Production Editor (Part Time, Contract)

Macmillan•New York, NY

8d•Remote

About The Position

This contractor, part-time, remote production-editorial role will manage conversion titles with the possible added responsibility of original titles as work permits. The production editor will prepare the conversion materials for each title and manage the process from new material to press-ready files. Their responsibilities will include liaising with various departments regarding new material and trim, revising existing content, reflow of updated pages, and the correction and routing thereof. Both the interior and cover processes will make up their workload. They will be responsible for quality control and compliance with departmental procedures.

Requirements

Two to three years’ experience as a production editor, preferably in adult trade fiction/nonfiction.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, anticipating problems, troubleshooting solutions, and prioritizing tasks.
Strong working knowledge of grammar and punctuation, including expertise with the Chicago Manual of Style, plus the ability to learn and employ House style for supplementary materials.
Meticulous attention to detail; work well under pressure; good oral and verbal communication.
Ability to meet deadlines while juggling multiple projects at once.
Work well with others in a tactful manner, displaying common sense and initiative.

Responsibilities

Handle production editorial work to convert fiction and nonfiction titles from hardcover to trade paperback.
Copyediting new and revised materials or, as necessary, hiring freelance copyeditors and proofreaders, and reviewing their work.
Marking typeset page files for reflow of interior to accommodate new and altered material, double checking layout for revised trim, overseeing the review processes among various departments.
Managing all updates that involve the new cover.
Collating changes to page proofs, resolving, and routing materials for multi-department review.
If working on original titles, tasks will also include the electronic styling of materials for design and composition.
Copyediting jacket/cover copy and ancillary marketing material, including front sales, discussion questions, reading group guides, teasers, back advertisements and cover copy alterations.
Proofreading jackets/covers, captions, and additional material.
Frequent and ongoing collaboration with Production, Design, and Editorial departments as needed concerning scheduling and revisions suggested by copyeditors or proofreaders when applicable.
Adhering to schedules for one’s own work as well as the routed review process for materials.
Communicating with Managing Editorial if project is in danger of missing deadlines.
Updating progress of projects in various digital tracking systems, using correct file-naming conventions and adhering to documented best practices.
Providing task- and project-specific support for other production editors to ensure that coverage is maintained during planned vacation and discretionary days.