Manuscript Editor I

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•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 moves manuscripts through corrections, final approval, and online ahead-of-print publication, working closely with editing colleagues and departments throughout the Press. The role also edits books, journals, and 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. At a manager’s discretion, the editor may take on lead-editor responsibilities for journal oversight, including editing manuscripts, maintaining style notes and production schedules, training editors, communicating with production controllers and journal offices, and checking paginated issues before publication. Other related work may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

A college or university degree in a related field.
Knowledge and skills developed through less than two years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and interact confidently but flexibly with authors.
Ability to work cordially with colleagues at all levels.
Tactfulness and diplomacy when dealing with authors, editors, and people in other departments.
Ability to concentrate on highly detail-oriented tasks and focus despite environmental distractions.
Ability to manage 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

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