Publishing Operations Intern

Description

Publishing Operations Intern (Onsite)

Are you thinking about a career in publishing? Are you looking to gain experience in multiple areas of book publishing, including copyediting, production, vendor management, and design? Augsburg Fortress Publishers is seeking an intern who will work across our three books imprints—Beaming Books, Broadleaf Books, and Fortress Press—gaining exposure to and understanding of vital aspects of publishing.

Augsburg Fortress Publishers (AFP) is a multimedia company composed of five vital, creative imprints: Beaming Books, Fortress Press, Broadleaf Books, Augsburg Fortress, and Sparkhouse. We create resources for spiritual growth and development, for Christian worship and faith formation, and for academic study and professional development. AFP strives to create an environment of inclusiveness, equity, and respect for all regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, nation of origin, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Individuals who are committed to contributing meaningfully to diversity and inclusion in publishing are encouraged to apply, including members of groups historically underrepresented in publishing (which is - according to industry research – a traditionally white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled field).

The book publishing imprints of AFP include:

Broadleaf Books, publisher of books on religion, culture, social justice, spirituality, and personal growth that inspire transformation in readers and their communities to foster a more open, just, and compassionate world. 

Beaming Books, publisher of high-quality children’s books that help kids thrive emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Fortress Press, publisher of scholarship that matters for the academy, for the classroom, and for the church across the categories of theology, biblical studies, history, religion, and ministry.

The intern will be working with a small group of production editors at the AFP offices in the North Loop for 8–12 hours per week. The internship will begin immediately and last through the spring semester, with the possibility of renewal for the summer and/or fall semester.

The Publishing Operations Intern will organize the production of content from its handover from editorial to its release in print and digital formats, such that products are available to the market at the right time, cost, and quality. The Publishing Operations Intern will gain experience in the following areas by performing the following duties: 

Quality checks

• Perform quality checks on interior and cover PDF files to ensure AFP standards.
• Perform quality checks on final printed books to ensure the book can be released for sale.
• Ensure AFP systems are accurate and current according to requirements.

Project management

• Communicate with internal team members and external vendors/freelancers regarding copyediting, proofreading, typesetting, cover creation, and indexing.
• Work to meet project schedules, reducing slippage by anticipating and proactively managing potential delays. 
• Work to reduce repeated errors in print as well as digital formats through regular escalation to line management when quality issues are found. 

Business continuity and communication 

• Continuously improve production team processes and documentation by identifying and escalating gaps in process and expectations to line management and engaging critically with documentation to suggest clarifications and additions where appropriate. 

Budgeting

• Review invoices, understand and enforce standard rates for production services on a project-level basis, and escalate to manager any spends that do not align with norms.

Ethical standards 

• Actively uphold the ethical standards and behaviors expected by AFP.

Desired education and experience: 

• Bachelor of Arts (BA), working towards a BA, or equivalent experience in a related field.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• Precision in written and verbal communication along with good attention to detail. 
• Excellent organizational skills. 
• Good IT skills, including standard Microsoft Office package, and the ability to learn new technologies and systems. 
• Ability to empathize, support, and collaborate with others on problem resolution. 
• Flexibility, creativity, and initiative in problem solving.
• Experience with and understanding of copyediting and proofreading processes; knowledge of and experience with Chicago Manual of Style.

Augsburg Fortress Publishers offers a competitive salary and a full list of benefits, including vacation for new employees, sick time, health, retirement, a pre-tax transportation program, paid parental leave and no-cost gym access in the building. You will join a collaborative and creative hybrid work environment, with a talented group of 76 individuals who have a passion for their work. The corporate headquarters is located in the North Loop, Minneapolis with adjacent access to Light Rail and Metro Transit bus lines.