Independent Contractor: Associate Premedia Specialist

Lerner Publishing; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 50,431,000 - 52,724,000; Full time

Job summary

Lerner Publishing Group seeks an Associate Premedia Specialist to analyze book and sales files, correct errors, and prepare for print. You will perform prepress checks, adjust to vendor specs, ensure image integrity, and deliver final proofs and press-ready PDFs.

This is a hybrid, 32-hour-per-week independent contractor role. You will work with InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, Acrobat and related tools to support Lerner’s high-volume publishing program.

Qualifications

• Experience in Font management, InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, Acrobat.
• Knowledge of digital and 4c offset printing, including press requirements (trapping, color, etc.).
• Advanced PhotoShop editing: masking, color correction, layers, effects.
• Experience with preparing files for press; bleeds, gutters; preflight press-quality PDFs.
• Strong preflight and troubleshooting skills; resolve technical problems.
• Time management; juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Detail oriented; adhere to workflow specifications.
• Must provide an active business entity, W-9, or relevant tax documentation.

Responsibilities

• Check final InDesign files ensuring color space, bleeds, layers are set up properly.
• Check files to press layouts and series specs with Production and Art departments.
• Check all images for integrity; color correct and link to finals.
• Analyze printing issues and work toward solutions.
• Execute Photoshop effects including cloning and color correction.
• Ensure all final alts and prepress directions are completed.
• Proof all work and maintain quality standards.
• Create press-ready PDF and forward to Production for printer upload.
• Create promo and eBook PDFs and Master Image assets.
• Keep templates up to date and track progress with FileMaker Pro.

Education

2-year accredited Graphic Arts program or 3 years’ experience in related field

Detail oriented

Time management

Tools

InDesign

Illustrator

PhotoShop

Acrobat

PitStop

Barcode Pro

FileMaker

Excel

QuarkXPress

Job description

Location: Hybrid (Home/Office)
Job Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Project Duration: 32 hour a week, 6-month duration
*Compensation: * $22 – $23 per hour

About Us:

Founded in 1959 by Harry Lerner, Lerner Publishing Group ( LPG ) is one of the largest independently owned children’s book publishers. Lerner publishes approximately 500 books per year and more than 7,000 titles in print. For more than 60 years, we’ve created exceptional nonfiction and fiction books for grades PreK-12 that educate, empower, and entertain readers. And we are proud to have received the most starred reviews and more prestigious awards of any school library publisher. Our books are recognized by reviewers and award committees as among the best books published.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for analyzing book and sales or marketing-related files and correcting found errors, executing reprints, and preparing all for print. This individual will perform all prepress checklists as directed by Lerner best practices and adjust for any vendor-specific specifications. These checks will include verifying the integrity of images, font and style sheet usage, color validation, structuring and digital book preparation. This individual will deliver final proofs and final press quality PDFs.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

As our Associate Premedia Specialist you will be responsible for completing the following specific project milestones:

• Checks final InDesign files ensuring color space, bleeds, layers are setup properly. Deletes pasteboard items. Checks reflow, knockouts, runarounds; creates separate layers when necessary.
• Checks files to press layouts and series specs working closely with the Production and Art departments.
• Checks all images for integrity. Color correct, convert and link to finals.
• Analyzes and alerts Designer to printing issues and works through to a solution.
• Executes PhotoShop effects including cloning, masks, and color correction as assigned.
• Ensures all final alts and Designer prepress directions and special effects are completed.
• Proofs all work and maintains established quality standards.
• Creates press-ready PDF and forwards to Production Department for upload to printer.
• Creates promo and eBook PDFs. Creates all Master Image assets. Helps Digital department in creating final ePub (reflowable or fixed).
• Maintains specs for templates, keeping them clean and up to date.
• Tracks progress of project using FileMaker Pro and TWYNK Scheduler.
• Processes reprints to Lerner and vendor specs. Understands layout adjustments when jobs change presses.

Schedule & Control

• Hours: 32 hours per week. You control your own daily schedule and work hours to meet agreed-upon deadlines.
• Equipment: Contractor must provide their own computer, software, and tools required to perform the work. LPG will provide secure access to network and resources as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in Font management, InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, Acrobat, required. Working knowledge of PitStop, Barcode Pro, FileMaker, Excel and QuarkXPress a plus.
• Knowledge of digital and 4c offset printing a must, including press requirements for optimal printing (i.e. trapping, crossovers, color, transparencies, etc.)
• Advanced PhotoShop editing skills, including, masking, color correction, use of layers and special effects.
• Experience with preparing files for press; building gutter jumps, adding bleeds using cloning, and creating preflight press-quality PDFs.
• Strong preflight and troubleshooting skills. Ability to resolve technical problems with creative solutions.
• Time management skills; ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritize projects to meet deadlines.
• Detail oriented and ability to adhere to specific workflow specifications.
• Must have completed a 2-year accredited Graphic Arts program or 3 years’ experience in related field.
• Must provide an active business entity, W-9, or relevant professional tax documentation.

Independent Contractor Status

This is a 1099 independent contractor position. The contractor is responsible for their own income taxes, social security, health insurance, and business licenses. No employee benefits (such as paid time off or health insurance) are provided.