Manuscript Editor I

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•$45,900 - $594,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manuscript Editor I edits complex scholarly journal manuscripts in science and economics for style, grammar, and accuracy under the supervision of senior department members. Using XML-based editing software, the editor applies journal style throughout manuscripts, including figure captions, tables, and mathematical content, and writes queries to authors. The editor guides manuscripts through corrections, final approval, and online ahead-of-print posting, working closely with editing colleagues and other Press departments. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authentication. The position also edits books, journals, or other written materials with guidance, establishes editing schedules, collaborates with authors to resolve routine problems and clarify meaning, and assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts. Hybrid in-person and remote work is available at the manager’s discretion.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Two to five years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and interact confidently and flexibly with authors.
Ability to work cordially with colleagues at all levels.
Tact and diplomacy when dealing with authors, editors, and people in other departments.
Ability to concentrate on detail-oriented tasks and maintain focus despite environmental distractions.
Ability to work on multiple jobs simultaneously, across manuscripts at different publication stages and journals with different styles and procedures.
Ability to take direction and ask questions.
Ability to take responsibility for meeting deadlines and managing time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree and graduate coursework.
Two years of prior publishing experience in copy editing or proofreading, preferably in scholarly journals or books rather than newspapers or magazines.
Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
Background in science, economics, or mathematics.
Background in a foreign language.

Responsibilities

Copyedit academic journal articles in science and economics according to tight production schedules and deadlines.
Copyedit all parts of manuscripts, including main text, references, appendixes, figure captions, complex tables, and mathematical expressions and equations.
Guide manuscripts through all publication stages and ensure high-level quality control.
Review author proofs, enter and check corrections, and approve final files for publication.
Identify and tactfully resolve unique editorial situations with authors, journal office staff, and/or supervisors.
Communicate extensively with authors, managing editors, colleagues, editorial supervisors, and production staff.
At the manager’s discretion, fulfill lead editor responsibilities for journal oversight, including editing manuscripts, following production schedules, maintaining style notes, training editors, communicating with production controllers and journal offices, and checking paginated issues before publication.
Edit books, journals, or other written materials with guidance from others and establish editing schedules.
Collaborate with authors to resolve routine problems using established procedures and clarify meaning.
Assist with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
Perform other related work as needed.