-benefits-information

Job Summary

As a member of either the AC or TP Editorial Department, the Developmental Editor I (DE I) is the ProdDev expert responsible for reviewing and developing text manuscripts and supporting graphic elements (design features, illustrations, photographs) to meet the needs of the reader according to the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Acquisitions Editor. The DE I functions at the Proficient level in all aspects of the position.

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Evaluates manuscripts or manuscript batches to assess adherence to acquisition vision and identifies changes that need to be made. Evaluates manuscript organization, content, tone, style, and completeness.
• Writes manuscript reviews that accurately and professionally identify weaknesses and problem areas and offer specific and efficient solutions and examples that help the author write subsequent chapters or implement the revisions. Helps create templates for authors to write to when necessary.
• As appropriate, provides guidance to freelancers or authors about strategies for ensuring HK content reflects diversity and inclusiveness, and is free of bias. Considers evolving accessibility guidelines for print and digital content and works with HK teammates to apply them as appropriate for the needs of the project.
• Develops art and photo manuscripts and video shoot lists according to quantity and cost guidelines. Assists with photo/video shoots as needed. Makes good decisions regarding the use of art and photos to illustrate and reinforce content.
• Ensures design transmittal materials effectively represent book content and that the graphic design plan is appropriate for the intended audience and for the design level of the project.
• Identifies all items that need permission, obtains source information from the author, and transmits materials to the Permissions Manager. Works with authors to rework items that need permission when possible, in an effort to avoid costly permission fees.
• Typemarks manuscripts and ensures callouts for non-text elements are complete and placed appropriately, or provides guidance to Production Editors in the completion of this task.
• Ensures accurate art, photo, and permissions data and costs are recorded according to established procedures so that reports are complete, providing guidance to Production Editors in the completion of this task as appropriate. Keeps the publication schedule updated with accurate schedule and project data.
• When appropriate, ensures ancillary cross-references are integrated with the text in terms of content and follow HK standards, discussing with the Instructional Designer (ID) as needed. Once established, shares book scheduling information with the E-Learning Department. When appropriate, collaborates with ID on the development of ancillaries that are derived from the print product.
• Completes castoffs accurately. Resolves page count issues before Managing Editor (ME) assignment or transitioning to Publication Services Manager (PSM) for outsourcing.
• Ensures projects are properly revised, accurate, and complete before starting manuscript prep or transitioning project to PSM for full-service outsourcing. Prepares complete project materials for internal colleagues or authors at various stages according to established procedures as needed. Provides all necessary project pieces and details to allow ME or PSM to successfully and independently manage the suite following project handoff.
• Contributes to HK’s profitability by working productively and ensuring project budgets and schedules are met. Suggests improvements to editorial processes or systems to increase efficiency and promote innovation. During periods of lighter workload, assists colleagues with tasks as needed.

Job Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma required.
• Knows the rules of U.S. English grammar and style and can recognize errors.
• Has knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Understands the systems and procedures for developing manuscripts, including accompanying graphic elements.
• Can recognize poorly constructed sentences and paragraphs.
• Can identify ineffective organizational structure in long-form written content.
• Has well-honed reading comprehension and can understand content about topics that are unfamiliar.
• Demonstrated proficiency on HK’s diagnostic developmental editor test.
• Can perform basic math and is familiar with the functions of spreadsheets

Preferred or Specialized Education:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree, preferably in a language-related field, instructional design, or one of the sport sciences.

Required Experience:

• Has at least 5 years of print or onlinepublishing experience outside HK (or at least 3 years at HK if advancing from ME II or another internal position).
• Proficiency with the complete Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), including accuracy in data entry. Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat DC.
• Proficiency with publishing technology and productivity, collaboration, and communication software tools.

Competencies:

HK Values:

• Integrity
• Resourcefulness
• Effort
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Stewardship

Plus ProdDev Competencies:

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Computer literacy
• Decision making
• Financial awareness
• Functional expertise and usage
• Planning and organizing
• Quality orientation
• Results orientation
• Stress tolerance

Plus, for Developmental Editor I role:

• Conceptual thinking
• Initiative
• Interpersonal understanding
• Negotiating
• Oral communication
• Organizational awareness
• Persuasiveness
• Self-confidence
• Written communication

Preferred Competencies:

• Customer focus
• Innovation orientation

Job Demands:

Office Equipment:

Frequent Computer-Windows use. Occasional Telephone and Teams calls. Rare copier/printer/scanner use.

Mental Demands:

Frequent problem solving, organization, reading/writing, managing one's own time and making decisions skills required. Occasionally, this position required interpreting data and supervising project instruction/guidance with a team.

Working Conditions:

Indoor office environment.

Physical Demands

Frequent sitting, typing, and seeing. Occasional standing, talking and hearing. Rare walking, lifting (>10) and carrying.

FT Remote or Hybrid:

Frequent Online video/phone/text communications/availability during office hours, HR-approved home office setup, and HK's home internet specs/standards met.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.