Manuscript Editor  

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Chief Editor, the Manuscript Editor assists the Chief Editor in the substantive copyediting of manuscripts and, on behalf of the Chief Editor, coordinates and corresponds with the authors of manuscripts at different stages of the production process. The Manuscript Editor oversees the day-to-day operations activities of the Office ensuring high quality and timely production of its quarterly issues.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

I. Manuscript Review

• Oversees the journal’s editorial procedures and coordinates all phases of journal production to ensure that journal issues meet quality standards and appear on the first day of the month when an issue is due
• On behalf of the Chief Editor oversee the communication with authors, referees, and members of the editorial team to ensure the highest quality outcome, while maintaining confidentiality, of the blind-review process in the selection of manuscripts for publication in the journal.
  • Reads through all manuscripts (i.e., articles, research notes, commentaries, documentary sources, book reviews, introductions, and other types of journal content) already approved for publication in each of the journal’s quarterly issues.
  • Undertakes to edit mostly for style and grammar lapses, making sure that the format and style of the manuscript are consistent with and conform to the journal’s Style Guide.
  • Encodes the corrections and revisions on the soft copy (Word) of manuscripts
  • Suggests alternative words or phrases and asks the authors if they accept the recommended editorial interventions
• On behalf of the Chief Editor corresponds with the respective authors of manuscripts on queries regarding the content of the manuscript and information given on the references cited in their manuscripts
• Verifies and occasionally does research on the bibliographical information given for each of the sources cited in the body and reference lists of manuscripts

II. Journal Layout

• Sends the layout/page proofs (in PDF) to each of the authors for their final review and minor corrections; monitors their approval on the page proofs and coordinates corrections for implementation by the layout artist;
• Oversees the layout of articles and other journal features.
• Supervises as well as completes the process of proofreading the covers and all inside pages for final approval by the Chief Editor and final printing

III. Journal Administration Support

• Corresponds with the authors for them to comply with postproduction procedures (e.g., compliance with the Transfer of Copyright form, sending of final PDF and print copies of the published content, and requests for video abstracts).
• Makes suggestions to improve and update the journal’s Style Guide;
• Assists in coordinating with the Journals Coordinator and other LS and Ateneo de Manila University units on financial, logistical, and other matters concerning the journal
• Manages the journal’s physical office; the ingress and egress of staff members; its supplies, equipment, and inventories; and the physical cleanliness and security of the office.
• Corresponds with partner journals, other publishers, international journal aggregators and agents, government agencies, courier companies, and other entities to promote the interests of the journal and negotiate terms beneficial to the journal
• Provides logistical support in preparing and holding conferences and other special events organized and hosted by the journal
• Coordinates with specialists in information technology on matters concerning the management and maintenance of the journal’s website and the enhancement of the journal’s visibility on the Internet and on social media

IV. Supervision

• Manages the performance of direct reports by setting standards/targets, monitoring and evaluating performance, and providing development opportunities

V. Performs other tasks that may be duly assigned by the Chief Editor or authorized representatives.

• Must possess at least a thesis-track MA degree, preferably in the humanities or social sciences
• At least five years of experience in the copyediting of research, academic, or scholarly manuscripts.
• Must have office management or at least 3 years’ supervisory experience
• Working familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style for editing scholarly manuscripts.
• Ability to speedily familiarize himself/herself with the journal’s in-house style guide.
• Good command of the English language to be able to identify and correct grammatical mistakes, awkward construction of sentences, and poorly structured prose
• Proficient and “diplomatic” in written communication, especially those done mostly through online media; able to get across the journal’s policies and standards but at the same time fostering a positive relation between the editorial team and prospective or past contributors/authors, subscribers, and other members of the academic community inside or outside the Ateneo de Manila, locally and abroad.
• Some knowledge of Adobe Indesign, Acrobat, and Photoshop preferable but not necessary.
• Keen attention to detail; Patience and conscientiousness in reading through manuscripts.
• Ability to work within deadlines; focused.
• Well-organized and able to manage the journal office effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work with a team; With good interpersonal skills.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in using MS Word and Excel.