Freehand Books, owned and operated by Broadview Books Inc., will be hiring a full-time Managing Editor to play a key role in building the new book publishing venture. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and keen to have hands-on involvement with all aspects of book publishing, including costing, administration, production, publicity and promotion, and marketing in general; the Freehand publishing program encompasses a small number of titles per year, and the Managing Editor will be involved in all stages of the publishing process for each title. The Managing Editor will also be expected to work closely with Freehand’s Editor in such areas as liaising with authors, authors’ agents, and freelancers, and will be based out of Broadview’s Calgary office.

Experience in (and an understanding of) the day-to-day operations of a book publishing business is an asset—as is an understanding of Internet and electronic opportunities and strategies. Experience with software programs such as Word, Excel, Photoshop and In Design is a strong asset, and the successful candidate will be willing and able to learn new software and web-maintenance applications. Excellent English-language writing and communications skills are essential.

Applications consisting of a resume and a covering letter should be sent to the Editor, Freehand Books, on or before November 3, 2008 at the address below. The covering letter should address in detail the applicant’s interest and experience in the area of Canadian literary publishing.

Both paper and electronic submissions (as properly formatted Word attachments) will be accepted. We will not accept phone calls or in-person visits regarding this position.

Send to:
Editor, Freehand Books
412-815-1st Street SW
Calgary, AB
T2P 1N3
or:
editor@freehand-books.com

Detailed Description:

The successful applicant will be required to perform a range of organizational, administrative, marketing, and publicity work for Freehand Books, a literary imprint based in Calgary, Alberta. The Managing Editor will work in conjunction with the Editor as well with as the Freehand Management Board in order to ensure the high professional reputation and best interests of the press and its writers. The smooth and timely functioning of all aspects of Freehand’s operation will be the under the Managing Editor’s purview.

Specific tasks to be performed by the Managing Editor include the following:

• creating detailed book budgets, including making decisions, in association with the Freehand Management Board, on print runs, pricing, format, paper and cover stock, and employment of freelancers
• creating and implementing detailed, cost-effective marketing plans for each book published
• preparing and proofreading, in association with the Editor,  primary marketing materials for each book published by Freehand—specifically, jacket and catalogue copy
• taking complete responsibility for the preparation and dissemination of all other necessary marketing materials, including news releases, backgrounders, ad copy and camera-ready artwork for advertisements, new title information sheets, and other materials as required; also includes the preparation of sales catalogues twice per year
• ensuring that all materials disseminated by Freehand, from books to marketing copy, are free of inconsistencies, grammatical errors, and spelling errors
• maintaining constant contact with representatives of print, electronic, radio, and television media about Freehand’s activities; duties will include regular updates of local, national, and international media lists
• conducting media interviews about general Freehand matters in a manner in accordance with the best interests of the imprint, the company, and its authors
• obtaining publicity for each book being published and its author(s); includes working with the representatives above by actively and continually pitching story ideas, as well as pitching writers’ festivals and reading series organizers throughout the country
• maintaining and expanding mailing list databases; creating newsletters and other communications detailing Freehand’s activities; keeping in close contact with key booksellers through email updates
• planning, organizing, and vigorously promoting Freehand events such as book launches; coordinating book sales at such events
• maintaining the Freehand Group on Facebook and using it as a promotional tool for Freehand events; researching similar sites in order to continually expand upon Freehand’s presence across Canada and throughout the world
• updating, on a near-daily basis, the Freehand website; working in concert with the staff to improve the content and organization of the website; working in concert with the Broadview Marketing Director to ensure that Freehand books receive optimal and accurate coverage on the Broadview website
• working in association with the Editor to produce and disseminate value-added content such as reading guides and podcasts
• functioning as the main point of contact and coordinator for all freelancers where required
• functioning as the main  point of contact with authors on all non-editorial matters, such as author availability and data collection, booking travel, and facilitating media interviews and author appearances
• functioning as the main point of contact for Freehand’s sales representatives; providing sales representatives with detailed information and continual updates about Freehand books and their authors; attending sales conferences twice per year and assisting to present books to sales representatives and occasionally to buyers
• attending conferences, displays, and other events where and when deemed necessary in the interest of both the promotion of Freehand and of professional development
• researching additional opportunities for the sale of Freehand books, such as foreign rights sales and subsidiary rights
• working with authors as necessary to ensure that all necessary permissions are ensured for each Freehand book
• revising the Freehand contract where necessary; staying up to date on copyright law and other issues which affect the negotiation of contracts; working in conjunction with the Editor on contract negotiations with authors and/or their agents
• exploring eligibility requirements for grants, and writing and submitting grant applications
• maintaining a database of all awards Freehand books and their authors are eligible for; completing submissions to those awards by the appointed deadlines
• coordinating the production of all Freehand books; ensuring all edited material, jacket copy, and visuals are procured on schedule; obtaining quotations from printers and acting as the main point of contact with printers before, during, and after the printing of the books
• coordinating the flow of projects so that editorial, marketing, and production components of a project are working in tandem
•  functioning as the main contact with Broadview’s customer service and marketing departments, as well as with the Broadview warehouse
• working with Broadview employees to ensure that Freehand bibliographic data is functioning and up to date
• managing all Freehand correspondence, both email and print; responding to all non-editorial correspondence
• maintaining a database of manuscript submissions
• being prepared to learn new software quickly; some design work is required
• performing administrative tasks such as the ordering and/or mailing of review copies of books; the requisition of cheques for freelancers and suppliers; the photocopying of editorial materials for volunteer readers and the Freehand editorial board
• staying up to date and in touch with the literary publishing and writing communities (including attending literary events within the community);  keeping a close watch on trends in reading. Regular reading of such publications as Quill and Quire Omni will be expected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Superior verbal and written communication skills. The Managing Editor will be Freehand’s primary representative, and as such will be expected to maintain a high and professional standard of communications in all situations which concern Freehand and its authors.
•High level of motivation, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
•Superior time management skills, the flexibility to shift between tasks easily, and the demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize a heavy workload
•Ability to work both independently and within a team environment
•Ability to quickly learn new computer programs and technology
•Proficiency in various computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with at least one of Adobe In Design, Quark, or Photoshop is an asset, as is experience with html

A post-secondary degree is in asset, as is a publishing certificate and/or work experience in the publishing industry. At a minimum, the successful applicant must demonstrate a keen interest in the publishing industry and a desire to make an impact within it.