Forum for Modern Language Studies: Assistant Production Editor – Call For Applications

Forum for Modern Language Studies, a leading academic journal published by Oxford University Press, is seeking to appoint an Assistant Production Editor from 1st July 2017.

Forum for Modern Language Studies publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed research in the field of modern languages and literatures from the Middle Ages to the present-day, including linguistics, comparative literature, translation studies and film studies. Its main language areas are Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

The journal wishes to appoint a suitable candidate to the newly created post of Assistant Production Editor, whose main responsibilities will be:

  • proofreading electronic versions of articles, both before and after typesetting, often to tight deadlines;
  • ensuring consistent application of MHRA style guidelines;
  • working in an online environment with other Editorial Board members and Oxford University Press to ensure that the journal meets its publication deadlines;
  • assisting with the administration and production of book reviews.

Working closely with authors, the journal’s General Editor, the Senior Production Editor, the publisher and the typesetters, the Assistant Production Editor’s initial primary role will be to track, correct and coordinate proofs of articles to be published in General Issues of the journal (two per annum, each containing 5–8 articles / approx. 136 pages) from receipt from the typesetters to signing them off for publication. She or he will also advise on the composition of individual issues of the journal.

A further strand of the role concerns book reviews. Tasks include logging and collating book reviews received, proofreading these, and signing them off for publication.

Good word-processing skills will be required, and training in other technical aspects of the role, notably the use of electronic proofing tools, will be provided. Full training will also be given in the use of OUP’s online article submission and tracking system, ScholarOne Manuscripts.

The role requires an estimated 100-130 hours’ work per annum. The number of hours per month is likely to vary according to the journal’s copy flow. The appointment will be on a self-employed basis, initially at an hourly rate of £18.75. There is scope for the role to develop in terms of the number of hours and of the level of responsibility and remuneration involved.

You will work from home and must have access to a computer, an Internet connection and a telephone. You will be expected to attend two expenses-paid editorial meetings a year in St Andrews (one in mid-June, the other in mid-December).

Requirements

Essential

  • A good Honours degree (2:1 or above) in English or Modern Languages
  • Excellent command of English grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • Keen eye for the details of formatting and style
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Ability to schedule and keep track of files
  • Expert knowledge of MS Word.

Desirable

  • Higher degree (Master’s or PhD)
  • Advanced reading knowledge of one or more modern foreign languages (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish).

To apply for the post, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than one side of A4) outlining your motivation, suitability and qualifications for the post, to Dr Nicholas Martin, General Editor of Forum for Modern Language Studies (n.c.martin@bham.ac.uk). Applications should arrive no later than Friday 19 May 2017. The selection process will involve proofreading and editing tests.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in St Andrews or via Skype on Thursday 22 June 2017.

To discuss the role informally and/or to request further details, please contact Dr Mary Rigby, the journal’s Production Editor (mary_rigby20@outlook.com).