Academic Acquisitions Editor
Westminster John Knox Press, one of the most respected names in academic religion publishing, is seeking a new acquisitions editor to join our dynamic team.
The Academic Acquisitions Editor will acquire content in a range of genres, with particular emphasis placed on the development and acquisition of books and textbooks in biblical studies aimed at seminary and divinity school students, graduate school students, and upper-division undergraduates, with additional acquisitions in theology, ethics, church history, and religion and culture. The editor will work with the editorial director and other acquisitions editors to identify potential authors, solicit and present proposals, and edit manuscripts, and will work with colleagues in production, marketing, and sales to best publish the works.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated acquisitions experience in religion or a related social science subject at a religion publisher, university press, textbook publisher, or trade publisher, or comparable relevant experience. A graduate degree in biblical studies or a related field is preferred.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify authors and support them in developing proposals and manuscripts.
- Solicit and evaluate book proposals from authors and editors and assess their suitability for WJK.
- Prepare manuscripts for production, including permissions, charts, graphs, and illustrations when appropriate.
- participate in regular editorial meetings and publishing boards.
- Maintain relationships with authors, editors, and editorial board chairs and members regarding their projects and series.
- Remain a point of contact for authors/editors throughout the publication process.
- Research market trends and develop new products to suit assigned markets and areas.
- Manage the backlist in the assigned subject areas, making decisions on publishing potential and new editions of successful titles.
- Present titles to colleagues at sales conferences.
- Participate in creative development of titles, descriptive copy, and covers for books acquired.
- Occasional travel as required.
Westminster John Knox Press has a history dating to 1838. During that time we have been privileged to publish such authors as Reinhold Niebuhr, Cornel West, Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza, Walter Brueggemann, Barbara Brown Taylor, Letty Russell, and William Sloane Coffin. WJK is home to such groundbreaking works as Honest to God by John A.T. Robinson, The Women's Bible Commentary, edited by Carol Newsom and Sharon Ringe, Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin, The Gospel according to Peanuts, by Robert Short, and respected series such as Interpretation, the Old Testament Library, the New Testament Library, William Barclay's New Daily Study Bible, and Feasting on the Word.
Today we publish approximately 60 new titles per year, with more than 2,000 in print.
WJK offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, with optional Dental and Vision
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Defined-benefit Pension
- Flexible Spending Accounts
WJK offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits in a positive and supportive environment.
Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree in religion, English or related field required; graduate degree strongly preferred
- Proven success as an acquisitions editor, with a minimum of three years of experience in publishing; or relevant experience in a related field
- Excellent editing skills
- Ability to juggle multiple assignments at any given time
- Creative, visionary thinker
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to organize and prioritize
- Resourceful and proactive
- Excellent problem solver
- Diplomatic and collaborative
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced, evolving industry and environment
- Excellent networking skills
- Ability to thrive in and contribute to a diverse, multicultural, progressive team environment
Westminster John Knox press is an Equal Opportunity Employer.