Part‑time Acquisitions Editor—Arts

About Flatpage

Flatpage is an independent nonfiction publisher committed to bringing research‑driven and practice‑based ideas to a wide audience. Founded in 2021 by David Hariri and Cara Jordan, our publishing program champions accessible, argument‑forward books that bridge scholarly and professional expertise with public conversation.

We launched our imprint in 2024 with The Art of Academic Editing and will publish our second title, Gunocracy, in fall 2025. We publish books by subject‑area experts, thinkers, artists, and journalists who bring a strong understanding of historical and contemporary contexts to critically analyze current issues. Our list focuses on current affairs, politics, and arts and culture.

We specialize in helping academics, researchers, and artists reach a broad general readership, and in partnering with journalists who want to tell more in‑depth stories through longer‑form writing.

While Flatpage also operates an editorial agency, this announcement pertains to our publishing program.

Position Overview

Flatpage is seeking a self‑starting Acquisitions Editor with a deep specialization in arts and culture (theatre, visual art, music, dance, fashion, film and adjacent fields) to build this list area from the ground up. Candidates with university press acquisitions experience and a graduate degree are strongly preferred. You will complement our existing acquisitions editor focused on current events, politics, and history, and play a pivotal role in shaping a distinctive, mission‑driven arts and culture program.

This role is acquisitions‑only—no editorial/production work is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Build the list from scratch: Develop and execute an acquisitions strategy for arts and culture that aligns with Flatpage's vision and commercial goals.
• Pipeline development: Proactively identify, court, and acquire high‑potential proposals and manuscripts from researchers, practitioners, and journalists across arts and culture.
• Author outreach & pitching: Conduct online and in‑person pitch meetings to introduce Flatpage's publishing vision and value proposition to prospective authors.
• Travel & conferences: Travel as needed to conferences, festivals, fairs, and institutional meetings to scout talent, solicit proposals, and strengthen industry relationships.
• Market & positioning: Monitor category trends, comparative titles, and audience signals to inform acquisition decisions and positioning.
• Internal collaboration: Partner with the publisher and publishing team to transition projects smoothly from acquisition to contracting and development; participate in list planning and launch discussions.
• Meetings & cadence: Attend a weekly publishing meeting; regular 1:1s with the publishing team (including our current AE and publishing assistant); and a monthly all‑hands.

Qualifications

• University press background: Experience in acquisitions at a university press strongly preferred.
• Graduate degree: MA/MFA/PhD (e.g., art history, arts administration, performance studies, musicology, design/fashion, journalism, literature, cultural studies) preferred.
• Arts & culture network: Established, active network among authors with research or practitioner backgrounds in arts and culture (e.g., curators, artists, critics, arts administrators, scholars, journalists, choreographers, musicians, designers).
• Proven acquisitions ability: Demonstrated track record acquiring nonfiction projects and shaping viable proposals.
• Market sense: Strong grasp of category trends, readerships, and how to position ideas for general audiences.
• Relationship‑first approach: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to earn trust and maintain long‑term author and agent relationships.
• Communication: Clear, persuasive written and verbal communicator; confident presenting and pitching live and over video.
• Organization: Able to manage a proactive outreach pipeline, juggle leads, and hit acquisition goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Proven record of successful acquisitions in a publishing or editorial capacity.
• Comfort with remote collaboration tools; strong email/CRM hygiene.
• Willingness to travel for conferences and author meetings as needed.

Location & Hours

• Remote. Flexible schedule.
• Part‑time: up to 20 hours/week, with potential for growth.

Compensation

• $35–$40 per hour, commensurate with experience. Compensation will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview.

Application Process

Please email your résumé and a brief cover letter outlining your arts & culture acquisitions experience and network to publisher David Hariri at Must include a list of representative acquisitions and authors.

Equal Opportunity

Flatpage is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and authors.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $ $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Remote