Managing Editor

Job Summary

The Managing Editor, Trade & Original Publishing, leads a team of editors within the Original Publishing Department which is primarily responsible for the publishing of high-quality books, graphic novels, and other publications related to anime, manga and popular entertainment. The Managing Editor will manage the scheduling and workflow of the group and will have responsibility for ensuring products are successfully published on time and to budget. The successful candidate will also have editorial responsibility for a limited number of manga publishing projects and the opportunity to acquire new titles.

This position will require working in close collaboration with internal stakeholders from across the design, production, marketing, and sales departments.

What you'll do:

• Manages and supervises the Original Publishing editorial team responsible for licensed and original product including graphic novels, art books, prose works and more.
• Manages day-to-day editorial operations including scheduling, workflow and product data management.
• Working closely with the Executive Editor, evaluates publishing proposals and works with artists, writers and freelancers to develop commercial content appropriate for the VIZ Originals list.
• Edits 3-5 titles each year and undertakes editorial responsibilities on Original Publishing projects as required.
• Responsible for the timely, high-quality and on-budget execution of Original Publishing projects and maintains oversight of editorial duties involved in the production process for both print and digital books.
• Writes and edits cover text, catalogue copy and other related marketing and sales materials as needed. Checks promotional copy in sales and marketing materials to make sure they are consistent and correct.
• Devises and implements efficient workflow and project management for both print and serialized digital publishing.
• Hires, negotiates with, and schedules assignments for outside contributors, including freelance artists, illustrators, writers, designers and editors.
• Responsible for intradepartmental information flow with Publishing Sales, Product Marketing, and PR teams to promote and sell projects to consumers, trade, and press.

In addition to these typical responsibilities, the Managing Editor may perform other activities as assigned.

The ideal candidate has:

• 8 years of successful professional experience in editorial at a publishing company.
• 3 years of supervisory experience as this position supervises the work of others, including the work of Editors.
• Experience working with creators on original manga, graphic novels or comics.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Literature, or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience, with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position
• Strong knowledge of book publishing and manga, REQUIRED
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under multiple deadlines in a highly organized and professional fashion a MUST
• Ability to successfully manage a cutting-edge editorial operation for a successful comics and book publisher
• Ability to correctly identify needed improvements in editorial strategies, scheduling, and production processes
• Solid copyediting and proofreading skills with knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator)
• Ability to speak and write effectively in English, and to interact with culturally diverse clients and staff
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office tools and Google Business Suite
• Ability to manage staff and work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork
• Ability to assess the quality of writing, editing, copy-editing, and design work
• Ability to work legally in the United States

Work Environment & Schedule

Location: The Managing Editor position is open to candidates in California, New York, or Oregon. If working remotely, the Managing Editor should expect to travel to the San Francisco Bay Area a few times a year.

Schedule: This is a Regular Full-Time position with core hours of 10 am to 4 pm with some flexibility as needed.

Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional variable compensation