Here are sample job advertisements for this type of role…

Production Editor

Amazon Publishing is the full-service publishing arm of Amazon. Our mission is to invent new and better ways to connect authors and readers.

The Amazon Publishing team is looking for a results-oriented Production Editor to oversee the creation of its adult nonfiction for the Little A imprint and illustrated children’s physical and e-books for the Two Lions imprint in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be well-organized and metrics-driven, with a strong bias for action and ability to independently drive end-to-end book creation processes. This role will have daily contact with content and metadata, and will manage numerous production services that result in a high quality final book. The Production Editor will identify, define, propose and deliver broad process improvements and tools for the production of Amazon Publishing books.

This position is based in New York with visits to Seattle as needed.

This position works closely with editorial, marketing, publicity and operations as well as with external vendors to ensure our books reach market on schedule and at the highest quality levels. Responsibilities include:

Overseeing and tracking day-to-day production workflows, ensuring processes are documented, efficient, streamlined, and that books are produced at the highest quality
Establishing priorities, identifying and communicating risks and mitigation plans in collaboration with stakeholders; developing and maintaining production milestones and completion dates

Managing production schedules and files: supervise production progress and review files for quality issues to ensure deadlines are met throughout all phases of book production

Maintaining vendor relationships: manage communication, oversee and review quality of work, and facilitate issue resolution
Ingesting and archiving files using internal systems
Driving and championing new technologies, collaborations, and improved processes to define, leverage and implement best content production and delivery practices including leading continuous improvements in quality, cost reduction, production time and pipeline capacity
Contribute to the team vision for production in the US
Experience using operational metrics to drive process improvement and efficiencies with a focus on creating scalable systems

The successful candidate must have the ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining high standards of quality and a strong author and customer focus.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
Three or more years of relevant experience in book publishing operations with a focus on process development and quality assurance
Experience copy editing and proofreading with an ability to make judgement calls that balance house style (Chicago Manual of Style) with creative intent

Preferred Qualifications

Three or more years of experience overseeing production of nonfiction book content.
Three or more years of experience overseeing production of children’s book content.
Process improvement experience such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and/or Operational Excellence
Familiarity with complex technology, file formats, data transmission and storage, XML and knowledge of multiple computer platforms
Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results by influencing and negotiating
Familiarity with print and digital book production processes and technology
Experience managing multiple large volume, highly visible projects simultaneously, under very tight deadlines
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical abilities, including intermediate experience working with MS Office, especially Excel and Word
Demonstrated ability to use strong business judgment

Production Editor, Vintage & Anchor

Penguin Random House

The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group is seeking a Production Editor to join their talented Vintage & Anchor copy team. This role handles editorial production of fiction and nonfiction titles from copy editing through final PDF creation.

Responsibilities:

Communicate with editorial, design, and production departments to solve problems and maintain schedules
Hire and supervise freelance copy editors, proofreaders, and indexers and review their work
Copyedit and proofread cover materials
Collate author and proofreader corrections
Code and electronically tag manuscripts for design elements

Requirements:

This position requires a 3–5 years of experience in production editorial.
The ideal candidate also possesses excellent copy editing and proofreading skills, familiarity with electronic copyediting using Microsoft Word, and strong knowledge of manuscript coding.
Candidates should have demonstrated success meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
The ideal candidate also possesses a bachelor’s degree.
Strong proofreading and copy editing skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong organization, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize, communicate clearly, and multitask in a dynamic environment. Previous working experience in managing editorial or production editorial departments. Knowledge of ebook production is beneficial, though not required.
Prior experience in book publishing is a must

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children’s publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 250 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children’s Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Senior Production Editor – Children’s

HarperCollins Publishers

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New York, NY 10007

Overview:
HarperCollins Children’s Books Group is currently seeking a Senior Production Editor to oversee the production editorial process on a wide variety of titles—from board books through young adult novels—under all of the Children’s Books Group imprints. The ideal candidate will have a flexible, upbeat attitude and enjoy working with a like-minded team.

Responsibilities:Specifically, the Senior Production Editor handles production editorial work from manuscript through bound book, including:

Copyediting and proofreading covers and jackets.
Placing longer manuscripts with freelance copy editors and proofreaders.
Checking the work of all freelancers by cold reading and carefully reviewing materials.
Checking all stages of proofs and PDFs.
Working knowledgeably with editors and designers in anticipating and solving issues.
Following up with designers and editors in order to maintain schedules.
Updating electronic schedules and working comfortably with basic computer programs, including Track Changes in Word and the RSuite content management system.
Prioritizing work appropriately, meeting steady turnaround demands while maintaining very high quality.

Qualifications:

4-year college degree or equivalent experience required
A minimum of 2 years of children’s production editorial experience required
Solid copyediting and proofreading skills
Ability to work effectively with all levels of management
Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail
Ability to set priorities under pressure
Comfortable working within an expanding digital workflow system
Proficient with Microsoft Office

HarperCollins Publishers is a company full of people who are passionate about books. When you apply for a position, we want to know why you want to work here, and why you are interested in the job. That’s why cover letters are strongly preferred.

Production Editor – Berkley

Penguin Random House LLC

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New York, NY 10019

The Production Editorial department of the Berkley Publishing Group is seeking a self-motivated individual to join their team as a Production Editor, reporting to the Senior Director of Production Editorial. The Production Editor will oversee all aspects of text and cover work for approximately 50 to 60 titles per year, including mass market, trade, hardcover, and electronic titles—mostly fiction originals and reprints.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Styles manuscripts for design and typesetting
Works on and reviews all phases of text (copyedits, proofreads, reviews all freelanced work, etc.)
Copyedits and proofreads all stages of cover production, from cover copy to printers’ proofs
Reviews promotional and galley-related materials
Hires and oversees the work of freelancers (copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, etc.)
Coordinates schedules with freelancers, editors, and production
Performs quality control review of ebooks

Essential Qualifications/Requirements:

At least three years of production editorial experience
Excellent copyediting, proofreading, and organizational skills
Knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style
Must be able to work and review work electronically using the track changes function in Word and mark-up tools in Adobe Acrobat
Detail and accuracy oriented
Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, work well under pressure, and consistently meet tight deadlines
Strong communication and writing skills
Self-motivated team player with good critical-thinking skills

Familiarity with ebooks a plus