Production Editor Jobs

The Cognella Academic Publishing imprint of Cognella, Inc. is immediately seeking a production editor to join our fast-moving and close-knit publishing team and to provide essential support for our forthcoming textbooks. In this position, editors are responsible for the production of academic textbooks, coordinating the copyediting, design, typesetting, and pre-press finalization of titles. Additionally, they engage in communication with authors/editors in a variety of disciplines nationwide. Production editors are also responsible for completing quality assurance checks and proofreading materials.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical and editorial skills and have a proficiency in advanced editing and design software (namely the following Adobe Creative Suite software: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). They should be able to learn new software programs and processes quickly, possess an innate curiosity about the inner workings of publishing, and have the drive and direction to complete their work thoroughly, efficiently, and on time. This position requires someone with a collaborative spirit and get-it-done attitude. This is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow a career in publishing in a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plans the layout and design of select textbook interiors
• Updates project tracking database and keeps records up to date
• Assigns and communicates assignments and project specifications to external vendors and freelancers
• Prioritizes project workflow and manages multiple projects in order to meet deadlines
• Troubleshoots editorial and technical issues as they arise
• Prepares and submits files for print and digital publication
• Liaises with other internal teams—including licensing, marketing, creative, and order fulfillment—at varying points throughout the production process
• Attends weekly production meetings to discuss project and process updates, share vendor information, and track the overall progress of projects throughout each publishing season
• Identifies potential freelance candidates; gauges skillsets; evaluates rates and bids; and coordinates onboarding, communicating feedback to new contractors
• Pitches and develops new processes that improve or ease client or internal efforts, and creates or updates documentation accordingly
• Assists in training new production employees
• Provides early consultation to project editors and authors on the best approaches for presenting the material in select manuscripts
• Performs additional duties ranging from establishing design and editorial style criteria to specially assigned projects
• Tracks project costs and communicates to production manager when projects surpass budget goals
• Maintains telephone and email correspondence with authors
• Manages the production of 60-100 titles of digital, online, and print content per year
• Sends edited manuscripts and page proofs to authors; ensures changes are applied based on feedback from authors, project editors, and other invested parties; and reviews books’ content for correctness

Qualifications:

• Above-average capacity for organization, time management, and multi-tasking, along with the ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously
• Willingness to adapt to fast-changing processes and procedures that improve efficiency
• Ability to work well under pressure in an environment of rapidly changing deadlines and priorities and to meet or exceed deadlines
• Some experience with copyediting and style guides, specifically the Chicago Manual of Style and/or APA, is preferred
• Superb attention to detail
• Proficiency using computer software that includes Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (CC) with an emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Word, and Excel
• Professional demeanor paired with strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to present information clearly one-on-one and in group settings
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work cohesively and productively with colleagues
• Exceptional decision making and problem-solving skills
• Motivation to work independently
• Thorough understanding of English grammar and experience with editorial processes
• Experience with academic publishing workflows and comfortable working within an expanding digital workflow system

Minimum Experience:

Previous experience working with a production team is required: 2–4 years of experience to be considered at the associate production editor level; 4–8 years at the production editor level; and 8+ years at the senior production editor level—along with technical proficiency in listed software programs. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in both print and digital production (the latter including .epub and .mobi formats and XML standards).

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree

Compensation: Wage ranges based on assigned professional levels and experience. Junior Professional Level I starting at $40,000/yr to Professional Level II starting at $55,000/yr.

Cognella also provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full-time employees. We offer a health, vision, and dental plan at a 70% contribution match for the individual; generous vacation with Cognella’s flexible vacation policy of non-accrued paid time off; holiday (12 holidays/year); sick time (10 days/year); and 401K matching plan (4% match on the first 5% of an employee’s annual compensation after one year of employment; 100% match of the first 3% and 50% match from 3–5% of an employee’s annual compensation); and anniversary, wellness, public transportation, and educational programs.

Reports to: Production Manager

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Start Date: Immediate

Location: Solana Beach (San Diego County), CA. Daily in-office schedule with possible hybrid/telecommuting schedule after ramp-up and goal attainment.

Although Cognella currently embraces a hybrid remote/in-office work schedule for employees in San Diego County that balances the flexibility of telecommuting with the benefits and necessity of in-person work and collaboration, each role and department is different. Cognella reserves the right to change its telecommuting, remote, or hybrid work policies at any time.

Remote applicants may be considered if they possess a consistent record of demonstrated success in a previously remote role. In order to successfully work remotely, employees must provide a proper home workstation set-up which includes internet connectivity and a workspace large enough to accommodate dual monitors, laptop, and accessories that is free from distractions.

To Apply: For consideration, please email cover letter and resume to [email protected]. All submissions will be held in confidence.

Cognella, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Recruiters, please do not contact this job post.