Title: Acquisitions Editor for Adult Titles Full Time
On-site work preferred. Hybrid or offsite may be considered.
Job Summary:
The primary responsibility for the Acquisitions Editor (AE) for Adult Titles at Pauline Books & Media (PBM) is to collaborate with other members of PBM to achieve an overall goal of 25 releases per year (this goal includes titles for children, teens, and adults). An Adult AE works with the Daughters of St. Paul in the mission of communicating Christ like Saint Paul. An AE stays abreast of current trends in society in order to respond to the needs of the times with publications which express the Catholic Faith in a way that is unique and fresh, and capable of moving the reader forward in their relationship with Christ and in the Church.
Reports To: Editorial Manager
Specific Activities:
1. Responsible for shepherding book manuscripts through the publication process. This includes proposing, acquiring, editing, final checking the paginated proofs, writing and revising back cover copy, cover and art approvals, and general project oversight.
2. Collaborates with the Editorial Manager, other Acquisitions Editors (AE), and Marketing personnel to develop and shape the various editorial lines of Pauline Books and Media, ensuring their growth and vitality.
3. Seeks and actively acquires manuscripts and/or authors that are in line with the needs of the audiences on which PBM team has chosen to focus their efforts and resources.
a. Reviews incoming proposals and manuscripts forwarded by the Editorial Associate (EA). Directs the EA to send rejection letters or request further material from the author.
b. Establishes and maintains relationships with authors, translators, and international licensors on behalf of PBM.
c. Initiates or follows up on leads given by the Editorial Manager, other members of the Editorial team, the Marketing department, and the sisters working in the bookcenters and evangelization.
d. Leverages repackaging opportunities of existing content.
4. Along with the other AE for adult titles, meets weekly with the Editorial Manager to review possible new projects and to update her on all ongoing projects.
5. Prepares and presents potentially viable projects at editorial and publishing team meetings, facilitating discussions on the feasibility and development of projects.
6. Moves each project through established processes and tracks projects using PBM vehicles. Prepares project report, schedules discerning and creative development meetings, initiates feasibility study, requests author contracts, maintains project checklist, maintains correspondence, creates style sheet, calls final development meeting, incorporates copyedits, completes project specifications report, signs off on product database.
7. Once a project is contracted, works with the author in the completion of a manuscript, bringing it to a point where it may be turned over to the Developmental Editor (DE). Sends any major edits back to the author.
8. Works with the DE to maintain the vision and continuity of a project.
9. Consults in-house or outside experts with theological expertise if needed to ensure complete fidelity to Church teaching; consults with experts in the field (of pastoral practice, psychology, etc) if needed to ensure appropriate pastoral tone and accuracy of information.
10. Works with the EA to seek forewords when appropriate or beneficial to the project.
11. Works with EA to confirm imprimatur, ISBN, Bowker, Library of Congress, document tagging, and all permissions have been obtained.
12. In collaboration with the publishing team, gives initial suggestions to the Design Department regarding the design of the book.
13. Notifies author of the book title. Notifies EA of author and Publisher OK on title before filing for LOC, etc.
14. Reviews manuscript before copyediting, making sure all elements are complete. Fills out project spec report.
15. Meets with Marketing publicist to hand off author at appropriate pre-release time.
16. Presents new titles to sales team. Contributes to marketing of titles as requested.
17. Attends, when possible, publishing trade shows and/or church gatherings as requested in a manner that represents the professionalism and excellence of Pauline Books & Media.
18. Maintains an awareness of current events in the Church and in the world, as well as trends in publishing. Keeps abreast of market conditions, trends, and needs.
19. Continually looks for and proposes new and creative ways to improve both the quality and diffusion of PBM materials.
JOB COMPETENCIES:
KNOWLEDGE
• Studies in English, writing, communications, theology and related fields;
• Ongoing in-depth knowledge of the Catholic faith
• Experience some aspect of church ministry or apostolate
• Experience in book editing and/or traditional publishing
• Knowledgeable of current trends in society and the needs of our audience
SKILLS
• Excellent writing skills
• Command of the English language
• Teamwork skills
• Appropriate communication/social skills
• Ability to maintain multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Confident use of Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint)
ABILITIES
• Able to network and maintain relationships with authors, contributors, and other contacts;
• Able to be evaluated;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the Pauline mission.
