Careers @ Manning

Manning is an independent publisher of computer books and video courses for software developers, engineers, architects, system administrators, managers and all who are professionally involved with the computer business. We also publish for students and young programmers, including occasionally for children. We are an entirely virtual organization based on Shelter Island, New York, with many staff working from far-flung places like Manila and Zagreb.

Direct Mail Marketing Specialist

Manning Publications is looking for a Direct Mail Marketing Specialist to join our team. Manning is a leading publisher of books and other education products for software developers and other technology professionals. We're looking for an experienced direct mail marketer who can create and manage promotions aimed at developers, administrators, and other IT pros around the globe. That's where you come in!

In this role, you'll be responsible for writing engaging email promotions to describe, position, and sell Manning products, raise brand awareness, and connect customers to various ongoing programs at Manning. The ideal candidate is a tech-savvy marketer experienced in copywriting, direct mail and online advertising, social media, and the analysis and management of successful campaigns, who can expand our brand's reach while increasing brand loyalty and awareness. Prior experience marketing technical products, particularly software products, subscription-based products, and digital learning products is strongly preferred.

Skills and qualifications

  • 2+ years of proven expertise in email marketing, digital advertising, content marketing, lead generation, and copywriting
  • Experience using a direct mail platform such as Listrak, MailChimp, or Constant Contact
  • Familiarity with analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Tag Manager, AdWords, and A/B testing
  • Strong grasp of social media and website metrics and best practices
  • Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and/or similar software
  • Up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in online marketing
  • Self-starter able to multi-task and ready to work in a fast-paced, remote environment
  • Excellent writing skills (We want to see samples!)
  • A sense of humor

APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Please send a cover letter, a portfolio demonstrating prior successful campaigns you have led, and a resume to jobs@manning.com with Direct Mail Marketing Specialist in the subject line. This is a remote work opportunity.

Acquisitions Editor - Computer Technologies and Tools

Manning Publications, a leader in computer/technical book publishing, has an opening for a full-time Acquisitions Editor. The ideal applicant will have 1-3 years experience in a similar role identifying important technical topics and finding high-quality authors and instructors to create books, videos, online courses, and other training materials. Candidates without experience in publishing but who have a background in technology are encouraged to apply as well.

What you'll be doing

  • Identifying growing trends in technology.
  • Recruiting authors and instructors to create online learning products and books.
  • Mentoring potential authors in the preparation of proposals and plans.
  • Negotiation of contract terms, royalties and advance payments.
  • Day-to-day contact with other members of the team including content editors, marketing, and production.
  • Active participation in launch and marketing.
  • Managing issues concerning authors, content, and schedule.
  • Writing promotional copy.

Skills and abilities you'll need

  • Ability to judge market of technology topics with a proven track record.
  • Experience developing successful online courses is a strong advantage.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities in a diverse community. A Manning Acquisitions Editor must possess the ability to be charming one moment and demanding the next. Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills are a valuable asset.
  • Strong facilitator, especially in the arts of negotiation and persuasion.
  • Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize challenging workloads with moderate supervision.
  • Knowledge of publishing processes, procedures, and techniques.
  • Knowledge of peer review principles and procedures.
  • Outstanding writing, language, and grammar skills.

APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

This is a remote working role and the successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to manage their own time and workload while maintaining a high level of quality output and consistent performance. To register your interest in the role please email a cover letter along with your resume to jobs@manning.com with Acquisitions Editor in the subject line.

Copy Editors and Proofreaders

Manning Publications is seeking freelance copy editors and proofreaders who have a long and successful record of editing and proofing book-length manuscripts, preferably STEM or other technical content. We pride ourselves on the fact that Manning books are carefully developed and edited. Our authors are experts in their respective fields – many of them are also very good writers – but most of them need professional assistance in streamlining their texts and making them as clear and accessible as possible. That's where you come in! If you are detail-oriented and would enjoy working for a company that sets very high standards of excellence, this job may be for you.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Edit book-length technical manuscripts for accuracy in grammar and content.
  • Edit copy to improve clarity and ensure content accessibility for the target audience.
  • Verify terms, sources, and URLs using standard reference resources.
  • Manage communication, schedule, and processing of edits and rounds of proof with author and project manager.

Required Skills

  • 1-3 years of experience as copy editor in book publishing.
  • Expertise with standard editorial concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Basic familiarity with technical and computer terms.
  • Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition.
  • Ability to work with internal style guides and to create project-specific stylesheets as the project requires.
  • Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to communicate well with team members and authors.
  • Ability to work on tight schedules. Our books are time-sensitive and often require a rush schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 4–8 years of professional work experience, preferably for a book publisher.
  • 3–5 years of prior editorial experience in a technical environment.
  • Superior organization and time-management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment, yet be self-directed and proactive.
  • Experience editing in MS Word required; experience editing in new authoring tools such as AsciiDoc, Markdown, and XML preferred, but not required as long as you have the willingness to learn.

Applicants without significant experience editing book manuscripts (math, hard science, and/or computer technology) need not apply.

APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Please send a cover letter and your resume to jobs@manning.com with Copy Editor/Proofreader in the subject line. This is a freelance, remote work opportunity.

Developmental Editor

Manning Publications Co. seeks Developmental Editors to work directly with book authors to create high-quality, timely manuscripts. Ideal candidates are critical thinkers who skillfully identify and articulate weaknesses in a manuscript's organization and writing, adopt a coaching/mentoring role with authors, firmly but diplomatically communicate with authors, work independently and in a distributed team environment, and reliably meet deadlines. Candidates must possess passing knowledge of leading-edge software concepts and technologies. This position is great for someone looking for part-time work (15-30 hours a week).

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Coach authors on techniques for how to teach difficult or important concepts in their manuscripts.
  • Identify opportunities for authors to improve organization, presentation, clarity, and value to the book's intended audience.
  • Continually assess manuscript content at a high level.
  • Manage the book development process so that authors complete manuscripts by due dates.
  • Ensure that manuscripts adhere to Manning's writing guidelines.
  • Provide project status and content assessment to the publisher, acquisition editor, development manager, and other Manning staff.
  • Contribute to the ongoing assessment and improvement of editorial procedures and standards.
  • Perform occasional tasks related to the marketing of books.
  • Must be available primarily during US business hours (Eastern time).

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • General understanding of technical concepts, software development, and current industry trends.
  • 1+ years of previous substantive editing experience.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail.
  • Proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and style conventions.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and accessible manner.
  • Strong project- and time-management skills.
  • Excellent organization and multitasking skills.
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and other tools required in an online environment.
  • Willingness and flexibility to learn and adapt.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable communicating via email, various meeting platforms, and phone.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with authors, editors, designers, and other stakeholders.
  • Diplomacy, tact, and professionalism in managing relationships and resolving conflicts.
  • Must have a remote office set up with a reliable computer, Internet, and email access.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience in a book publishing environment.

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as English, journalism, technical writing, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees, certifications, or experience in technical fields are a plus.

Successful candidates will combine technical expertise with strong editorial skills, project management abilities, and a collaborative mindset to produce high-quality technical publications that meet the needs of the target audience. This is a freelance, telecommuting opportunity (no travel).

APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Email a cover letter, resume, and two references to recruit@manning.com with Developmental Editor in the subject line. If selected for an interview, be prepared to complete an editing sample.