Senior Developmental Editor

Summary

Join Advantage | The Authority Company as a Senior Developmental Editor (SDE) and lead the editorial process for 50+ books annually, ensuring high editorial standards and adherence to The Chicago Manual of Style. You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, averaging 15 projects per editor, collaborating with authors, ghostwriters, and other publishing professionals. Responsibilities include developmental and line editing, refining ghostwritten content, and ensuring key editorial deliverables. The ideal candidate possesses 8-10 years of editorial experience, including 3-5 years in book publishing, and mastery of The Chicago Manual of Style. Executive presence, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex client interactions are essential. Advantage offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, medical, dental, vision, a 401k plan, and additional benefits after 90 days.

Requirements

• 8–10 years of editorial experience in publishing, including 3-5 years in book publishing, preferably with a focus on business, finance, marketing, management, motivation, self-help, biography, or autobiography
• Ability to oversee 15 to 20 book projects simultaneously while maintaining high quality standards
• Mastery of The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS); experience applying both CMoS and house style guides
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field
• Skilled in industry-standard publishing tools and software

Responsibilities

• Serve as the editorial lead for 50+ books annually, ensuring structure, tone, and style align with project goals and contracted scope
• Conduct substantive edits, offering strategic direction to strengthen manuscripts
• Ensure all edits are completed on schedule, proactively communicating any timeline adjustments
• Collaborate closely with ghostwriters and editorial vendors, maintaining clear, two-way communication to protect scope, budget, and deadlines
• Conduct line edits, final content reviews, and secures approvals
• Edits book descriptions, cover/web copy, and author bios
• Provide status updates and budget insights to leadership
• Prepare manuscripts for typesetting, including titling research, plagiarism/AI checks, permissions flagging, and endorsement proofreading
• Actively participate in meetings, provide feedback, and take initiative with process improvements

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in both traditional and hybrid publishing models

Benefits

• Generous Vacation/PTO policies
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans (eligibility begins the first of the month after 30 days)
• A 401(k) plan with company contributions
• Additional benefits available after 90 days of employment to support your well-being and professional development