Job Description

**About JMO Communications – Writers and Filmmakers Division**

JMO Communications is a dynamic and rapidly growing literary services firm, dedicated to helping authors refine and publish their best work. Our Writers and Filmmakers division provides comprehensive support across the entire publishing journey for our diverse client base, which includes first-time authors and established professionals across various non-fiction and fiction genres. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and literary excellence for every book we handle.

**Role Summary**

JMO Communications is seeking a highly skilled and meticulous **Book Editor** to manage the editorial process for books written by our clients. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a full range of editorial services, from developmental guidance to final proofreading, ensuring that every manuscript is polished, accurate, engaging, and aligns with the author's vision and the highest industry standards.

**Key Responsibilities**

**I. Editorial Execution**

* **Developmental Editing:** Work closely with authors to shape the narrative, refine the structure, improve character development (for fiction), strengthen arguments and organization (for non-fiction), and clarify the core message of the manuscript.
* **Substantive/Line Editing:** Conduct detailed, line-by-line revisions to enhance flow, tone, style, and voice. Address issues of consistency, pacing, and overall readability.
* **Copyediting:** Correct errors in grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, and usage. Ensure adherence to the designated style guide (e.g., _The Chicago Manual of Style_, APA, etc.).
* **Proofreading:** Perform final checks on typeset pages to catch any remaining typographical errors, layout issues, or inconsistencies before publication.

**II. Author and Project Management**

* **Communication:** Serve as the primary editorial point of contact for assigned authors, providing clear, constructive, and diplomatic feedback on their manuscripts.
* **Timeline Management:** Manage multiple editing projects simultaneously, ensuring all editorial deadlines are met on time and within the scope of the client agreement.
* **Feedback Delivery:** Prepare and deliver professional, comprehensive editorial reports detailing the scope of work completed and the justification for major revisions.
* **Style Sheet Creation:** Develop and maintain a project-specific style sheet for each book to ensure absolute consistency in spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, and other conventions.

**III. Quality Assurance & Standards**

* Ensure all edited manuscripts meet JMO Communications' high standards for literary quality, accuracy, and professionalism.
* Remain current on industry trends, best practices in editing, and updates to relevant style guides.

**Required Qualifications & Skills**

* **Experience:** A minimum of 3-5 years of professional book editing experience, preferably working with a publishing house, literary agency, or editorial services firm.
* **Education:** A Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Creative Writing, or a related field.
* **Technical Proficiency:** Expert proficiency in Microsoft Word (especially the Track Changes feature) and familiarity with common manuscript formatting and submission standards.
* **Style Guide Mastery:** Deep working knowledge of major style guides (e.g., _The Chicago Manual of Style_ is essential).
* **Communication Skills:** Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to deliver critical feedback in a motivational and supportive manner.
* **Organizational Skills:** Excellent time management, organizational, and multitasking abilities to handle a fluctuating workload and strict deadlines.
* **Attention to Detail:** Impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to producing error-free work.

**Preferred Qualifications**

* Experience editing across both fiction (e.g., Thriller, Fantasy, Romance) and non-fiction (e.g., Business, Self-Help, Memoir) genres.
* Familiarity with digital publishing processes and eBook formatting.
* Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello).

To Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and why they are a strong fit for JMO Communications.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. **Agency inquiries will not be accepted.**

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