SENIOR AQUISITIONS EDITOR

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

401d • $70,920 - $90,000

About The Position

The Senior Acquisitions Editor at the University of Washington Press is responsible for expanding the press's Pacific Northwest nonfiction regional trade publishing program. This role involves acquiring and transmitting 15-20 high-quality trade manuscripts annually, collaborating with various stakeholders, and providing developmental guidance on book concepts and manuscripts. The editor will also manage peer reviews, negotiate contracts, and prepare financial information for prospective titles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in humanities or social sciences, or a discipline related to assigned acquisitions areas, and 3 or more years of publishing experience OR Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Excellent organizational skills, plus proven ability to efficiently handle multiple long-term projects simultaneously.
• Ability and desire to work both independently and cooperatively in a highly collaborative environment.
• Commitment to using an understanding of the diversity of human experiences in supporting the press's editorial program.
• Sensitivity to language relating to race, gender, sexuality, and ability/disability.
• Demonstrated success in list building.

Nice To Haves

• Proven track record of working successfully with trade authors.
• Graduate work or advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and transmit 15-20 new manuscripts per fiscal year.
• Actively recruit new book proposals and manuscripts by contacting prospective authors.
• Develop and sustain a strong network of press authors, prospective authors, agents, and community contacts.
• Attend select conferences and travel regionally to scout new projects.
• Correspond with prospective authors to answer questions about the publication process.
• Solicit and evaluate book proposals and manuscripts, assess market potential, and determine suitability for publication.
• Provide developmental support and feedback to authors.
• Identify and engage outside readers to provide peer review.
• Recommend revisions to authors of manuscripts under review and work with them on implementing revisions.
• Participate in weekly acquisitions and biweekly interdepartmental editorial meetings to review proposals and manuscripts.
• Prepare materials for presentation to the faculty press committee and attend press committee meetings.
• Negotiate contracts in consultation with Director and Editorial Director.
• Prepare budgets for manuscripts proposed for publication.
• Collaborate with press grant-writing and development staff to seek underwriting as needed.
• Work collaboratively with authors and other press colleagues to develop effective packaging, publishing, and marketing plans for titles acquired.

Benefits

• Generous benefits and work/life programs.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• Unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree