Publications Editor
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale · Carbondale, IL · On-site · Staff (Full-time)
Apply by Feb 5, 2026
Posted Jan 29, 2026
Examples of Duties
- Reviews manuscripts at various stages of production (e.g. before editorial board, before EDP launch, before and after copy editing, before and after layout, after author page-proof review, before book goes to printer) and provides comments, notes, reports, guidelines, or markups on style, content, grammar, etc. Follows checklist for each review stage.
- Participates in EDP department book launches.
- Prepares manuscripts for copy editing and design, including manuscript formatting/styling.
- Coordinates the workflow and materials transfers between in-house staff, freelancers, and authors. Schedules copyediting and indexing jobs with freelancers. Acts as press liaison.
- Edits index manuscripts.
- Proofreads and copy edits initial cover design, cover copy, and print-ready files.
- Helps choose freelance copy editors and indexers.
- Copy edits book manuscripts occasionally. Provides development advice when needed.
- Researches, plans, leads, and collaborates on projects related to book production, such as following new legislation and guidelines, implementing new technologies, adopting new best practices, etc.
- Takes a leading role in Press’s OER initiative. Researches and implements workflows and best practices so SIU Press can become an OER project management hub in Illinois.
- Handles all production aspects of OER, open access, and other born-digital materials, from manuscript delivery to “go-live," including in-app typesetting and editing.
- Runs accessibility checks on in-progress and backlist Ebooks. Makes sure all books meet minimum accessibility standards. Makes edits to book files as needed to stay in compliance.
- Stays current on accessibility issues; notifies Press colleagues of forthcoming changes; suggests changes to Press workflows to keep Press in compliance.
- Manages production outsourcing to outside vendors when needed. Researches service providers, works on contract agreements, negotiates project scope and schedules, liaisons with companies.
- Establishes editorial policies and SIUP house style (in collaboration with acquisitions editors, EDP Manager, and Press Director).
- Works with acquisitions editors, EDP manager, and marketing manager to shape and schedule future seasonal lists.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
1. Any one or any combination of the following, totaling four (4) years (48 months), from the categories below:
A. credit for college level training in any field
-30 semester hours equals 1 year (12 months)
-60 semester hours equals 2 years (24 months)
-90 semester hours equals 3 years (36 months)
-120 semester hours or or higher equals 4 years (48 months)
B. professional experience in editing and producing publications
2. Two (2) years (24 months) of progressively more advanced/responsible professional experience in editing and producing publications
Supplemental Information
Illinois Residency Requirement: Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position.
