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Job Opening: Commissioning Editor for The University of KwaZulu-Natal Press (South Africa)

Deadline: 20 February 2011

Commissioning Editor (Pietermaritzburg) - Market Related

Permanent senior level position in the Media sector at University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban in South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal).

Benefits: Medical Aid. Pension, 13th cheque, Tuition Remission of Fees.

COMMISSIONING EDITOR (GRADE 7)
UKZN PRESS
PIETERMARITZBURG CAMPUS
REFERENCE NUMBER: RO39/2010

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Press is a quality publishing house, producing books based on academic excellence for both the scholarly and general reader. The Commissioning Editor will be expected to commission and assess manuscripts and books in keeping with the established profile of the Press. In addition to the task of sourcing material and related activities, he/she will undertake editorial work on approved manuscripts.

The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, an eye for trends and gaps in the market, an ability to spot promising new authors and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. Frequent travel will be required.

S/he will be responsible for:

• Market research on publication trends, in keeping with the Press’s academic profile;
• Commissioning and assessment of manuscripts;
• The review process of new manuscripts including sourcing appropriate readers for peer review and liaison with reviewers and authors;
• Developing contacts for review and new project purposes;
• Calculation and estimation of budgets per approved book in consultation with the finance officer;
• Editing and refining of manuscripts through to final production;
• Assisting with the drafting and implementation of marketing plans;
• Some project management.

Minimum requirements:

• A Bachelors’ degree with 7 years experience and achievements in commissioning of quality trade/general and academic books OR Honours degree with 6 years experience and achievements in commissioning of quality trade/general and academic books;
• Proven editing experience;
• Appropriate computer skills of which word-processing competency as well as knowledge of email and the Internet are essential;
• An excellent command of English in both written and spoken forms;
• A valid, unendorsed code EB driver’s licence.

Preferences/Advantages:

• Project management experience;
• Broad, established contact base with academics and other authors;
• Experience in the financial management of book publishing – budgeting, costing, pricing.

TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE RANGE: R268,214 – R402,322 per annum, inclusive of benefits.

Apply online before 20/02/2011.

Apply here.

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Job Opening: Commissioning Editor for The University of KwaZulu-Natal Press (South Africa) + writing teaching jobs