Description

SENIOR ACQUISITIONS EDITOR

Berrett-Koehler’s mission is to connect people and ideas to create a world that works for all. We have operated under this mission for over thirty-four years as an independent publisher, now distributed globally by Penguin Random House. We publish books and digital products that aim to drive positive change in individuals, organizations, and society. We are a California Benefit Corporation, which means we are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workforce and achieving sustainability goals.

We offer a work environment that is participative, flexible, and creative. We seek staff members who bring cultural, ethnic, social, and intellectual diversity to Berrett-Koehler. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About this Role

We are seeking a part-time Senior Acquisitions Editor responsible for acquiring, signing, and developing twelve to fifteen book projects per year in the nonfiction fields of general business and management, current affairs and societal change, personal growth, and other areas consistent with our mission. This role is structured so that nearly all your time will be dedicated to acquisitions and editorial work, with minimal administrative duties and other tangential obligations. 

This is a fully remote position at 60% time, or 24 hours per week. You must be based in the United States (excluding U.S. territories) and authorized to work in the United States. You will be available for meetings on Monday and Thursday mornings, Pacific Time, and be available at mutually agreed-upon times for book launches and related meetings.

This position requires a background check from a third-party company. Candidates will be required to provide permission to commence background checks after a formal offer letter from the company has been accepted.

Please include a mandatory cover letter in addition to your resume that addresses the following:

• Why you are interested in this position
• How it fits your experience and qualification
• Your experience with networks, groups, and circles, professional and otherwise, from which you can scout and sign promising authors with established presences
• The skills, achievements, and networks you bring to be effective and productive in your work
• What attracts you to Berrett-Koehler Publishers 

Requirements

• You have a minimum of five years’ experience as an acquisitions editor of nonfiction books.
• You have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• You are knowledgeable about acquisitions in one or more of our core nonfiction areas: general business and management, current affairs and societal change, and personal growth
• You have active (and expanding) networks, groups, and circles from which you can identify and sign promising authors
• You are willing and able to pound the pavement (digitally and otherwise) to find authors
• You are willing to engage in substantive editorial work and project development of your books to actively shape the structure, messaging, and thrust of the works and ensure high quality and caliber of publications
• You are excited to work with an editorial team that supports your efforts and collaborates with you on projects as needed, and with whom you will also share your support, knowledge, and guidance
• You want to work for a mission-driven company that takes a collaborative approach

 
Purpose

• Maintain the BK publication program to achieve the company’s mission through the acquisitions and development of twelve to fifteen new publications and new editions per year.
• Advance BK’s distinctive ways of acting as a steward of publications and partnering with authors to help BK succeed in the marketplace, in line with its mission 
• Partner in increasing BK’s profitability and financial health

Responsibilities

• Conduct active outreach through multiple mediums (digitally and in person) to locate suitable authors
• Acquire, develop, transmit, and publish new publications or new editions in BK’s target markets and negotiate and sign those publication agreements, including both traditional and hybrid publication agreements
• Provide focused, in-depth editorial coaching, development, and guidance to authors from publication concept to final manuscript
• Facilitate cost-effective design and production of publications by preparing authors for the design and production process, helping authors prepare manuscripts to meet design and production requirements, and ensuring the transmittal of final manuscripts
• Assist authors in developing their own effective marketing plans for their publications by coaching them to connect with BK’s sales and marketing staff and efforts. Help authors gain realistic expectations for the extent and outcomes of those efforts.
• Interact with other departments and staff to keep them apprised and updated on upcoming projects and authors 
• Prepare book tip sheets and P & Ls for the publications board and present projects for approval to offer contracts
• Actively collaborate in planning seasonal and annual publishing plans and related strategies

Compensation

Salary: $56,493 (Berrett-Koehler has a published salary schedule for all positions. The salary for this position corresponds to an Executive Manager Level 5A at 60% time and is non-negotiable.)