Shambhala and Snow Lion Publications, Editorial

Acquisitions Editor Specializing in Buddhism

Acquisition Editor, Buddhist Books

This position is primarily responsible for acquiring 12-15 book projects on the area of Buddhism (with an emhasis on Tibetan Buddhism) and overseeing the developmental editing of a similar amount of projects per year. These books should align to the Company’s Mission and Vision. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Responsible for commissioning new projects and evaluating submitted proposals.
• Stay current in subject areas and trends in the field to identify potential new authors. Reach out to possible new authors by phone and email.
• Assist authors in concepting and developing a proposal (and possibly sample material) that meet reader and market needs.
• Pitch new projects to the Publisher, Executive Team and Editorial Board.
• Prepare a P+L statement for each book.
• Make an offer to Author/agent. Negotiate advance, royalties, length, images/visuals, timing, etc.
• Work closely with authors to shape the content, style, and approach of each book.
• Developmentally edit or oversee the developmental edit of manuscripts, including big-picture content, organization, what is missing, what makes sense, etc.
• Prepare manuscript for the production process with Assistant/Associate editors. Guide the manuscript throughout the production process.
• Provide input on title, cover, and interior design.  Create cover copy.
• Solicit endorsements for the book.
• Launch projects internally to Marketing, Publicity, Production, and Editorial Teams.
• When needed, seasonally present lead titles to Penguin Random House.
• Act as the liaison to the Author, supporting, educating, problem-solving, etc. Relay feedback and issues from other departments.  Editor serves as the main point of communication with the Author.
• Attend meetings as needed, including Editorial meeting, Title meeting, Cover meeting, Launch meetings, Marketing and Publicity meetings, all-office meetings.
• Occasionally will attend conferences and off-site meetings.

Job Qualifications:

Knowledge:

• Understand market trends, conduct frequent market research
• Good knowledge of the industry
• Content expertise in the subject areas the Company publishes into, including Buddhism and other religious traditions.
• This position requires strong connections within Buddhist practice communities and teachers, as well as in the Buddhist Studies world.  A basic knowledge of Tibetan language is a plus but not required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent project management skills
• Some general presentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Skilled in developmental editing
• General problem-solving skills
• Ability to adhere and meet tight deadlines
• Handles unique and challenging problems on a regular basis
• Understands finances of book acquisition and factors that contribute to overall profitability

Education:

• BA degree in related area
• Master’s degree beneficial but not required

Experience:

• 5+ years industry experience or equivalent (e.g., 5+ years of editorial work in academia or another related context)

Salary range: $41,596-$83,193

Contact: buddhistbookeditor@shambhala.com