Employment

Production Assistant

Overview:

The New Press (TNP), an award-winning, independent not-for-profit book publisher, has an exciting opportunity for a Production Assistant to join its team. This is an immediate, full-time non-exempt position reporting to and working closely with the Senior Director of Production, the Senior Managing Editor, and the Production Editor.

Summary:

Manufacturing Production (70%):
  • Provide administrative support to the Senior Director of Production and assume responsibility for other tasks as described below and as needed.
Managing Editorial (30%):
  • Provide general and administrative support to the Senior Managing Editor and Production Editor and assume responsibility for other tasks as described below and as needed.

Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Production
In addition to providing general assistance to the Senior Director of Production, the Production Assistant will:
  • Handle all aspects of reprint production
  • Maintain up-to-date digital archive of text and component files
  • Facilitate text and cover corrections
  • Update database (Filemaker) and P.O. and schedule spreadsheets
  • Prepare and issue purchase orders as directed by the Senior Director of Production
  • Schedule and track the progress of titles
  • Attend weekly production meeting
  • Distribute samples
  • Handle reprint special orders and oversee special distribution projects
  • Prepare text PDF for advance reading copies, upload all PDF files to vendor FTP, write and issue purchase orders, track progress on Excel spreadsheet, and update publicists
  • Confirm that ebooks go on sale simultaneously to the print versions
  • Monitor quality control, investigate and solve problems exercising discretion to resolve disputes between vendors and the Press
  • Consult with and keep Senior Director of Production apprised of all problems, issues, and possible resolutions
  • Convert backlist title Quark files to Quark 9.0 and export PDF file for ease of reference
  • Maintain and update external hard drive archive of print-ready asset files for all initial and reprint titles including multiple editions
  • Maintain physical first-print library and production reprint library once we are back in the office
Managing Editorial
In addition to providing general assistance to the Senior Managing Editor and Production Editor, the Production Assistant will:
  • Oversee reprint corrections
  • Provide proofreading assistance
  • Create JPGs of final jackets and maintain jacket archive
  • Handle all prepress work related to reprint corrections for print and ebooks
  • Transmit changes to typesetters and proof changes before requesting final files
  • Transmit the same changes to Senior Director of Production for related ebooks
  • Manage reprint files on server and update FileMaker once changes have been made
  • Update final book PDFs on server with reprint changes
  • Notify rights department of all reprint corrections
  • Distribute production files as needed by the rights department, publicity, and others
  • Send book samples
  • Assist with routing and tracking component materials

Qualifications:

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
  • An equivalent combination of college education and work experience acceptable, college degree preferred
  • A minimum of one year of experience in book production including working knowledge of desktop typesetting applications, electronic prepress, book and component printing
  • Superb attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Excellent communication skills, including an ability to interact with other New Press employees across various departments
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and Outlook; and familiarity with: Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, FileMaker Pro, and Quark
  • Familiarity with Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, and The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
  • Strong interest in book publishing, must be a good team player who enjoys working collaboratively and across departments.

Additional Information:

This is a full time position: Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week.
 
PLEASE NOTE: During the current period of COVID-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with the transition to onsite in NYC when the office reopens.  We will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our virtual interview process.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to careers@thenewpress.com; reference “Production Assistant” in the subject line. Submissions without a cover letter and salary requirements will not be considered. No phone calls, please. We regret that we are only able to respond to those applicants we select for interviews.
 
The New Press offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. In compliance with federal law, any person hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
 
The New Press is affiliated with the Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) Union, Local 2110 UAW, AFL-CIO; this position is included in the bargaining unit and is a Grade I position. 
 
EEO Statement
The New Press is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The New Press will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, religion, creed, sexual orientation, disability, Union activity, marital and/or parental status, citizenship, national origin or alienage, ancestry, genetic information, size, age, military or veteran status, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
 

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