Nelson Books is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and highly values diverse backgrounds and insights that fuel our innovation.

The Senior Acquisitions Editor serves in a leadership role in the acquisition and editorial/product development for non-fiction titles in the Christian market.

The preference is to fill this position in Nashville, TN but we are also open to qualified candidates that are located outside the Nashville area.

• Actively acquires approximately 12 - 14 titles per year consistent with publishing strategy and financial goals. 
• Oversees editorial development of books acquired, including the delivery of expert and timely editorial work and strong author management. 
• Shepherds the titling, packaging, and cataloging process for acquired titles. 
• Provides timely communication with current and potential authors and their agents regarding the status of their propsals and/or contracted projects. 
• Negotiates with authors and/or agents in a manner that is fair and within financial benchmarks and develops, nurtures and grows author and agent relationships; strong editorial judgment about which authors to acquire and resign. 
• Represents Nelson Books persuasively within HCCP and within the broader publishing community, including at writer’s conferences and industry trade shows as needed. 
• Influences and informally mentors junior editorial staff. 
• Possesses expertise in the landscape of American Christianity, as well as an understanding of cultural, entertainment, and publishing trends.

Knowledge: Expert market knowledge, proven leadership ability, proven success in acquisitions, proven ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external constituencies.  

Work Experience:  Proven success as an acquisitions editor with 7-8 years’ editorial experience or other relevant publishing experience. 

Education: BA in Humanities, English, Journalism, or Theology or equivalent degree required. MA degree preferred. 

Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of the ABA and CBA trade book market, leading authors, and publishers; strong agency and industry contacts, preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent developmental editing, line editing, proofreading, and communication skills; ability to work with authors in developing content
• Manuscript management experience
• Familiarity with Christian content and a variety of theological frameworks
• Able to work with and lead/influence others in a team environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments at any given time
• Able to manage and coach creative people and desire to see them thrive
• Skilled in understanding book offers, publishing terms, and negotiation tactics
• Decisive, well organized, strategic planner in the context of a team environment with shared processes and goals. Innovation and creativity skills are crucial for success
• Relationship builder, networker, diplomatic and collaborative
• Outstanding communication and public speaking skills
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving marketplace and environment
• Able to travel as needed

Pay transparency wording for the posting: The salary range for this position is $68,000 – $90,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company.  As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates.  The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer