Manning Publications Co.
Sound View Ct. #3B
Greenwich, CT 06830

Jobs at Manning

Acquisitions Editor - Computer/Technical Books

Acquisitions Editor - Computer/Technical Books

Company: Manning Publications Co.
Location: Greenwich, CT (Employee will work from home.)
Status: Part time or project based to start; potential for full time employment
Job Category: Publishing/Printing
Relevant Work Experience: 3+ Years
Career Level: Junior
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

JOB DUTIES:

Description
Manning Publications seeks an Acquisitions Editor to work on our successful Java program, including the "in Action" series. The primary responsibility of a Manning AE is to solicit, secure, and coordinate the acquisition of book-length manuscripts. Duties include the recruitment of authors, selection of topics, evaluation of proposals, sales forecasting, and contract negotiation. The AE will also oversee the management of their acquired titles, in coordination with our Development, Production and Marketing teams. Manning editors enjoy the benefits of working at home by maintaining their own offices.

Duties

• Research and identify book topics with strong sales potential and recruit experienced and competent authors; recognize potential new authors and cultivate working relationships with them; obtain proposals from potential authors, determine the quality of the proposals, and negotiate contracts according to established guidelines.
• Assist potential authors in the development of book proposals and present your book ideas to the Publisher / Editorial Staff. As a Manning Acquisitions Editor, you must be prepared to advocate for and defend your position.
• Strategize and help plan the direction of our future booklist; help manage our product line to achieve strategic goals.
• Manage an editorial schedule for all projects under your auspices. You will serve as the Project Manager for all your acquired titles. The AE’s primary function is to bring the concerns of the market/reader into the manuscript development and review processes. As Project Manager, you must take the necessary steps to assist the Developmental Editors in keeping the author/project on the established schedules.
• Assist the Reviews Editor in the location of expert reviewers to provide market feedback on manuscripts; work with the Developmental Editor to analyze the comments from reviewers and have authors make changes as necessary.
• Coordinate with authors, production staff and marketing staff to ensure successful presentation of titles to the marketplace, providing information and support as necessary; assist in the preparation of copy for marketing and promotional materials for forthcoming publications.
• Represent Manning at professional, business and community meetings and conferences, as necessary.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS degree.
• Minimum of three years publishing experience, preferably in editorial acquisition or sales; experience in computer/technical or trade publishing preferred; OR minimum of five years experience in software development / engineering, with particular knowledge of Java-related technologies.
• Proven track record.
• Strong facilitator and communication skills, especially in the arts of negotiation and persuasion.
• Must be able to travel as needed (including overnight travel); work overtime as needed.
• Must be able to work under pressure of deadlines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in a diverse community. A Manning Acquisitions Editor must possess the ability to be charming one moment and demanding the next. Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills will be a valuable asset.
• Outstanding writing, language and grammar skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize challenging workloads with moderate supervision.
• Knowledge of publishing processes, procedures, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the acquisition process for book-length manuscripts.
• Knowledge of peer review principles and procedures for technical manuscripts.
• Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements.
• Ability to judge market potential.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• The job requires telecommuting; candidate must maintain a fully functional home office.
• Some travel may be required (conference attendance, corporate meetings, sales conferences etc.)

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: .

Attachments are ok, but pasting text directly into the message body is preferable.
Kindly place "JAVA AE" in the Subject Line.

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