Position Overview

The Production Editor (PE) serves as the publishing project manager, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from manuscript completion through production and pre-press stages. This role is responsible for all author communication, timeline management, and quality control of the final product—ensuring editorial accuracy and strict adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style and house style guidelines.

This position will exclusively support our imprint, Rethink Books, which joined the Advantage family in 2025. Rethink Books partners with business leaders who are writing and publishing a book to elevate their brand and grow their business. This imprint offers professional project management and a streamlined publishing experience—positioning the book as the ultimate business card for its authors.

Working fluidly with authors, editors, designers, and the internal Advantage team, the PE manages multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accurate project status through an established project management system. This role demands exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and expert project management across multiple platforms. As a client-facing role, the PE must demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and the ability to navigate complex interactions with senior executives.

For the first 2–3 weeks, the contractor should expect a lighter onboarding schedule of approximately 3 hours per day. Once fully ramped, the role will average 30–35 hours per week. While the position offers flexibility, availability during standard business hours is required to effectively support client needs. Given the fast-paced nature of the work, some tasks may require completion within 24 hours of receipt.

The ideal candidate is highly self-sufficient and thrives in a fast-paced environment. They possess a sharp eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and a calm, diplomatic approach to managing multiple stakeholders. Executive presence is essential—this individual should be confident, articulate, and capable of managing projects with minimal oversight.

While this is a contract role, it is designed as a long-term opportunity with no defined end date. As the Rethink Books imprint continues to grow, there is potential for high-performing individuals to transition into a full-time W-2 position.

Expected Outcomes

• Serve as the key point of contact and project manager for authors, providing highly responsive communication and guiding them through the critical production stages from project kickoff to manuscript sign-off through final galley approval.
• Facilitate book title confirmation and initiate cover design process with designers.
• Oversee the graphics review process for all author-supplied images and files, confirming that assets meet resolution and usability standards for interior layout
• Deliver high-quality Editorial Proofs (EPs) by applying The Chicago Manual of Style and house style guidelines to maintain editorial accuracy, language consistency, and formatting integrity.
• Prepare and manage layout review cycles with authors.
• Conduct detailed reviews of layouts, checking for typographical errors, formatting inconsistencies, and the accurate implementation of graphics.
• Create accurate and well-composed cover copy and book summaries for retail and distribution, adhering to industry best practices and CMoS. 
• Coordinate cross-functional team alignment by working closely with editorial, design, and production teams to translate author feedback into actionable instructions for formatting and design.
• Ensure manuscripts progress smoothly through editorial and design phases, maintain clear documentation, and adherence to deadlines.
• Monitor contractual scope and timelines, confirming manuscript length, graphics components, and service hours remain within contractual parameters.
• Conduct pre-publication review to verify that final book files meet high publishing quality standards before approval for print.
• Respond to and take action on time-sensitive editorial and production tasks within required turnaround windows, including same-day or next-business-day reviews, in order to maintain project momentum and protect publication timelines.
• Serve as the internal communications bridge for authors enrolled in additional branding, marketing, and book promotion services, keeping relevant team contacts consistently informed of the publication schedule, any timeline adjustments, and the final confirmed publication date.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to editing, production workflows, and deadline management to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy throughout the book production process
• Project Management: Balances multiple book projects while meeting strict production deadlines and high editorial quality standards
• Customer Service Mindset: Provides consistent, reliable, and supportive guidance to authors through strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented approach
• Problem-Solving Approach: Identifies solutions for editorial and production challenges, maintaining workflow efficiency without compromising quality
• Efficiency: Manages competing priorities while delivering significant output with minimal wasted effort
• Adaptability: Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and evolving publishing needs
• Clear Communication: Works effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, maintaining transparent communication
• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with teams and freelancers, maintaining transparent project tracking and workflow efficiency
• Calm Under Pressure: Maintains professionalism and high standards in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Growth Mindset: Seeks continuous learning opportunities to stay ahead of evolving publishing trends and technologies

Skills and Experience

Required:

• 4-year college degree
• 5+ years experience in project management in a client facing role
• Expertise in copy editing, proofreading, and document formatting
• Familiarity with image resolution standards and graphics file requirements for print and digital publishing formats
• Strong mastery of the Chicago Manual of Style
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive), Adobe, and Microsoft Office
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a remote environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with multiple teams
• Experience working as a freelancer or independent contractor, including managing client relationships and meeting deliverable-based deadlines
• Willingness to complete a 1-hour editorial skills assessment as part of the interview process; only candidates who complete the assessment will be considered

Preferred:

• Degree in Publishing, English, Journalism, Editing, or Media
• Experience in book, magazine, newspaper, or other publishing formats
• Proficiency in workflow management software, such as Monday.com and Worksuite
• Familiarity with PageProof, InCopy, or similar publishing tools
• Knowledge of traditional and print-on-demand publishing processes
• Experience with design software and print file preparation
• Proficiency in AI tools and large language models (LLMs) for editorial workflows
• Comfort with asynchronous communication across time zones and platforms

Work Environment
This is a remote position.

About the Company

Founded in 2005, Advantage | The Authority Company helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders around the globe build their impact and grow their business through authority publishing, authority media, and thought leadership consulting services.

Advantage’s Authority Publishing group is one of the most respected independent non-fiction book publishers globally. Consisting of marquee brands Forbes® Books, SXSW® Books, Entrepreneur® Books, Advantage® Books,Rethink® Books, Advantage’s Authority Publishing group exclusively publishes CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are best in business. What began in the spare bedroom of Founder Adam Witty’s home now supports and publishes over 2,500+ authorities in 44 U.S. states and 17 countries. 

Beyond publishing, Advantage’s Authority Media group offers a suite of done-for-you services to help clients build and maintain their authority, including public relations, digital media strategies, serialized content, podcast production, and more. We are committed to helping entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders share their perspective and tell their stories to extend their audience reach and establish themselves as the go-to source for leadership in their fields. Recognized as “the authority on authority,” our mission is to help clients become thought leaders and drive business growth.

Advantage’s compelling vision, comprehensive strategy, and relentless focus on implementation are dedicated to serving CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders. With a strong emphasis on fostering growth and authority for its clients, the company creates an environment where innovation and impact thrive. If you’re excited to be part of a winning team, Advantage offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the success of influential leaders and businesses.