Developmental EditorCharisma Media
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Developmental Editor completes substantive edits and acts as a project manager for authors as assigned by the Director of Product Development to ensure acceptable manuscript through editing and production phases and participates in book acquisitions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment at Charisma Media is usually very positive and upbeat due to the nature of our business but can also be stressful at times with deadlines, emergency projects, etc. A staff member of the product development department needs to be able to maintain an even-keeled, upbeat, positive attitude and be a catalyst of such in the building
The noise level to be maintained in this work environment is mild to moderate
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs substantive edits for assigned projects, including content flow and syntax; transitioning; tightening or expanding content as necessary; verification of statistics, scriptures, quoted material, and uncommon terminology; and all other substantive editing steps outlined in the Product Development SOP manual.
Assists director as requested on acquisition matters, developing publishing proposals or conceptual outlines for some proposed projects, project managing authors as assigned at time of contract, supervising writing process, ensuring that the completed manuscript matches the conceptual outline approved by the acquisition team.
Maintains communication with assigned authors regarding content issues until manuscripts are sent to the printer.
Resolves all content issues flagged by copy editors.
Provides scheduling input to maintain and track all book projects.
Participates in departmental meetings and interdepartmental meetings as required.
Maintains Book Group issues of style and quality.
Abides by all policies and procedures of Charisma Media.
Agrees with Charisma Media’s vision statement, beliefs, and values.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or related area of study; three years’ experience editing books; experience with book proposal evaluations and publishing contracts; familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style
Familiarity with charismatic/Pentecostal markets
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Strong grasp of story and argument structure, with the ability to assess a manuscript's organization, pacing, voice, and overall effectiveness
Skill in delivering clear, constructive, and diplomatic feedback that helps authors strengthen their work while preserving their voice
Ability to evaluate book proposals and manuscripts for editorial quality, market potential, and fit with the publisher's list and imprints
Skill in researching comparable titles, sales history, and market trends to support acquisition recommendations
Ability to identify and cultivate perspective authors by assessing an author's platform, audience reach, and ministry or media presence
Experience preparing or contributing to book proposals, acquisition reports, and presentations for publishing board review
Basic understanding of profit-and-loss projections and publishing contract terms preferred
Ability to track submissions and maintain organized records of prospects and pipeline titles
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working collaboratively with authors, literary agents, and internal teams
Ability to manage multiple manuscripts and projects at various stages while meeting deadlines
Strong understanding of audience, market, and genre expectations, with familiarity with Christian and faith-based publishing preferred
Working knowledge of Scripture and the ability to evaluate theological accuracy and clarity
Excellent command of the English language, including grammar, usage, and style based on extensive knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style
Detail oriented, accurate, and efficient
Ability to take direction and work independently
CLERICAL SKILLS
Ability to type at least 50 words per minute
Proficiency in Microsoft Word (including Track Changes and Comments), Excel, and standard PC and internet applications
Some knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Mac operations desirable
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear
The employee is also required to stand and walk on a regular basis
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
