School/Unit: Harvard University Press

Department: Harvard University Press

Sub-Unit: ------------

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Duties & Responsibilities:

Harvard University Press is looking for a writer/editor to produce descriptive, original copy for approximately 200 frontlist books that HUP publishes each year. This is a fulltime benefited position with two unpaid seasonal leaves of absence (September to December; March to June). Reporting to the Editor-in Chief, this staff member will work full time from June through August and December through February.

Descriptive copy produced by this writer will appear in HUP catalogs, brochures, website, jackets, print ads, banner ads, and ONIX feeds to online booksellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in materials sent to libraries, and in emails sent to individual academics. This copy must meet the highest scholarly and editorial standards, while assuring that each topic, and the author’s treatment of it, appeals to general educated readers of English around the world.

Basic duties and responsibilities:

*Working from manuscripts and other materials compiled by the department administrator, write original descriptive copy for approximately 60 academic books per season across the full range of subjects that the Press publishes
*Working with freelance writers, some acquisitions editors, and the editor-in-chief, edit and redraft descriptive copy as necessary for an additional 40 titles per season
*Submit copy to the editor-in-chief, acquisitions editor, publicity director, and author for critique
*Incorporate their changes into final copy, rewriting and discussing approach as necessary
*Work under the pressure of two strict seasonal deadlines per year: March 1 and September 1
*Produce each piece of copy at three lengths: 250 words, 200 words, and 350 characters

Basic Qualifications:

Masters degree in English languages and literatures, journalism, creative writing, communications, or a related field highly desirable. Three or more years of experience in academic publishing or related profession. Proficiency in Microsoft Office platform.

Additional Qualifications:

*A demonstrated flair for writing descriptive copy that appeals to a sophisticated, highly educated general reader
*Familiarity with, and intellectual curiosity about, the basic sciences, history, religion, literary studies, economics, law, social sciences, philosophy, and contemporary affairs, and ease in writing about these and other subjects
*Advanced degree, or experience teaching writing at an advanced level, or a previous copywriting position at a comparable level
*Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and ability to juggle multiple tasks and many interactions with authors, editors, and in-house staff
*Flexibility to work independently and take on new assignments with short notice and meet deadlines
*Capacity to think critically and take criticism; sense of humor, high energy level, maturity, and grace under pressure
*Eagerness to master the Press’s new Publishing Management System and Digital Asset Management system

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Additional Information:

Writing samples will be required upon first interview. Selected final candidates will be given background materials for three HUP books and asked to submit original copy within 72 hours.

The Press prefers an in-house writer/editor during the critical months of June-August and December-February but will consider highly qualified candidates who wish to work remotely.

Please note this position includes two unpaid seasonal leaves of absence as referenced in the position description above

Apply Here: http://www.Click2Apply.net/svzz7bb