Job description
Developmental editor
Manning Publications Co. seeks Developmental Editors to work directly with book authors to create high-quality manuscripts on time. Ideal candidates are critical thinkers who skillfully identify and articulate weaknesses in a manuscript's organization and writing, adopt a coaching/mentoring role with authors, firmly but diplomatically communicate with authors, work both independently and in a distributed team environment, and reliably meet deadlines. Candidates must possess passing knowledge of software concepts and technologies (such as mobile application development, responsive design, cloud computing, big data and analytics, and agile and lean development). This is a great position for someone looking for part-time work (15-20 hours a week).
Primary duties
Coach authors on techniques for how to teach difficult or important concepts in their manuscript
Identify opportunities for authors to improve organization, presentation, clarity, and value to the book's intended audience
Continually assess manuscript content at a high level
Manage the book-development process so that authors are completing manuscripts by due dates
Ensure that manuscripts adhere to Manning's writing guidelines
Provide project status and content assessment to publisher, acquisition editor, development manager and other Manning staff
Contribute to the ongoing assessment and improvement of editorial procedures and standards
Perform occasional tasks related to the marketing of books
Please note: This position does not include copy editing duties
Must have requirements
General understanding of technical concepts, software development, and current industry trends
1+ years previous substantive editing experience
Must be available for a minimum of 20 hours per week (primarily during U.S. business hours).
Strong project- and time-management skills
Excellent organization and multitasking skills
Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and other tools required in an online environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable communicating via email, Skype, and phone
Must have remote office setup (computer, Internet and email access, reliable phone line)
Preferred qualifications
Previous experience in a book publishing environment
Apply for this position
Email your resume and two references with job DE-2018-8 in the subject line. If selected for an interview, be prepared to complete an editing sample. This is a freelance, telecommute opportunity (no travel).
Manning Publication publishes books for technology professionals including programmers, system administrators, designers, architects, managers and others. We care about the quality of our books, and we think of our authors as the most valuable part of our business. We work with our authors to coax out of them the best writing they can produce. We consult with technical experts on book proposals and manuscripts, and we may use as many as two dozen reviewers in various stages of preparing a manuscript. The abilities of each author are nurtured to encourage him or her to write a first-rate book.
Originally posted on Himalayas
Who can apply
Eligible countries: United States. Accepted UTC offsets: UTC-10, UTC-9, UTC-8, UTC-7, UTC-6, UTC-5, UTC+14. Review the full description for employer-specific work authorization, residency and schedule requirements.