Freelance Science Communication Jobs in Washington

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Editor, Books, is responsible for coordinating editorial and production aspects of assigned projects, including substantive editing of chapter and book manuscripts; managing manuscript work flow and editorial schedules; performing editorial and production-related tasks for individual projects; managing approved freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers; serving as liaison with authors and volume editors; and working closely with the Prepress Manager and Production staff throughout the production process. Incumbent supports all steps required to bring books and other assigned products to market and maintain ongoing products, provide input on new products as needed, and provide editorial project management with the team involved in content development, production, and marketing. Products may include chapters, books, webinars, ebooks and apps, and consolidations of content from existing books, journals, video, and news.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides editorial and project management support for the development, editing, and production of APAP products, including books, ebooks, mobile apps, and consolidations of content from existing products. Prioritizes workflow to ensure that high-priority schedules are met. Maintains editing schedules of individual projects and continuously monitors and reports on progress of all projects. Consults on production of supplemental materials.
• Attends transmittal meeting, biweekly team and one-on-one meetings, and Publishing Town Hall to maintain communication, provide updates, and stay informed about Publishing news.
• Collaborates with managers in various functional areas of APA to identify the special editorial needs of individual projects and address these needs during editing and working with authors. Ensures that manuscript or other product presents authors' ideas in a clear, precise, and effective manner and that necessary permissions for use of previously published material are in order. Ensures that disclosure forms are on file and creates Disclosure section in front matter.
• Manages, reviews, and oversees the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers. Supervises overall quality of work and provides feedback for freelance vendors regarding APAP style and procedures.
• Copyedits manuscripts for style, grammar, and accuracy and codes files for typesetting and electronic publishing. Edits, formats, or creates tables, figures, and other product elements as needed. Ensures that all figures have alt text, or queries author to supply. Queries author for abstract and key words if not provided. Verifies scientific nomenclature for accuracy and consistency. Resolves discrepancies and errors in cited references. Evaluates author and proofreader corrections for accuracy and sense and incorporates corrections into computer files with word-processing and typesetting software. Applies to Library of Congress for LCCN data.
• Transmits projects to Prepress Manager for figure drawing and cover design.
• Prepares projects for and uploads projects to digital workflow system. Performs initial tasks required by system (e.g., element verification, reference linking). In workflow system, ensures proper formatting of all page elements, including title pages, tables, figures, and references.
• Updates Milestones in workflow system as needed to keep project on track.
• Serves as liaison with authors or volume editors on assigned projects. Sends edited manuscripts and page proofs to authors or volume editors for approval; ensures that all changes are incorporated correctly. Monitors all components of project for consistency and adherence to APA style.
• Reviews/edits supplemental materials (e.g., videos, handouts) and oversees their production across multiple departments to ensure their completion coincides with book publication.
• Provides input on cover design and reviews cover design and marketing copy for accuracy and appropriateness.
• Reviews indexes for accuracy and appropriate formatting.
• Works with workflow system vendor or Prepress Manager to make final InDesign or FrameMaker corrections and prepare book for printer. Notifies Production team that the book is ready for the printer. Examines soft proofs and advances, gives final approval for publication, orders complimentary copies for contributors. Assists in determining potential for reuse and repackaging of content into unique products and services.
• Develops and maintains knowledge about APA and APAP functional departments, existing publications and processes, and print and online delivery mechanisms (e.g., www.PsychiatryOnline, www.APPI.org, www.Psych.org).
• Provides input on decisions regarding books and new product development, vendors, platforms and software, and other equipment needed for editing, production, and product delivery. Works with all principals to plan and launch new products.
• Monitors industry literature, attends meetings/conferences, and/or participates in trainings to become aware of other products on the market, developments in the book and scholarly publishing industry, and issues that may impact product development. Networks with industry colleagues.

COMPETENCIES

The Senior Editor's performance on these duties and responsibilities will be measured using the following competencies:

SCOPE & IMPACT

• Responsible for the daily activities of all aspects of assigned book projects and supplements.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of grammar, style, copyediting, and project management as well as APA Publishing products and goals.
• Successfully completes assigned projects within established time frame or alerts Director, Books Editorial if projects fall behind.
• Demonstrates proficiency in use of Microsoft Word and related templates, Adobe FrameMaker and Acrobat, and software/systems necessary for production (i.e., eXtyles RefPro, Lanstad).
• Provides suggestions and recommendations that improve processes and increase efficiency.
• Collaborates with fellow team members to address project- or team-related challenges (e.g., sharing input on unusual or problematic projects, reviewing processes or guides that need updating). Update in-house Style Guide as needed.
• Success is measured by the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain schedules, and interact appropriately and effectively with staff, authors, editors, vendors, and other stakeholders.

COMPLEXITY, PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING

• Independently resolves issues with internal or external clients and/or identifies novel and complex problems and issues. Designs and implements solutions with management approval or escalates concerns to the appropriate level.
• Makes appropriate project-related decisions and performs project-related tasks with minimal supervision.
• Manages time and balances project priorities to maintain production schedules.
• Approaches unusual projects or supplements as opportunities to learn new skills and procedures.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT & AUTHORITY

• Relationships center on collaborative work efforts within Publishing and effective communication with external clients such as authors, editors, and vendors.
• Uses diplomatic skills to obtain trust and cooperation in order to resolve issues and/or non-routine matters, manage projects, or achieve appropriate solutions.
• May be asked to represent the organization as a liaison to external audiences with feedback provided to management.
• Uses tact and discretion to obtain cooperation and understanding on routine and non-routine matters.

ORGANIZATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrates a general understanding of the Senior Editor's responsibilities and relationships within the department.
• Demonstrates a general knowledge of APA Publishing's processes, relationships, and responsibilities as well as the interactions within the organization.

SUPERVISION

• Coaches and mentors junior-level staff.
• Supervises and assesses work of freelance vendors.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in English, science, or behavioral science, with at least 5 years of significant experience in medical or scientific editing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated examples of significant editorial skills and electronic publishing experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to creatively solve problems; and strong content development and project management skills.
• Knowledge of publishing systems and emerging technologies and content delivery systems as they apply to publishing, combined with prior experience in STM publishing.

EOE, including disability/vets