Development Editor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lifeway is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to identify, pursue, and develop biblically faithful resources that serve the Church. In this role, you will cultivate relationships with authors and literary agents, evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market fit, and shepherd projects from initial concept through project completion, including editorial development. You will champion acquired titles internally and play a meaningful role in shaping Lifeway's publishing list for the church. This is an opportunity to combine editorial craft, relational skill, and Kingdom vision in a mission-driven publishing environment.

Why Lifeway?

Lifeway is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. We believe building relationships and community is essential to how we work together, so Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more.If this sounds like a place where you would be excited to serve the kingdom of God, we would love for you to join our team.

Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code

This is a hybrid position located within a 4 hour driving commute of the Brentwood, TN area. Relocation assistance available for those interested in moving to the Nashville area.#LI-Hybrid

• Lives out Lifeway's mission and values, showing deep commitment to Kingdom work
• Identifies and pursues potential authors and book proposals that align with the publishing vision and strategic priorities of the product line.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for incoming proposal submissions; reviews and responds promptly to authors and literary agents.
• Brainstorms and develops book concepts, presenting ideas to potential authors to inspire and shape new projects.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with authors, connecting them with internal teams including Marketing and Production.
• Evaluates proposals for publishing potential, theological alignment, market viability, and fit within the product line.
• Prepares and presents proposals at Pub Board meetings; creates deal point memos summarizing key terms and rationale for acquisition.
• Champions acquired titles internally, representing books at sales conferences and similar meetings.
• Negotiates contract terms with authors and literary agents; submits contract requests in accordance with publishing guidelines.
• Partners with the Publisher to ensure authors understand general manuscript requirements and contractual obligations.
• Reviews chapter outlines, sample chapters, and full manuscripts for structure, flow, concept, style, clarity, and readability.
• Assists authors in shaping and refining their material and message; may provide co-writing or ghostwriting support as needed.
• Ensures published content reflects theological accuracy and alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
• Monitors and maintains production dates and budgets for assigned titles; consults with the team to review and adjust the publishing schedule as needed.
• Contributes to the marketing and sales strategy for assigned titles to help resources reach the broadest possible audience.
• Collaborates with internal and external departments to accomplish tasks and projects supporting the overall publishing plan.

Education

Bachelor's degree - English, journalism, Christian studies (or related field), required

Master's degree, in process or completed, required; seminary degree, strongly preferred

Advanced graduate degree (PhD, etc), preferred

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, required

• 1+ years of editorial and publishing experience.
• Applies advanced ability in relationship building to cultivate and sustain trusted author/agent relations and author/ministry relationships that support a growing editorial list.
• Uses working knowledge of biblical knowledge and manuscript & proposal evaluation to assess proposals and manuscripts for theological accuracy, market viability, and fit within the product line.
• Demonstrates working proficiency in critical thinking and editing to shape manuscripts for structure, clarity, concept, and readability.
• Brings working knowledge of the chicago manual of style (cmos) and reporting & documentation to maintain consistent editorial standards and accurate deal and contract records.
• Applies foundational skill in licensing & rights administration and contract review to support sound business terms in author and agent agreements.

Actively involved in an evangelical Christian church

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, preferred

• Knowledge of CBA and ABA publishing landscapes.
• Experience in author development and acquisition.
• Prior experience in a ministry, denominational, or church-related context.
• Familiarity with biblical Greek or Hebrew.