Thornapple Press is seeking a senior editor for substantive book editing. An independent book publisher focused on nonfiction books on relationships, sexuality and relationship ethics, Thornapple Press is the publisher behind well-known titles such as Polysecure; More Than Two, Second Edition and How Do I Sexy?
This is a part-time, remote contract position paid at CA$50–CA$75/hour DOE. To promote pay equity, Thornapple rates are assigned using a pay grid based on years of experience and other factors, and are reviewed annually. Workload may range from 10 to 80 hours per month and 100 to 300 hours per year.
This position requires at least ten years of book editing experience, and ideally coursework in editing or in-house experience under the supervision of another editor. You should be familiar with a typical book publication process, including the expected outcomes at each step and the specific tasks that team members are expected to complete. You must have excellent interpersonal communication skills to communicate effectively, tactfully and professionally with authors and team members. You should be comfortable working with materials that may include frank discussions of sexuality and alternative lifestyles, and that may be explicit.
Please see our website (thornapplepress.ca) for the kinds of materials we publish and other information about the social and political commitments of the company.
You will be responsible for substantive editing and managing manuscripts according to Thornapple Press procedures and editing to Editors Canada standards. You will work closely with authors, meaning that for most projects you will be directly querying authors and collaborating with authors on a structure and vision for the book until it is passed to copy editing. You will be working as part of a team, which, depending on the project, could include a copy editor, a proofreader, the publishing manager and a designer.
We require the following:
- Bachelor’s degree, with preference for a degree in English, journalism, communications, gender or sexuality studies, or a related field
- At least ten years of experience in book editing; some in-house experience under the supervision of another editor is preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat, including tracked changes and Acrobat markup tools
- Excellent understanding of Editors Canada’s Professional Editorial Standards
- Excellent knowledge of grammar, spelling, mechanics and style required by different audiences, including plain language principles
- Familiarity with the major style guides in Canada and the USA
- Familiarity with Canadian, US and UK spelling and Canadianization
- Familiarity with inclusive language across a wide range of communities, as well as an ability to address issues related to cultural sensitivity, cultural appropriation, racism and stereotyping (intentional or unintentional), etc.
- Knowledge of copyright and permissions in Canada
In addition, we will give preference to editors who have taken formal coursework in editing or are certified by Editors Canada.
Your background will ideally demonstrate an interest in social issues, which could include university-level coursework or a history of related volunteer work, activism or hobbies. Editors Canada certification in either structural editing, stylistic editing or both would be an asset, as would experience in the book publishing industry.
Benefits of being a Thornapple Press core associate include:
- The opportunity to work closely with both experienced and first-time authors addressing important and timely topics.
- The opportunity to work with highly skilled team members who are as passionate about quality, service and professional excellence as you are.
- Coverage by our errors and omissions and commercial liability insurance.
- Access to review of and feedback on your work, training, mentorship, and professional development.
In turn, we request that you:
- Commit to responding promptly to assignment requests and other project communications, generally within one business day.
- Demonstrate interest in and enthusiasm for the work.
- When communicating with Thornapple Press authors, present yourself on behalf of Thornapple Press, and not your own freelance business or brand.
- Be knowledgeable about and adhere to the highest standards of your industry.
- Participate in ongoing professional development within your field.
- Promote the professional development of all Thornapple Press team members by providing open, honest and constructive feedback, where appropriate.
- Provide feedback and input, as appropriate, on the direction of the company and ideas for expansion and improvement.
- Adhere to Thornapple Press team policies.
The position is open until filled.
To apply, please send a one-page cover letter and your resume combined as a single PDF document to press@thornapplepress.ca with “Application: Substantive Editor” in the subject header. Your application should use Canadian spelling, follow the 18th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style or Canadian Press Stylebook, and demonstrate impeccable grammar, spelling and mechanics. If you are short-listed for the position, you will need to provide three references, at least one of whom should be an experienced editor, and three samples of relevant editing work.
