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Associate Publisher

Publication or Company  Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Industry  Book Publishing
Salary Competitive
Benefits 401K/403B, Bonuses, Dental, Health
Job Duration Full Time
Job Location Nashville, TN
Job Requirements The Associate Publisher positions exists to assist the Publisher in managing the imprint’s publishing program as well as to substantively edit the 12 to 15 projects assigned to him/her each year. Day-to-day responsibilities include product and market development as well as leading the editorial team in the acquisitions cycle from Editorial Board to Pub Board and delivery of book projects to BGD and printer. He/she identifies, pursues, presents, and acquires 12 to 15 projects per year; assists the Publisher in overseeing the product line by creating ancillary products, developing line extensions, and managing brands; manages and develops the Editor-in-Chief; leads special projects for the Publisher; monitors editorial team performance metrics and leads the work to improve them; assists the Publisher in nurturing relationships with key authors and agents; and represents the Publisher when he cannot be present. Further duties include, but are not limited to: Author Acquisition: develops productive relationships with literary agents; actively pursues, receives, and reviews book proposals from them on an ongoing basis; identifies and pursues potential author targets; creates book concepts for target authors as needed; makes initial contacts and sets meetings; prepares proposals and makes presentations at Ed Board and Pub Board meetings; manages proforma approval process for his/her projects; negotiates major deal terms and works with contracts team to develop long-form contract. Author Retention: develops productive relationships with authors for whom he/she is responsible; as necessary, creates book concepts for current authors; prepares for and attends planning meetings with major authors. List Management: ensures publishing lists are filled out and well-spaced in time for annual planning and presentation to sales; where desirable, works to publish projects from our key authors each fiscal year; ensures we are publishing to our target categories and stated revenue goals; plans for ancillary products including derivatives and format conversions. Product Development: leads titling meetings to achieve final, approved copy by Sales Conference; leads catalog process on an approved schedule for Sales Conference; coordinates approval of front cover copy and cover design by authors as needed; edits back cover copy and flap copy; makes product presentations at Sales Conference. Program Management: leads the acquisitions cycle from Editorial Board to Pub Board; oversees on-time delivery of book projects to BGD and printer; manages editorial team to ensure: (1) manuscript receipt according to contractual due dates, and (2) efficient editorial processing from substantive development stage to copy edit. Strategic Planning and Financial Analysis: assists Publisher in future business planning as it relates to annual budgeting, content and acquisitions, and measuring financial objectives; participates in yearly strategic initiatives as requested by the Publisher; presents financials at monthly Business Review meeting when Publisher is unable to attend. Developmental Editing: for 12 to 15 projects per year, provides initial feedback and direction on proposal; provides feedback and direction on first chapter completed; provides substantive editing and feedback on first draft; reviews final draft; delivers final manuscript and editorial direction to editor. Team Building: meets with the Editor in Chief one on one; conducts annual employee alignment meetings; hires and trains new employees. Publisher Support: prepares notes from meetings with authors and agents for Publisher (when he’s not present); meets regularly with Publisher to monitor key business metrics and other various day-to-day needs; responds to Publisher’s requests; reviews proposals and follows up on leads from Publisher. Travel: represents Company and publishing division at industry conferences; attends consumer conferences where potential author relationships can be developed; meets with literary agents, potential authors, and current authors as needed to develop good opportunities and relationships.

Skills: Desired candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as, proficient in Chicago Manual of Style. Candidate will have the ability to lead meetings toward specific desired outcomes, with experience in management, leadership, and professional development. Must be efficient in task management, product development management and possess excellent substantive editing skills.

Experience: Candidate will possess 3–5 years’ experience, 6-10 years preferred, in publishing with 2 or more years in a leadership role.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or similar area desired.
About Our Company Thomas Nelson, Inc. offers excellent benefits and compensation package, opportunity for advancement and a smoke-free work environment. Please apply at www.business.thomasnelson.com/employment to complete an online application and submit a resume.

Established in July 2012, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, comprised of both Thomas Nelson, Inc. and Zondervan, specializes in providing inspirational and Christian-faith based content. Both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan are highly recognized brands in Christian publishing, known for best-selling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, church and small-group curriculum, audio and digital content and live events.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing was formed after the acquisition of Thomas Nelson by HarperCollins Publishers. Zondervan, a world-leading Bible publisher and well known Christian communications company had been part of HarperCollins Publishers since the late 1980s. In August 2012, it was announced that the two publishing groups would form one division, under the leadership of Mark Schoenwald as President and CEO. The two brands were found to complement one another, yet each having its own set of unique editorial standards, which remain intact.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing benefits from more than 300 years of combined publishing experience from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. Both publishing groups are deeply rooted in heritage and have helped shape the Christian market space.