University of Washington Press

Compensation

Full Description

The University of Washington Press has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Project Editor to join their team. Under the general direction of the editorial, design, and production (EDP) manager, the senior project editor is responsible for approximately 25 to 30 titles annually. This position is a point person for in-house colleagues, authors, and some outside vendors on all projects they manage, from delivery of raw manuscript through finalization of printer-ready book files. Projects range in book type and complexity from standard scholarly monographs to highly illustrated art history and regional trade titles. Other kinds of books include reference works, facing-page translations, and books about social justice topics written by scholar activists and for course use. The senior editor also works with the EDP manager to develop, implement, and communicate guidelines for unbiased and culturally appropriate language usage for press publications and other press communications. Duties & Responsibilities • Prepare manuscripts for copyediting and design/typesetting, including setting editorial requirements and standards for each manuscript and communicating these requirements. • Hire, instruct, and vet the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, and other vendors; liaise with authors. • Coordinate simple art revision and production with design staff; liaise with in-house and outside typesetters through composition, and occasionally with outside packagers throughout production. • Vet author and proofreader corrections through all proof cycles, and ensure their accuracy • Review and approve printers’ proofs on occasion. • Assess assigned projects for production: prepare and maintain production schedule, with due attention to editing needs and requested bound-book dates. • Guide the creation of alt text for images in ebooks for assigned projects. • Edit book cover copy, indexes, general marketing copy, and small pieces (e.g., forewords) as required. • Edit external marketing communications. Minimum Requirements • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the humanities or social sciences. • Three years (full-time equivalent) of professional editorial and project management experience with books. • Fluency with different scholarly writing styles and comfort working with theoretical language. • Thorough knowledge of standard scholarly apparatus (e.g., footnotes, bibliographies, tables). • Sensitivity to language relating to race, gender, nationality, and sexuality. • Proficiency with the details of multiple editorial style manuals and reference works (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style, AAA Publishing Style Guide, MLA Handbook). • Mastery of bookmaking procedures, including the use of styles and their effect on book design, the requirements and limitations of book design and composition, and the details of illustration and graphics handling. • Keen interpersonal and problem-solving skills. • Ability to shift focus quickly, make independent decisions, and manage competing priorities. • Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in speech and writing. • High-level reading, writing, editing, and proof-handling skills. • Proficiency with Microsoft Word. Desired Qualifications • Knowledge of effective strategies for working with authors and other professionals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. • Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat markup tools. • Experience with FileMaker Pro or other database software, especially in a publishing setting. • Experience with cost control as relates to book production. Open to hybrid/remote. Must work on site in Seattle offices a minimum of four weeks per calendar year. All cover letters and resumes must be submitted through the University of Washington jobs website.