Responsibilities
- Live out the company's mission and values with a deep commitment to Kingdom work.
- Identify and pursue authors and book proposals that fit the publishing vision and strategic priorities.
- Serve as the main contact for incoming proposals, reviewing and responding promptly to authors and agents.
- Brainstorm and develop book concepts, presenting ideas to potential authors to inspire new projects.
- Build and maintain professional relationships with authors, connecting them with internal teams like Marketing and Production.
- Evaluate proposals for publishing potential, theological alignment, market viability, and product line fit.
- Prepare and present proposals at Pub Board meetings, creating deal point memos with key terms and acquisition rationale.
- Champion acquired titles internally, representing books at sales conferences and similar meetings.
- Negotiate contract terms with authors and agents, submitting contract requests per publishing guidelines.
- Partner with the Publisher to ensure authors understand manuscript requirements and contractual obligations.
- Review chapter outlines, sample chapters, and full manuscripts for structure, flow, concept, style, clarity, and readability.
- Assist authors in refining their material and message, providing co-writing or ghostwriting support as needed.
- Ensure published content is theologically accurate and aligns with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
- Monitor and maintain production dates and budgets for assigned titles, consulting with the team to adjust schedules.
- Contribute to marketing and sales strategy for assigned titles to maximize audience reach.
- Collaborate with internal and external departments to accomplish tasks supporting the overall publishing plan.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, Christian studies, or a related field.
- Master's degree in progress or completed; seminary degree strongly preferred.
- At least 1 year of editorial and publishing experience.
- Advanced ability in relationship building to cultivate trusted author, agent, and ministry relationships.
- Working knowledge of biblical content and manuscript/proposal evaluation to assess theological accuracy, market viability, and product line fit.
- Working proficiency in critical thinking and editing to shape manuscripts for structure, clarity, concept, and readability.
- Working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style and reporting/documentation to maintain editorial standards and accurate records.
- Foundational skill in licensing, rights administration, and contract review to support sound business terms in agreements.
- Active involvement in an evangelical Christian church.
Nice to Have
- Advanced graduate degree (e.g., PhD).
- Knowledge of CBA and ABA publishing landscapes.
- Experience in author development and acquisition.
- Prior experience in a ministry, denominational, or church-related context.
- Familiarity with biblical Greek or Hebrew.
Benefits
- Healthcare
- Vacation and sick time
- Holiday pay
- Care days
- 401(k) plan
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Adoption assistance
- Mission trip time
Work Arrangement
Hybrid — Brentwood, TN
Other
- This is a hybrid position located within a 4 hour driving commute of the Brentwood, TN area.
- Relocation assistance available for those interested in moving to the Nashville area.
- Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more.
