Freelance Developmental Editing Jobs in Needham, MA

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Publisher, the Editor takes primary responsibility for the editing and coordinating of assigned publishing projects of all formats, sizes, and levels of complexity, including exhibition catalogues and books on the permanent collection. The Editor partners with authors to shape and finalize manuscripts, copy edits and proofreads as needed, and ensures that all necessary components (captions, checklist, figure illustrations, etc.) are in place before the manuscript goes into production. The Editor coordinates independently with freelance designers, printers, and other vendors to assist with design and production. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assume primary responsibility for development, scheduling, editing, design and production oversight for assigned publications each year, as directed by the Publisher.
• Liaise directly with internal and external authors to ensure that text meets the contracted criteria and that deadlines are met. Liase with designers to ensure all publications meet MFA requirements.
• Ensure that museum publications are produced in an audience appropriate style, and that they reflect the MFA’s editorial and publication policies.
• Perform developmental editing, manuscript editing, and proofreading, to eliminate typographical and grammatical errors and adhere to house style.
• Obtain images from internal and external sources, oversee the review and approval process for all photography credits, rights clearance, and donor credit lines, for all assigned projects.
• Coordinate color proofing and other stages of book production with internal and external parties, as needed.
• Write cover texts and sales and marketing copy; provide information on publications to distributors and other external parties.
• Assist the Publisher in maintaining and updating MFA Publications’ house style, and in training others in editorial standards and procedures. Participate in internal forums on questions surrounding accessible and inclusive language. 
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of trade art publishing and other museum-sector publishing activity. Represent MFA Publications in public forums as appropriate.
• Where appropriate as determined by Publisher and/or Senior Director of Exhibitions and Publications, represent MFA Publications at external trade shows and conferences such as the BU Art Book Fair and the National Museum Publishing Seminar. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Publisher or Senior Director for Exhibitions and Publications.

Qualification Requirements and Characteristics:

• 5-7 years’ publishing experience, independently responsible for editorial functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, English or equivalent related knowledge in illustrated book publishing and project planning, preferably in a museum setting.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style and the editorial functions of Microsoft Word.
• Proficient in Microsoft programs, Adobe Creative Suite, TMS; e-book platforms, and HTML preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, time management, and follow-through skills with extreme attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while navigating competing priorities.
• Outstanding organizational and communication skills.
• Skilled in handling confidential information with care and discretion.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and travel as needed.

Salary Range: 

Full-time Salary, 35 hours per week. 

Salary: $65K-$70K commensurate with experience

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.