Copywriting and Metadata Manager, YUP

Overview

Yale University Press, one of the largest university presses in the United States, is seeking a talented and proactive writer to fill the Copywriting and Metadata Manager position.

Joining a dynamic team of marketing professionals, the Copywriting and Metadata Manager will assume a foundational role in the success of our publishing program by writing and overseeing the production of engaging, clear, and optimized marketing copy for a wide range of book buying audiences. They will exercise sound editorial judgement and will work closely with colleagues across the press, authors, and freelancers, to ensure descriptive copy aligns with market research and best practices. The successful candidate will be able to identify and shape the brand of each book to attract and influence customers, boosting online discoverability and driving sales.

To be considered, please provide a cover letter and three writing samples that demonstrate your ability to produce concise and compelling marketing copy across various topics.

The salary range for this position will be $68k-$75k.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to write and edit compelling copy that powerfully, effectively, creatively, and clearly resonates with intended audiences, capturing the tone and themes of individual titles.
2. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for interacting with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
3. Must have a genuine interest in book publishing and knowledge of the mission of Yale University Press.
4. Be a highly creative, independent worker with a strong aptitude for multitasking and managing tight deadlines with a high attention to detail.
5. An understanding of the value of diversity and the importance of inclusion as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Basic HTML.
2. Experience with keywords and SEO.
3. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Drafts, formats, proofreads, and edits descriptive marketing copy for all trade and scholarly frontlist; writing copy for select seasonal priority titles and providing guidance/feedback to thoughtfully craft the copy for the rest of the list.
2. Manages and regularly updates the marketing copy for all frontlist and backlist titles, responding to awards, publicity hits, and timely media hooks or anniversaries, to highlight the strongest, most relevant aspects to improve online discoverability and sales.
3. Establishes and maintains style guidelines and advises editors, authors, marketing, and sales colleagues to make informed decisions about the direction of content and metadata.
4. Hires and supervises the work of freelance writers ensuring tone, theme, style, and quality are achieved.
5. Oversees trade citations, entering media coverage into our central database, determining best use of earned media, and maintaining the database’s integrity.
6. Manages the production of seasonal catalogs, setting schedules, establishing layout, proofing, and dissemination.
7. Acts as the sole marketing representative for producing, vetting, or editing final frontlist jacket copy before books head to the printer.
8. Oversees the production of all paperback catalog and cover copy.
9. Stays on top of industry trends and best practices for copywriting and metadata maintenance.
10. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Communications, or a related field.

5 years or more of experience in copywriting, journalism, marketing, book publishing, or a combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated experience in developing compelling copy for a range of topics.