"Science Editor, Yale Press"

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. Responsible for acquiring titles in designated areas. Responsible for signing and/or independently managing approximately 10-20 titles per year.
2. Reviews and assesses publishing potential of submitted projects and proposals and/or commission new projects for the list. Prepares proposals for Acquisitions Panel and Publications Committee.
3. 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 who are scholars in the field.
4. 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.
5. Researches, selects, and commissions scholarly review manuscripts. Manages the peer review process, responsible for relationships with authors, advisory board, and outside readers.
6. Manages the creation and maintenance of manuscript log, art logs where applicable, and related publishing databases as necessary to track budgets related to books, reviews, honoraria, and list signings within assigned disciplines. Also manages the maintenance of an organized system of tracking manuscripts, art for reproduction and accompanying permissions, reviews, and other relevant materials in existing databases.
7. Manages the preparation of manuscripts and accompanying materials for release to editing and production departments, including management of permissions for copyrighted illustrations and literary passages; tracks manuscript progress through departments; supervises acceptance checklists and contract compliance.
8. Works as part of a team to develop effective promotional/sales strategies and material; manages author expectations; presents titles at in-house pre-production, launches, and sales meetings.
9. Monitors expenditures to ensure book budgets are met. Ensures timely payment of expenses including reviewer honoraria, advance payments, and fees.
10. Identifies subvention sources and supervises the preparation of grant applications.
11. Experiments with and develops new digital products for the list and creatively modify traditional book projects to fit new needs of digital customers. Keeps pace with industry-wide developments; adapts to changing business practices and market conditions; uses foresight in acquiring books for rapidly changing marketplace.
12. May perform other duties as needed.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and minimum of two years publishing experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary Range

$55,000.00 - $85,000.00

Location

302 Temple Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Work Model

Hybrid

Time Type

Full time