Children's Book Editor- Onsite

Job Description

Job Summary:
The primary responsibility for the Children's Book Editor at Pauline Books & Media (PBM) is to collaborate with other members of PBM to achieve an overall goal of 25 releases per year (this goal includes titles for children, teens, and adults). A Children's Book Editor works with the Daughters of St. Paul in the mission of communicating Christ like Saint Paul. A Children's Book Editor stays abreast of current trends in society in order to respond to the needs of the times with publications which express the Catholic Faith in a way that is unique and fresh, and capable of moving the reader and their parent/guardian/teacher forward in their relationship with Christ and in the Church.

Reports to: Editorial Manager

Specific Activities:

1. Responsible for shepherding Catholic books for children and teens through the publication process at PBM. This includes proposing, acquiring, developing, final editing, proofreading, writing and revising back cover copy, cover and art approvals, and general project oversight.
2. Collaborates with the Editorial Manager, other Children's Book Editors, Acquisitions Editors (AE), and Marketing personnel to develop and shape the various editorial lines of Pauline Books and Media, ensuring their growth and vitality.
3. Seeks and actively acquires manuscripts and/or authors that are in line with the needs of the audiences on which PBM team has chosen to focus their efforts and resources.
a. Reviews incoming proposals and manuscripts forwarded by the Editorial Associate (EA). Directs the EA to send rejection letters or request further material from the author.
b. Establishes and maintains relationships with authors, translators, and international licensors on behalf of PBM.
c. Initiates or follows up on leads given by the Editorial Manager, other members of the Editorial team, the Marketing department, and the sisters working in the book centers and evangelization.
d. Leverages repackaging opportunities of existing content.
4. Along with the other Children's Book Editor, meets weekly with the Editorial Manager to review possible new projects and to update her on all ongoing projects.
5. Prepares and presents potentially viable projects at editorial and publishing team meetings, facilitating discussions on the feasibility and development of projects.
6. Moves each project through established processes and tracks projects using PBM vehicles. Prepares project report, schedules discerning and creative development meetings, initiates feasibility study, requests author contracts, maintains project checklist, maintains correspondence, creates style sheet, calls final development meeting, incorporates copyedits, completes Project Specifications Report, signs off on product database.
7. Once a project is contracted, works with the author in the developmental editing and completion of a manuscript. Sends all major edits back to the author for review/acceptance/rewriting.
8. Consults in-house or outside experts with theological expertise if needed to ensure complete fidelity to Church teaching.
9. Works with the Editorial Associate (EA) to seek forewords when appropriate or beneficial to the project.
10. Works with EA to confirm imprimatur, ISBN, Bowker, Library of Congress, document tagging, and any 3rd party permissions have been obtained.
11. In collaboration with the publishing team, gives initial suggestions to the Design Department regarding the design of the book.
12. Notifies author of the book title. Notifies EA of author and Publisher OK on title before filing for LOC, etc.
13. Reviews manuscript before copyediting, making sure all elements are complete. Fills out project spec report.
14. Meets with Marketing publicist to hand off author at appropriate pre-release time.
15. Attends, when possible, publishing trade shows and/or church gatherings as requested in a manner that represents the professionalism and excellence of Pauline Books & Media.
16. Maintains an awareness of current events in the Church and in the world, as well as trends in publishing.
17. Continually looks for and proposes new and creative ways to improve both the quality and diffusion of PBM materials.

Job Competencies

KNOWLEDGE
• Studies in English, writing, communications, and/or related field;
• Ongoing in-depth knowledge of the Catholic faith; vocabulary, spirituality, practices, and church organization (diocese, parish, Catholic schools, etc.)
• Experience in some aspect of church ministry or apostolate
• Experience in book editing and/or traditional publishing
• Up-to-date knowledge of current trends in society and the needs of children today;
• Familiarity with the children's book industry
• A knowledge of how storylines and character arcs work; how to analyze the structure of a book, identify its strengths/weaknesses, and propose solutions when needed

SKILLS
• Excellent command of the English language, both oral and written
• Appreciation for, and the ability to produce high quality writing; as well as an appreciation for popular-level writing
• Clear and cordial interpersonal communication style
• Strong teamwork skills
• Confident use of Office 365 and of the internet

ABILITIES
• Ability to maintain multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to network and maintain relationships with authors, contributors, and other contacts
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to discern between primary and secondary source material
• Ability to discern between authoritative and unreliable source material
• Able to be evaluated
• Enthusiasm and passion for the Pauline mission.

About the Employer

As apostles of Jesus Christ,
evangelizing today's world:
We are CALLED to holiness by
God's living Word and Eucharist.
We COMMUNICATE the Gospel
message through our lives and
through all available forms of media.
We SERVE the Church by responding
to the hopes and needs of all
people with the word of God, in
the spirit of St. Paul.