Hilda Press is hiring a managing editor to join its team in London.
The role
Hilda Press is seeking a highly organised, strategic, and articulate managing editor to serve as the operational architect of our editorial department. As we scale our output in the coming years to include a growing list of major monographs and editions, we require an individual to manage the journey of every book from contract to print.
This is not primarily a commissioning role. It is a Project Management and Operations role designed for a professional who derives satisfaction from order, precision, and the flawless execution of complex creative projects. You will serve as the primary bridge between our creative team and our operational team.
Key responsibilities
Editorial project management:
- create and enforce detailed production schedules for six to eight titles annually. Monitor every milestone – manuscript delivery, editing rounds, image clearance, design, proofing and print
- act as the primary point of contact for contributors, and contributing editors regarding logistics. You will ensure deadlines and deliverables are met, allowing the Publisher to manage their creative development
- recruit, brief, and supervise freelance copy editors, proofreaders, and indexers. Negotiate fees (managing the editorial budget per title) and ensure quality control of their output.
- implement rigorous submission guidelines. Ensure no manuscript enters production until it is “complete” (text cleaned, images logged, permissions secured), preventing downstream bottlenecks
Editorial operations and staff supervision:
- initiate and chair the weekly editorial meeting. Set the agenda, track status for all projects and ensure accountability for action items across the team
- direct the workflow of any Editorial Assistant. Oversee their work on image research and rights clearance, ensuring that all digital assets are organised according to strict design standards (file naming, resolution checks)
- maintain the workflow sheets of the company—the single source of truth for what is done by whom
- ensure accurate data (ISBNs, specs, dates) flows to our Operations team for distribution and sales
Production:
- serve as the primary supplier of materials to the art director/designer. Ensure they receive perfect “packages” of text and images
- oversee the routing of proofs. Collate corrections from multiple stakeholders (Author, Publisher, Proofreader) into a single master set for the designer
- perform the final proofing on PDFs before they are released to the printer
The ideal candidate:
- experience: three to five plus years in publishing, preferably in art, museum, or academic publishing. Experience with illustrated books and complex image rights is essential
- a ‘systems thinker’ who loves spreadsheets and workflows. Excellent copy-editing skills to assess freelancer quality
- you are ‘art literate’ – you understand the gravity of the artists and critics we publish. You can navigate sensitive relationships with diplomacy and grace
- a “no job is too small” mentality. You are willing to handle administrative minutiae (contracts, invoices) alongside high-level strategic planning
www.hildapress.com
