Job Openings

Acquisitions Editor, Shambhala Publications

The acquisition editor is primarily responsible for acquiring 12-15 book projects and overseeing the developmental editing of approximately 12 of those projects per year. Brings new books to the company that will both uphold the company’s core mission and generate revenue. We are seeking an individual whose vision aligns with our mission and values who is well connected to the trends, people, organizations, and communities in the areas into which we publish.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for commissioning new projects and evaluating submitted proposals.
  • Stay current in subject areas and trends in the field to identify potential new authors. Reach out to possible new authors by phone and email.
  • Assist authors in concepting and developing a proposal (and possibly sample material) that meet reader and market needs.
  • Pitch new projects to the Executive Team and Editorial Committee
  • Prepare a P+L statement for each book.
  • Make an offer to author/agent. Negotiate advance, royalties, length, images/visuals, timing, etc.
  • Work closely with authors to shape the content, style, and approach of each book.
  • Developmentally edit or oversee the developmental edit of manuscripts, including big-picture content, organization, what is missing, what makes sense, etc.
  • Prepare manuscript for the production process with assistant/associate editors. Guide the manuscript throughout the production process.
  • Provide input on title, cover, and interior design. Create cover copy.
  • Solicit endorsements for the book.
  • Create Title Information sheets for each project and write descriptive copy to feed out on the website, Amazon, and other platforms
  • Launch projects internally to Marketing, Publicity, Production, and Editorial Teams.
  • When needed, seasonally present titles to the Penguin Random House sales team.
  • Act as the liaison to the author, supporting, educating, problem-solving, etc. Relay feedback and issues from other departments. Editor serves as the main point of communication with the author.
  • Attend meetings as needed, including Editorial meeting, Title meeting, Cover meeting, Launch meetings, Marketing and Publicity meetings, all-office meetings.
  • Occasionally will attend conferences and off-site meetings.

Knowledge

  • Understand market trends, conduct frequent market research
  • Good knowledge of the industry
  • Content expertise in the subject areas the company publishes into, including Buddhism, world religions, health, wellness and psychology
  • Basic competency in one of the following languages a plus but not required: Tibetan, Japanese, Chinese, Sanskrit, Pali.

 

Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent project management skills
  • Some general presentation skills
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Skilled in developmental editing
  • General problem-solving skills
  • Ability to adhere and meet tight deadlines
  • Handles unique and challenging problems on a regular basis
  • Understands finances of book acquisition and factors that contribute to overall profitability

Education

  • BA degree in related area
  • Master’s degree or higher beneficial but not required

Preferred Experience

  • 5+ years industry experience or equivalent (e.g., 5+ years of editorial work in trade publishing, academia or another related context.

The salary range is $64,000- $84,500 annually.

Contact: [email protected]

Transparency in Coverage 

In compliance with the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) rule finalized by The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury (the Departments),group health plans and health insurance issuers must disclose cost sharing information upon request to a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee, including an estimate of the individual’s cost-sharing liability for covered items or services furnished by a particular provider. Plans and issuers must make this information available on an internet website, thereby allowing a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee (or his or her authorized representative) to obtain an estimate and understanding of the individual’s out-of-pocket expenses and effectively shop for items and services.

To access the information for the Cigna medical plan offered by Shambhala Publications, please visit: Provider Transparency - Cigna Data Exchange