Fox Chapel Publishing is seeking an experienced Editorial Director to join our team.
The Fox Chapel Publishing Editorial Director leads strategy for growth for our non-fiction illustrated books, as well as children’s books. The Editorial Director oversees the research and acquisition of marketable content supporting the company’s growth strategies in all formats, which include eBooks, books, and magazines. The Editorial Director has direct responsibility regarding topic and trend research, the assessment of potential authors that support Fox Chapel Publishing sales, and growth strategy. Growth strategy includes the following categories – home and garden, quilting and soft crafts, woodworking, pet, cookbooks, and coloring/craft.
This position leads a team of Acquisitions Editors, Production Editor/Senior Book Editor, Book Editors, Editorial Administrator, Production and Design Manager, Book Designers and freelancers as needed.
Our home office location is Mount Joy, PA. The ideal candidate can commute to the home office location Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Remote candidates will be considered but must be able to commute to the home office once per month and for biannual sales conference. Travel to the home office may be more within the first 90 days of employment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop front list program of $4 - $6 million annually.
- Oversee initiatives to seek out marketable content supporting sales channel strategy. Utilize market trends providing insight into the new title opportunities based on comp titles (if available), author following, social media trends, and retail trends content supporting sales strategies reaching mass and specialty interest markets.
- Work closely with the Executive team to develop category assortment plan for upcoming seasons based on sales performance, market trends, and sales objectives.
- Work closely with Acquisitions Editors to identify gaps within their assigned categories, prioritizing content acquisition goals based on sales potential.
- Review extensive backlist and content archives, seeking out opportunities to repackage and update content for updated or revised editions.
- Organize monthly pub boards, ensuring all commission memos are completed with all of the required information and support materials necessary for Publisher and pub board team to make informed “Go/No Go” decisions.
- Working with Acquisition Editors, evaluate credentials of proposed new authors, his/her ability to deliver quality content in support of proposed title plan, his/her ranking as an authority in the marketplace.
- Partnering with the Production Editor, ensure that all author deliverables are being submitted per the agreed upon title plan, meeting all quality standards and deadlines.
- When additional assistance is needed, work with authors providing guidance and support during the writing phase to ensure manuscripts are original, research based and have the proper permissions where needed.
- Network with key industry contacts and associated enthusiasts in the publishing communities we work with.
- As a member of the senior management team, this position should support the company’s entrepreneurial culture.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in business management, publishing, writing, or another relevant field
- A minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in publishing, with at least 5 years’ experience acquiring content of illustrated nonfiction.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a management position with direct reports responsible for day-to-day content acquisitions.
Fox Chapel Publishing prefers an experienced candidate that can hit the ground running, but will consider an exceptional less experienced candidate with room for growth.
Computer Skills:
Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat products. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator is helpful. Experience with Mac systems preferred. Possesses a strong understanding of research methods, including BookScan analytics.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to sit in a stationary position for extended periods of time. On occasion, lifting/moving up to 25 pounds may be required.
Language Skills:
Can read, write, and communicate effectively in the English language. Can read, interpret, and edit manuscripts on a wide variety of topics. Ability to write memos and business correspondence. Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, coworkers, and customers.
Work Environment:
Must be able to work in a professional office environment. Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
About Us:
Fox Chapel Publishing is a dynamic award-winning publisher of over 3,500 specialty interest books and magazines based in historic Mount Joy, PA. The company sells and distributes its products through partnerships with industry leading distributors, specialty independents and national retail chains including Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Target. In addition, Fox continues to build a successful ecommerce business with online retailers including Amazon, as well as our direct-to-consumer business.
Fox Chapel Publishing has been in business for over 33 years and is headquartered in Mount Joy, PA, with company owned and operated onsite warehousing and distribution facilities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- book publishing: 8 years (Required)
- acquiring content of illustrated nonfiction: 5 years (Required)
- management: 5 years (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Mount Joy, PA 17552