Manuscript Editor

Department

Press Journals General Editorial

About the Department

The University of Chicago Press Journals Division publishes more than 90 scholarly journals that span a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities and the social sciences to the life and physical sciences. The Publishing Technology department manages software and processes used in all phases of journal publishing, including peer review, copyediting, production, and online publication.

Job Summary

Manuscript Editor I: Edit scholarly manuscripts in humanities / social science for style, grammar, and accuracy, under supervision of senior members of the department. Edit on-screen using XML-based editing software (including checking and entering necessary tagging) to create both online and print editions of humanities and social science journals; query authors and communicate with them as necessary at various stages of the editorial process; review proofs returned from authors; check typesetting and enter corrections in PDF proofs using Adobe Acrobat annotation tools; check and approve final articles to be printed and posted online. Work with editing colleagues and various departments within the Press. Contact journal office personnel, production controllers, e-pub staff, or others about problems that might be encountered in the editing process, if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Copy edit academic journal articles on a tight production schedule.
• Guide manuscripts through all production stages from electronic translation through publication.
• Identify and tactfully solve unique editorial situations with authors, journal office staff, and/or supervisors.
• Review author proofs and approve final files for publication.
• Communicate daily with authors, managing editors, and colleagues, including production staff.
• Checks typeset proofs before author review. May review typeset proofs or revised written copy returned by authors and approves or rejects changes.
• May coordinate all or some stages of manuscript editing and proof review up to the time the book is bound and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate course work.  

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of prior publishing experience in copyediting or proofreading, preferably in scholarly journals or books rather than newspapers or magazines.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat strongly.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Ability to concentrate and attend to a highly detail-oriented tasks.
• Ability to focus, despite distractions in environment.
• Work on multiple jobs simultaneously, involving manuscripts for different journals, with different styles and procedures.
• Tact and diplomacy in dealing with authors, editors, and colleagues in other departments.
• Willingness to take direction.
• Willingness to take responsibility for meeting deadlines.
• Background in a foreign language preferred but not required.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$45,900.00 - $59,400.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and res