Do you dream of making beautiful children’s books with your talent for editorial excellence? Do you have an eye for detail and a mind for process? As one of the industry leaders in children’s inspirational books, we make life-changing products with leaders such as Max Lucado, Joanna Gaines, Louie Giglio, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sadie Robertson Huff, Levi Lusko, Emily Ley, and many more. We are also home to bestselling brands such as Jesus Calling and Indescribable Kids.

This position will oversee front-list titles from manuscript to bound books. Working closely with acquiring editors, content designers, art directors, and production managers, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of four-color projects of varying complexity for children ages 0-18 and be responsible for keeping books on track as they move through the development and production process.

The ideal candidate will not only be an organized, detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills, but will also be an avid fan of children’s books who shares Tommy Nelson’s mission to create meaningful, lasting content in partnership with today’s most vital voices in the areas of Christian spiritual growth and character development.

This is a hybrid position based out of our Nashville office.

• Collaborates with acquiring editors on concept and manuscript development.
• Handles the production editorial process from manuscript to bound book for 12-15 front-list titles a year.
• Assesses manuscripts for copyediting and the styling of all design elements, using proprietary Microsoft Word styles for design and composition.
• Coordinates with the design teams and freelance editors, collates corrections from freelancers and authors, verifies that corrections have been made, and ensures timely delivery of final files to the printer.
• Develops excellent working relationships with colleagues, including acquisitions editors, marketing and publicity staff, salespeople, production staff, designers, typesetters, and freelancers.
• Works with authors and agents to secure permissions, releases, and endorsements, as needed, and obtains approval for text design, copyediting, and final cover files.
• Assists with various editions of assigned projects, including special editions, board books, and derivative products.
• Facilitates creation of cover copy and catalog copy, writing and proofreading as needed, and assists with the catalog and consumer description process across functions and stakeholders.
• Writes flap and cover copy and proofreads and checks all stages of jacket/cover proofs.
• Delivers editorial support for internal documents related to book proposals, sales conference materials, marketing materials, and other important documents as needed.
• Collaborate with art directors and manage schedule for art development; coordinate author review of art.
• Attends and contributes to production and other related meetings.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and the Chicago Manual of Style; familiarity with the Bible and Christianity preferred, including broad trends within the world of publishing.

Work Experience:  Minimum 3 years’ editorial experience, preferably in trade book publishing.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or related field. Other majors are welcome when combined with relevant experience.

Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with children’s book formats.

Skills: 

• Solid content editing, copyediting, and proofreading skills; knowledge of industry standards.
• Must have the ability to shepherd multiple projects while maintaining high standards of quality and hitting deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a personal drive for excellence.
• Enjoy working independently and as a member of a collaborative team.
• Detail oriented; eagle-eyed at catching errors.
• Manage editorial expense budgets.
• Hires and supervises freelance editors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviews their work.
• Adheres to production schedule for each project and communicates with managing editorial, acquisitions, design, and production departments to troubleshoot and resolve problems that arise.
• Experience with content containing illustrations, high design, and/or photography.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.