Job Description
Editor, EconomicsNew York, NYInterested in economics? Do you want to help shape the academic discussion in the field while simultaneously delivering a commercially successful book programme? Would you like to be the next person in the line of editors stretching from the publisher of Marshall’s Principles of Economics in 1881, through that of Keynes’ General Theory, to the team who are currently signing the very top names of today, and, perhaps, become the first to publish the work of a future Nobel winner?Palgrave Macmillan has been a leading publisher in economics for more than a century and a half; now, as an imprint of Springer Nature, we are part of the world’s largest and most innovative publisher of scholarly books. We’re looking for a new economics editor who can channel our heritage and blend it with our cutting edge publishing models and tools in order to forge the future of our list.We’re interested not only in what you already are – but also in what you can become. So, while it would be wonderful if you have a post-graduate qualification in economics, have worked in scholarly publishing for several years delivering double-digit growth, and have the numbers of half a dozen Nobel winners in your phone, what we really want is someone who has: a genuine interest in the topic, a bright and curious mind, the ability to learn fast, a terrier-like tenacity in tracking down and bringing in great books, the smarts to balance academic interest and commercial pragmatism, and the calmness under pressure needed to cope with the challenging and ever-changing world of scholarly publishing. If that sounds like you, let's talk.You will be part of a friendly and dedicated team and play an important role in the success of Palgrave Macmillan.Application Closing Date: December 11th 2020The responsibilities include: * Actively seek authors and support them in developing and producing their projects; * Solicit, evaluate, and develop new book and new series proposals as well as assess their suitability for the list; * Meet goals set by editorial management such as financial and forward program targets; * Overall responsibility for the delivery of the forward program to agreed publication and profitability targets; * Manage the existing list and series associated with the assigned subject area, and maintain profitable relationships with book series editors, authors, and advisors; * Develop and oversee a creative and diverse strategy to ensure sustainable growth of the list in line with the wider divisional and company strategy; * Negotiate contract terms with authors; * Remain a point of contact for authors throughout the publication process; * Research market trends on a national and international level; * Manage the back-list, making decisions on publishing potential new editions of successful titles; * Attend academic conferences and conduct campus visits. International travel will be required.Experience, skills and qualifications:Essential * Educated to degree level; * 3 - 5 years publishing experience; * Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be numerate and IT systems-literate, with a sharp eye for detail; * Be able to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and be able to work on own initiative; * Be resourceful and proactive in dealing with problems, queries, and opportunities; * Have excellent team-working skills to deal with people within the company and externally at all levels; * Proactive attitude; * Strong presentation skills.Desirable * Be a diplomatic and assertive individual who is able to work with demanding stake-holders; * Be flexible, able to work in a multi-cultural environment, and show a commercial/entrepreneurial spirit.
