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Books Project Editor, Appalachian Mountain Club Books
Posted: July 13, 2010 

Short Description:

Responsible for the development of all new books, maps, and digital products as well as revisions, will assist in editorial planning and the acquisition of new titles (currently 70+titles).

Duties and Responsibilities:

The nonprofit Appalachian Mountain Club is seeking a project editor for its publishing program, which includes more than 70 guidebooks, maps, and adventure narratives distributed nationally to booksellers and outdoor retailers, as well as a growing online presence. The AMC Books program supports the broader outreach and education efforts of the AMC. Under the direction of AMCs publisher, the project editor will be responsible for the development of all new books, maps, and digital products as well as revisions and will assist in editorial planning and the acquisition of new titles. This full-time position is located at AMCs headquarters on Beacon Hill in Boston.

Development:
" Edit manuscripts and maps, collaborate in the development of interior design and features, and interact with authors to produce high-quality manuscripts on schedule. A typical annual list includes 4-5 revisions and 1-2 new books.
" Supervise AMC guidebook authors and cartographers to produce new titles and revisions.
" Serve as project manager for development and revision of White Mountain Guide Online, online components of print books, and other digital products, coordinating work of content experts and software developers.
" Solicit and incorporate input and review by AMC volunteers and staff experts.
" Integrate AMC mission, safety, and stewardship information into all projects.

Planning and Management:
" Manage new and ongoing relationships with authors, key staff, and volunteers.
" Manage regular updates to White Mountain Guide Online.
" Working with marketing team, "pitch" each spring and fall list to the rest of the department by presenting each projects specs, summary, author, market, and competition in launch meeting. Write postmortems of each project at end of publishing cycle.
" Assist publisher and marketing and communications team with promotion of new books, maps, and other products.
" Assist publisher in developing ideas for new and revised titles, work with marketing staff to complete competitive and market analyses for proposed new books, maps, and digital products, and help develop and analyze project proposals.
" Help identify and pursue potential external funding sources and partnerships for mission-based projects.

Editorial Production:
" Prepare manuscripts and art for production and work with the production manager to transmit materials in an organized, timely manner.
" Work with production manager to ensure consistency and appropriateness of each books interior design.
" Manage book and map editorial content throughout the galley stages, ensuring accuracy and clarity of content. For digital products, oversee testing and revision schedule before launch.
" Help team complete all projects on time and within budget.
" Recruit and manage high-quality interns.
" Update and maintain AMC Books style guide and word list and ensure adherence to house style by all freelancers.
" Register copyrights, manage permissions, and maintain project files.
" Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

" Passion for AMCs nonprofit mission of promoting the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region essential.
" Strong interest in content areas of hiking, biking, paddling, and skiing preferred.
" B.A. in English or related field.
" 2 or more years of experience in publishing.
" Proven track record in high-quality editing, preferably with an outdoor recreation or travel focus.
" Excellent editorial skillswriting, rewriting, copyediting, and proofreading, and applying house styles to manuscripts.
" Experience in development of content for online applications and communities.
" Experience editing maps or other technical illustrations.
" Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style.
" Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and electronic editing programs; knowledge of Microsoft Word styles and their uses helpful.
" Experience with text, photo, and illustration research and permissions.
" Understanding of page layout applications such as QuarkXPress or InDesign desirable.
" Ability to manage freelance editors as needed to complete work on time and within budget.
" Strong interpersonal and project management skills, including ability to be organized, pay attention to detail, and coordinate several projects at once.
" Physical requirements: Work is performed primarily in a general office setting, with minor physical effort or strain required. Work is normally performed while seated, requires freedom of movement. May spend extended periods of time at a computer terminal, on a telephone, or operating other office machines. This position requires an ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment and manage deadlines. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.

Salary/Hours:

35 hours/week full time exempt work, with excellent benefits package.
Salary will be commensurate with finalist's experience.

Direct Application To:

Please email cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to amcjob160@outdoors.org. No calls, please.

Mail:
Appalachian Mountain Club
5 Joy Street
Boston, MA 02108

Fax:
617-367-8878

Email: amcjob160@outdoors.org

www.outdoors.org/employment