Production Editor

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri Press is seeking an Associate Editor to oversee book editorial and production tasks, coordinating with authors, freelancers, and vendors to deliver high-quality print and ebook titles on schedule. You will manage contracts, proofs, and final files across production stages, under the director's guidance.

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's and proficiency in Adobe InDesign. The role runs Monday–Friday, with a competitive hourly salary range and comprehensive

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent education is required.
• At least 1 year of experience in editorial/production or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate contract schedules and terms, prepare them for the director's approval, and send contracts for signatures to freelancers.
• Serve as the main contact with freelancers and authors during the editorial process and oversee progress for quality and timeliness.
• Coordinate with print manufacturers to schedule book printing and ebook production per deadlines.
• Make final corrections to page proofs in Adobe InDesign and jackets as needed.
• Run final checklists and perform last-minute corrections for titles.

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Job Description

The primary role of this position is to oversee book editorial and production tasks, including collaborating with authors and managing freelancers and vendors who edit and produce print and electronic books within budget, with the highest quality, and at the best possible speed. Responsibilities for this role begin after the acquisition team has signed contracts with authors, received complete manuscript drafts, and transmitted them between acquisitions and production. The role then oversees all subsequent tasks, including copyediting, proofreading, and final book manufacture. This position reports to the Director. In no particular order, duties include:

• Negotiate contract schedules and terms, prepare them for the director’s approval, and send contracts for signatures to selected freelancers, including copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers as needed.
• Serve as the main contact with freelancers and authors during editorial process, including giving instructions to freelancers, connecting freelancers directly with authors, and overseeing the progress of freelancers’ work for quality and timeliness.
• Coordinate with print manufacturers to schedule book printing and ebook production according to important marketing deadlines.
• Make final corrections to typeset page proofs in Adobe InDesign and book jackets as necessary.
• Run final checklists on page proofs, jacket, and spine stamp, and perform any last-minute corrections needed for all titles.
• Retrieve original creative files or PDFs of texts and covers/jackets, and make corrections as needed for new-in-paper titles and reprints.
• Upload final files to print manufacturer for new titles and reprints, and upload final files for the creation and delivery of ebooks.
• Act as the primary contact with print manufacturers to monitor book production schedules, check sample books, stamped cases, jackets, and covers to ensure quality, and make alterations as necessary.
• Report editorial and production schedules to the director, acquisitions, and marketing team during weekly all-staff meetings.
• Creating covers, jackets, and interior text designs using Adobe InDesign.
• Register all copyrights and apply for Cataloging-in Publication data for all new titles.

Hiring Department

The Missouri Press

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Minimum Qualifications

An Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree, Proficiency in Adobe Indesign

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $17.40 - $30.30 per hour

Grade: GGS 007

University Title: Associate Editor

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Visa Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers.

Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living.

Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.

If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.