"Science Editor"

Overview

Yale University Press is seeking an editor to acquire and commission 15-20 books per year in the sciences, with an emphasis on the fields of environmental science and natural history. Working with a transatlantic team of colleagues, this editor will develop books for general trade, scholarly, and student audiences that guide, define, and inform conversations around the environment, ecology, biology, and how we interact with and impact the world around us. In addition, the Press is seeking someone who can identify and build publishing relationships with related departments, museums, and libraries at Yale.

Potential applicants for this position should show a demonstrated ability to establish and cultivate editorial relationships with leading and emerging academics and science writers; a familiarity with trends regarding developments in the sciences; and an understanding of and an editorial vision to expand upon Yale University Press’ current strengths in science publishing. Applicants should ideally also have the knowledge to substantively inform the marketing and publicity outreach for books signed; an ability to represent projects effectively, accurately, and persuasively to colleagues; a grasp of the potential market and sales opportunities for these books; experience in successfully editing works for a general audience; and the ability to acquire and publish a cohesive list. In addition, experience publishing illustrated works related to science is preferred but not required for the role.

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. 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.
3. Proficiency in creative problem-solving, decision making, and time management
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
5. Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve publishing and strategic press-wide goals

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

1. A history of working with academics and writers to shape ideas into accessible works aimed at reaching a broad audience.
2. Experience publishing illustrated books in the sciences

Principal Responsibilities

1. Reviews and assesses publishing potential of submitted projects and proposals and/or commissions new projects for the list. Presents projects under consideration to Press and faculty advisory committees.
2. Manages a list of books and their revenue forecasts for each publishing season by controlling the timely submission, acceptance, and transmittal of manuscripts in order to meet targeted revenue goals. Ensures future publishing seasons are appropriately filled with the right mix and quantity of new titles.
3. Manages manuscript progress and publication process and works closely with the author to improve content, tone, and style of manuscript. Recommends revisions to author and ensures they are properly incorporated into final manuscript.
4. Researches and identifies key authors in the field, with the goal of developing a list of the highest scholarly standards; meets authors; develops and commissions projects. Attends scholarly conferences to meet with authors, attends academic panels to scout potential books, and networks with potential authors. Develops and maintains working relationships with literary agents, foreign rights representatives, archivists and library curators, and other professional and academic personnel.
5. Researches, selects, and supervises the commissioning of scholarly reviews of manuscripts. Manages the peer review process, taking primary responsibility for relationships with authors, advisory board, and outside readers.
6. Supervises the preparation of manuscripts and accompanying materials for release to editing and production departments, including the management of permissions for copyrighted illustrations and literary passages; updates databases necessary to track and report on progress of projects through the publication process.
7. Works as part of a team to develop effective promotional/sales strategies and material; manage author’s expectations; present titles at in-house pre-production, launch, and sales meetings.
8. Monitors expenditures to ensure book budgets are met. Ensures timely payment of expenses including reviewer honoraria, advance payment, and fees. Identifies internal and external funding sources for projects; prepares required materials for grants, gifts, and subventions when necessary.
9. Keeps pace with industry-wide developments; adapts to changing business practices and market conditions as needed; uses foresight in acquiring books for rapidly changing marketplace.
10. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of four years experience working in publishing, media, communications, academic, nonprofit, or related organizations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates with a background in the area(s) of focus, or with experience managing content or forming relationships with writers, literary agents, influencers, and other relevant figures may also be considered.

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $120,500.00

Location

302 Temple Street, New Haven, Connecticut