Remote-Eligible Church-Focused Acquisitions Editor

Nashville Public Radio; Brentwood (TN); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifeway is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to identify, pursue, and develop biblically faithful resources for the church, cultivating relationships with authors and agents and shepherding projects from concept through completion.

You will evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market fit, collaborate with Marketing and Production, and ensure materials align with Baptist Faith and Message 2000 within a mission-driven publishing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience selecting and developing editorial projects for a church audience.
• Ability to evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market fit.
• Strong editing, storytelling, and manuscript development skills.
• Excellent relationship building with authors and agents.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue potential authors and proposals aligned with publishing vision and strategic priorities.
• Review submissions; respond promptly to authors and agents.
• Develop book concepts and present ideas to authors to inspire and shape new projects.
• Build relationships with authors and internal teams including Marketing and Production.
• Evaluate proposals for publishing potential, theological alignment, market viability, and fit within the product line.
• Prepare and present proposals at Pub Board meetings; create deal point memos summarizing key terms and rationale for acquisition.
• Champion acquired titles internally, representing books at sales conferences and similar meetings.
• Negotiate contract terms with authors and literary agents; submit contract requests in accordance with publishing guidelines.
• Partner with the Publisher to ensure authors understand manuscript requirements and contractual obligations.
• Review chapter outlines, sample chapters, and full manuscripts for structure, flow, concept, style, clarity, and readability.
• Assist authors in shaping material; may provide co-writing or ghostwriting support.
• Ensure published content reflects theological accuracy and alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
• Monitor and maintain production dates and budgets; adjust publishing schedules as needed.
• Contribute to the marketing and sales strategy for assigned titles.
• Collaborate with internal and external departments to support the publishing plan.

Skills

Editorial & publishing

Author relations

Editorial development

Theological discernment

Contract & rights knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree - English, journalism, Christian studies

Master's degree (in process or completed)

Advanced graduate degree (PhD, etc)

Tools

CMOS

Job description

Lifeway is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to identify, pursue, and develop biblically faithful resources for the church, cultivating relationships with authors and agents and shepherding projects from concept through completion.

You will evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market fit, collaborate with Marketing and Production, and ensure materials align with Baptist Faith and Message 2000 within a mission-driven publishing environment.