Senior Proofreader

The Senior Proofreader, reporting to the Editorial Manager, plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of our wide range of psychological and educational assessment products. The Senior Proofreader is part of Product Design, with knowledge of layouts, design terminology, and production workflow and the ability to communicate effectively with editors and graphic designers. In this position, you will perform the full range of proofreading tasks, working across various media. You will be responsible for proofreading complex, long-form materials in both print and digital formats. You will work closely with editors throughout the iterative process of editorial and design reviews. Additionally, you will provide valuable editorial support and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve our standards and processes. The Senior Proofreader is integrated into product development processes both prior to and during production. Meticulous attention to detail, outstanding communication, excellent time and project management skills, and the ability to work effectively in a publishing production environment are essential for this role.

Job Description: 

• Conduct thorough proofreading of long-form materials and quality control of large, complex projects for print and digital publication, including new and revised assessment products.
• Proofread a steady stream of product reprints, CE courses, webinars, presentation decks, and other professional development and training materials, both in print and digital formats.
• Proofread short- and long-form documents with multiple heading levels, tables, figures, numerical data, and citations/references; check for correct page numbers, headers and footers, and type styles.
• Ensure that content adheres to the company’s editorial style guide, the APA and/or Chicago style guide, our WPS branding guidelines, and any project-specific style sheets.
• Collaborate closely with a cross-functional team to ensure accuracy and consistency with the user’s experience in mind.

• Provide proofreading guidance, training, and feedback to new editorial team members; assist with coordinating and delegating proofreading tasks.
• Set realistic timelines for project tasks and diligently adhere to them, providing accurate and timely updates to the Editorial Manager. Promptly communicate any potential delays, seeking assistance with prioritization and delegation if required.
• Work with the Editorial Manager and editorial team in strengthening internal processes, standards, and style guides.
• Provide valuable guidance and feedback, working closely with the Editorial Manager, editorial staff, and design team to maintain the integrity of WPS standards across all products and collateral, while continuously refining our editorial practices.

Position Requirements (Skills, Knowledge, Abilities):

• At least 7 years of experience in proofreading long-form materials.
• Consistent track record of successfully managing quality control of complex, long-form publishing projects with multiple deliverables/components (both print and digital).
• Proven ability to thrive in a production environment with extensive coordination and communication and strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated flexibility in working with editors and designers with diverse working styles.
• Exceptional self-starter with problem-solving skills, including prompt issue identification, effective information analysis, and proposing alternative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely across different channels.
• Strong proficiency in proofreading long documents with headings, tables, figures, citations, and references.
• Competence in proofreading and managing both hard copy and digital documents.
• Extensive experience with Chicago style and/or APA style.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud. Proficiency in Microsoft Word track changes, Adobe Acrobat PDF markup, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Understanding of technical art norms, design principles, typography, page layout, text formatting, and table formatting.
• Comfortable working with the Macintosh operating system.
• Ability to create simple technical illustrations and edit screenshots.
• Knowledge of commercial printing and prepress norms and practices.

• Background or interest in psychology or psychological/educational testing.
• Preferably, possess a basic understanding of statistical terminology to ensure accuracy and maintain consistency in data or statistical information within the content you proofread. Alternatively, a willingness to learn is also acceptable.
• Bachelor's degree in English, social sciences, or a related field, or equivalent experience.