Managing Editor

Lost Kite Editions — Managing Editor About Lost Kite Editions Lost Kite Editions (LKE) is an independent, nonprofit publisher of literary poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and ephemera based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We champion writing that is original and visionary, urgent and insurgent. Our books seek to reshape the literary landscape by creating space for voices and literary practices that have been constrained, erased, or overlooked, and by building a wider community around that work. LKE grows out of a longstanding partnership between writers incarcerated in Minnesota prisons and non-incarcerated writers affiliated with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW). Since 2011, we have collaborated to publish the work of incarcerated writers in both internal mediums and public venues of national reach. In 2023, MPWW worked with Coffee House Press to publish American Precariat: Voices of Exclusion, a first‑of‑its‑kind anthology of essays curated by incarcerated editors, which featured such notable writers as Kiese Laymon, Kao Kalia Yang, Lacy M. Johnson, and Valeria Luiselli. In 2026, Lost Kite Editions launched as a national independent press. LKE’s unique editorial process integrates editors whose lives have been directly impacted by the carceral system and editors whose lives have not. The books we publish are similarly integrative: we welcome submissions from writers with a variety of experiences whose work expands the way we see and understand the world. In prison, a “kite” is a message, often a note handwritten on a piece of paper then folded and passed between people. It’s a way to communicate a need, a question, a plan, or a matter of urgency. Lost Kite Editions seeks to elevate messages and the messengers that have yet to find their readers. Job Brief The Managing Editor is responsible for coordinating Lost Kite Editions’ publishing programs, including books, chapbooks, broadsides, and multimedia. This role plans and manages editorial calendars, assigns and oversees work by contractors and editors, communicates with writers and artists across multiple platforms (including incarcerated writers and artists), and carries projects from manuscript to publication. Because we are a small press, the Managing Editor also supports key parts of art direction, publicity, and development (including individual fundraising and grant writing). The ideal candidate can shift between editorial, production, design/art direction, publicity, marketing, and development, comfortably wearing a lot of hats in service of a small list, building from 2‑3 titles in 2026 to 4‑5 in 2028. This role can be primarily remote, but the Managing Editor must be able to attend occasional in‑person meetings and events in Minnesota. Current contractors or volunteers with the Minnesota Department of Corrections are not eligible for this position because of the need to communicate electronically with incarcerated individuals in Minnesota prisons. The Managing Editor will report to both the Lost Kite Editions Board of Directors and the executive leadership of Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW). Please apply using this online form. Managing Editor Responsibilities Editorial calendars and production workflow Plan and manage editorial calendars for books, chapbooks, broadsides, and other publications Build project timelines and move work from manuscript through edits, design, proofing, production, and publication Maintain systems that keep projects legible and shared: trackers, style sheets, version control, file organization, and internal documentation Track essential publication details per project (contributors, credits, permissions, specs, metadata as needed) Managing contractors, editors, and communication Assign tasks to contractors, editors, and other project leads as needed Oversee operations of contractors and editors, including deadlines, deliverables, and day‑to‑day coordination Communicate with incarcerated writers and artists across many different platforms and constraints, with consistent documentation and follow‑through Coordinate with partner organizations on shared timelines, marketing needs, production needs, and approvals Editing and quality control Edit and proofread content for accuracy, consistency, and quality Support copyediting and proofreading workflows, including style sheets, author queries, and proof review Manage final checks before publication so files, credits, and front/back matter are clean and correct Art direction and design coordination Coordinate with designers and artists on cover and interior design, including briefs, assets, rounds of revisions, and print‑ready files Support visual decision‑making in collaboration with leadership and partners, keeping work aligned with the project and the press Ensure art credits, permissions, and image documentation are complete Publicity and launch support Generate publicity for releases, including press materials, outreach lists, review copy tracking, event coordination, and follow‑up Execute event planning, including readings, launches, and public programs Coordinate with partners on promotional assets and scheduling for readings, launches, and public programs Support basic website/newsletter updates related to releases and events as needed Budgets, payments, and operations Prepare and manage per‑project editorial budgets Track invoices, expenses, and contractor payments Work with the accountant to assist in payroll and contractor payment processes Track grant‑funded expenses by project and support reporting by maintaining clear documentation, timelines, and records required by funders Development support Support grant writing and reporting by gathering program language, budgets, attachments, and timelines Support individual fundraising work as needed, including donor communications, acknowledgments, and benefit fulfillment in coordination with leadership/fiscal sponsor Gather and share data about the reception of LKE books, as well as other evaluatory data reflecting program outcomes Managing Editor Qualifications & Skills Minimum of 3 years of editorial experience, with experience managing projects from draft through publication Experience in grassroots publishing, small press publishing, or mission‑driven literary work Experience working alongside system‑impacted writers and artists, or a demonstrated ability to do this work with care, respect, and reliability Strong editing and proofreading skills and a sharp eye for detail Strong communication and interpersonal skills Self‑starter who is reliable and consistently on time Thrives as a multi‑tasker and can move between editorial, production, coordination, and administrative work Strong understanding of digital and print media Proven ability to manage budgets effectively Background in creative writing, publishing, or a related field Affinity with visual art or graphic design is helpful Experience coordinating publicity Experience supporting development work is a plus, especially grant writing and individual fundraising Strong professional judgment and clear boundaries, especially when working within institutional settings and communicating across constrained systems Technological Facility Submittable Adobe Acrobat; familiarity with InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator is helpful Google Drive/Docs/Sheets (or similar) Microsoft Office Suite Other Requirements Must be able to communicate with incarcerated individuals across national prison, jail, and detention systems Must have a reliable vehicle and a current drivers license. Salary Range $45,000 - $60,000/year with full medical, dental, vision, and short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; retirement contribution; and generous PTO. #J-18808-Ljbffr