Senior Acquisitions Editor

Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Part-time Senior Acquisitions Editor at Berrett-Koehler, responsible for acquiring and developing nonfiction book projects. Focused on acquiring content that aligns with a mission for positive change.

Posted 6/17/2026part-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $56,493 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain the BK publication program to achieve the company’s mission through the acquisitions and development of twelve to fifteen new publications and new editions per year
Advance BK’s distinctive ways of acting as a steward of publications and partnering with authors to help BK succeed in the marketplace, in line with its mission
Partner in increasing BK’s profitability and financial health
Conduct active outreach through multiple mediums (digitally and in person) to locate suitable authors
Acquire, develop, transmit, and publish new publications or new editions in BK’s target markets and negotiate and sign those publication agreements, including both traditional and hybrid publishing agreements
Provide focused, in-depth editorial coaching, development, and guidance to authors from publication concept to final manuscript
Facilitate cost-effective design and production of publications by preparing authors for the design and production process, helping authors prepare manuscripts to meet design and production requirements, and ensuring the transmittal of final manuscripts
Assist authors in developing their own effective marketing plans for their publications by coaching them to connect with BK’s sales and marketing staff and efforts. Help authors gain realistic expectations for the extent and outcomes of those efforts
Interact with other departments and staff to keep them apprised and updated on upcoming projects and authors
Prepare book tip sheets and P & Ls for the publications board and present projects for approval to offer contracts
Actively collaborate in planning seasonal and annual publishing plans and related strategies

Requirements

What you’ll need

You have a minimum of five years’ experience as an acquisitions editor of nonfiction books
You are knowledgeable about acquisitions in one or more of our core nonfiction areas: general business and management, current affairs and societal change, and personal growth
You have active (and expanding) networks, groups, and circles from which you can identify and sign promising authors
You are willing and able to pound the pavement (digitally and otherwise) to find authors
You are willing to engage in substantive editorial work and project development of your books to actively shape the structure, messaging, and thrust of the works and ensure high quality and caliber of publications
You are excited to work with an editorial team that supports your efforts and collaborates with you on projects as needed, and with whom you will also share your support, knowledge, and guidance
You want to work for a mission-driven company that takes a collaborative approach

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

acquisitions editingeditorial coachingpublication developmentmanuscript preparationcontract negotiationmarketing plan developmentproject developmentpublication agreementsdesign and production processfinancial analysis

Soft Skills

collaborationcommunicationnetworkingcoachingproject managementinterpersonal skillsleadershipadaptabilityproblem-solvingstrategic thinking