Job Summary
The Editorial Assistant assists two acquisitions editors in their efforts to scout, develop, and acquire scholarly monographs, trade books, and textbooks. As the Editorial Assistant you will have more than a support role; you will have responsibility for author communication and for accuracy, timeliness, and troubleshooting at different stages in the life of a book. You will also serve as one of the authors' regular contacts, helping them navigate the details of the publication process. This job offers a great opportunity to learn the book acquisitions process at a major university press. This is a two-year term position.
The University of Michigan Press is a vital component of UM Library's Michigan Publishing, which is the primary academic publishing division of the University. In partnership with our authors and series editors, the Press publishes around 100 peer-reviewed books a year in a range of humanities and social science disciplines.
You will report directly to the Editorial Director under the Associate University Librarian for Publishing.
Responsibilities*
- Assist two editors by tracking projects throughout the publication process and maintaining records, files, and the press database
- Communicate between departments about active projects and keep track of the details of these conversations
- Move around 40 titles into production annually
- Assist editors in seeking and querying reviewers and ensuring reviews are submitted in a timely manner
- Help to draft, assemble, and proofread memos about potential projects for internal and external meetings
- Prepare preliminary budget plans for potential and current projects
- Draft and process contracts for new books and book series and send them to authors for initial review
- Process and send reader payments, invoices for title subventions, and complimentary copies of books
- Work closely with authors to prepare manuscripts for production, confirming that all necessary elements of the manuscript are in-house and formatted according to UMP submission guidelines
- Work with other departments at the U-M Press to create and implement workflows and procedures for born-digital publications and related media
- Work with acquisitions editors and other press departments on special projects and activities related to book acquisition, such as grant writing and travel to conferences
Required Qualifications*
- Associate's degree
- Experience writing to and speaking with scholarly authors
- Experience handling a high volume of email
- Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines consistently
- Demonstrated history of attention to detail
- Ability to work and track tasks independently
- Demonstrated interest in using technology for process improvement
- Ability to enter data or text quickly and accurately
Desired Qualifications*
- Previous experience in book, journal, or magazine publishing, whether professional, extracurricular, or volunteer
- Interest in digital scholarship and alternative (e.g., open access) business models
Why Work at Michigan?
The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off (12 vacation days per year, and 15 sick leave days a year), matched retirement contributions with immediate vesting, professional development opportunities, and more. TIAA and Fidelity Investments' retirement benefits are available.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact [email protected].
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.