Classification Title
Book Designer
Job Description
This position is responsible for designing and typesetting books and covers, implementing good book design parameters, to create aesthetically pleasing book.
Develops and maintains the visual and aesthetic identity and standards of the University Press. Administers all design tasks for books and reprints: layout pages, import and crop photos, typeset tables and graphs, input text corrections. Responsible for the interior and exterior design of all books published by the University Press. The Designer will design, typeset, and lay out a variety of books, and work directly with project editors to make proof corrections and create final print-ready PDFs.
Oversees work assigned to freelance designers and works in coordination with production staff for typesetting, reprint updates, and ebook requirements. Provides professional expertise and keeps current with design trends. Position requires a thorough knowledge of typography and book design standards.
The incumbent will research cover art and bring knowledge of design and technical specifications to final cover decisions. The incumbent will create, maintain, and archive electronic files for works assigned.
25% Interior Design: Oversee the design of 65 book interiors per year, including typesetting and layout for 20 design-intensive books, utilizing freelancers as needed. Develop InDesign templates and ensure thorough type specifications, while providing suitable electronic files for production. Work directly with in-house manuscript editors to make page proof corrections to text and covers, providing PDF files for proofreading, and creating final packaged InDesign files and print-ready PDFs, adhering to printers’ specifications. Design with respect to ebook requirements. Oversee the manuscript-to-book process, balancing creative and technical demands while adhering to strict timelines and budgets.
20% Book Cover Design: Create approximately 65 complete book covers/jackets annually, utilizing freelancers as needed, providing multiple design sketches for review and presenting final designs to the design committee and authors for approval, ensuring compliance with design standards, marketing needs, schedules, and budgets. Research and select appropriate cover images, as needed.
15% Reprints: Work with production team to update backlist files and designs for reprinting and new formats.
15% Collaboration and Oversight: Work closely with the EDP manager to establish design strategy, monitor freelance designers, and assist in training interns. Foster collaboration across departments and contribute to Press-wide initiatives. Delegate designs to staff or freelancers as appropriate.
10% Quality Control: Conduct quality control checks on design layouts, templates, and proofs, resolving any design queries and making necessary corrections.
5% Consultation: Engage with acquiring editors and marketing team to discuss preferences for cover art and design treatment, providing guidance on art preparation.
5% Policy Implementation: Formulate and interpret operating policies related to design processes, participating in departmental objectives and long-term planning.
5% Software and Technology: Stay updated on relevant design software and technology, pursuing professional development opportunities and selecting appropriate tools for the design team.
Expected Salary
Commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Art, Communications, or a related field.
Experience: Four or more years of design and typesetting experience in book publishing, including a portfolio with at least 10 published book covers and 5 published book interiors.
Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Expertise in designing and typesetting illustrated and scholarly books.
Knowledge of typographic standards and experience working with offset and digital printers.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design.
Experience: Five or more years of experience in book text design and jacket design. Experience with a university press, academic book publisher, or other nonprofit book publisher.
Skills: Expertise designing, typesetting, and overseeing production of large format, heavily illustrated, full-color books as well as complicated scholarly books including charts, tables, and special characters, and trade books for a wide audience.
High level of expertise in Adobe InDesign using styles. Experience in designing book covers and producing typeset book files using the Scribe XML Well-Formed Document Workflow.
Special Instructions To Applicants
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required: No
