Acquisitions Editor

Job Title: Acquisitions Editor - Book Acquisition Specialist

About Us: Stanford University Press seeks a highly motivated and experienced publishing professional to acquire scholarly and trade books in history and culture. We are committed to developing and promoting innovative research and scholarship.

Job Summary: The successful candidate will be responsible for acquiring and developing 25 books per year, soliciting and evaluating book proposals and manuscripts, working with series editors, managing peer review process, negotiating contracts with authors or agents, and developing and implementing list area publishing strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Acquire and develop 25 books per year: solicit and evaluate book proposals and manuscripts, work with series editors, manage peer review process, negotiate contracts with authors or agents.
• Develop and implement list area publishing strategies; develop and expand network of scholars, authors, reviewers, and agents.
• Evaluate editorial and commercial viability of book projects, prepare P&Ls, present publishing plans to the editorial board.
• Conduct market research and collaborate with sales and marketing staff to identify appropriate readerships and markets for general list area and individual books.
• Ensure that manuscripts are of high quality and well prepared, transmit books into production, collaborate with production staff to set priorities and communicate production and design needs.
• Supervise the work of an editorial assistant.
• Travel to academic conferences and university campuses.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience, preferably three years as an acquisitions editor. For a Senior Editor position, at least five years of relevant experience in editorial acquisitions.
• Proven track record in acquiring scholarly and trade titles.
• Demonstrated experience setting editorial strategy and building list areas.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Knowledge of academic research and publishing standards, including the peer review process.
  • Knowledge of contracts and copyright.
  • Knowledge and understanding of financial models, publishing markets, and industry standards for editorial acquisitions.
  • Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills to identify, develop, and evaluate publishing areas and book concepts.
  • Demonstrated ability to build network of authors and advisors, with preference given for networks in the list areas.
  • Excellent written communication and conceptual editing skills.
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people. Strong negotiation skills.
  • Capacity to synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.
  • Experience with managing projects to specifications and to meet expected deadlines.
  • Ability to perform detailed work with high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Estimated Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year, commensurate with experience.