Associate Editor

Job title : Associate Editor

About the Role

• We are seeking an Associate Editor to contribute to the development of books from the Africa continent.
• This role is suited to an editor who is curious, attentive to detail and interested in how manuscripts are shaped into thoughtful, well-produced publications.
• The Associate Editor will play an important part in supporting authors, strengthening editorial processes and helping each project move successfully from manuscript to publication.
• The role offers an opportunity to deepen editorial judgement, build strong relationships across the publishing process and contribute meaningfully to the growth of a dynamic African publishing house.

Responsibilties
Editorial Acquisitions and Submissions:

• Assess manuscripts for quality, relevance, suitability and alignment with Company’s publishing vision.
• Manage the twice-yearly submission windows, including submission records, acknowledgements, correspondence and internal review processes.
• Prepare clear manuscript assessments and recommendations to support acquisition and publishing decisions.
• Support the identification and development of distinctive African writing and publishing opportunities.

Editorial Project Management and Standards:

• Ensure projects and supporting materials are complete, accurate and properly prepared before production.
• Maintain editorial calendars, production schedules, project trackers and databases and flag delays or risks promptly.
• Apply Company’s editorial policies, house style and quality standards consistently.
• Contribute ideas for improving editorial systems, workflows and project delivery.

Author and Editor Relations:

• Maintain professional, responsive and constructive relationships with authors throughout the publishing process.
• Manage the commissioning and coordination of freelance editors for editorial projects.

Cross-functional Production Coordination:

• Coordinate with the operations and design teams to keep editorial and production projects on schedule across the Lagos and Nairobi teams.
• Coordinate with the digital marketing and communications team to align publication information, publicity assets and timelines.

Key Performance Indicators

• High editorial judgement for manuscript assessments and editorial recommendations.
• Accuracy, organisation and completeness of manuscript files and projects.
• Timely movement of projects through editorial and production stages.
• Effective coordination of authors, freelance editors and internal teams.
• Prompt identification and resolution of delays, omissions and editorial risks.
• Consistency in applying Company’s editorial standards, house style and ethical requirements.
• Professional communication and strong working relationships across the publishing process.

Experience and Qualifications

• A Degree in English, Literature, Publishing, Communications, the Humanities or a related field.
• At least four to five years of relevant editorial experience, including experience working with manuscripts or long-form content.
• Demonstrable experience in proofreading, copyediting, manuscript assessment or editorial project coordination.
• Familiarity with book production workflows, metadata and publishing schedules is an advantage.
• A strong interest in African literature and in developing books and ideas for local and international audiences.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong editorial judgement, with excellent reading, writing, proofreading and communication skills.
• A discerning understanding of the qualities that make a manuscript publishable.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate constructively with authors, editors and colleagues.
• Proactive, dependable and solutions-oriented, with sound judgement and discretion.
• Competence with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and digital project-management or publishing tools.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to African literary cultures, publishing contexts and diverse readerships.