Job Opportunity: Editor-in-Chief

Job Opportunity: Editor-in-Chief (Fixed-Term Contract)
Duration: 6 Months
Location: Remote (with occasional in-person meetings as required)
Payment: £5,000 for 18 days of work, at a rate of £278 per day.
Start Date: Immediately
End Date: July 2025

Lapidus International is seeking a creative and experienced, preferably Bristol based, Editor-in-Chief to lead the production of a pilot anthology of creative writing. The content for this anthology has been gathered.

This exciting project will support underrepresented creative voices in Bristol, funded by a legacy aimed at promoting diversity.

Key Responsibilities:

As Editor-in-Chief, you will oversee the project and play a central role in building and leading an editorial team, working closely with admin staff, Lapidus Board of Directors, benefactors and various team members.

A budget will be allocated for the anthology’s production, and ideally, a Bristol-based company will be chosen to print the hard copies. There are also plans to offer an online edition. Both versions will be available for sale, with the goal of generating funds for future projects.

Your tasks will include:

• Team Building & Leadership: Work with Lapidus admin staff and Board members to identify and recruit a team.
• Collaboration with Volunteers: Guide and support team, offering leadership and direction to ensure high standards are maintained throughout the editorial process. You will be instrumental in providing feedback, setting expectations, and managing timelines for the project.
• Contributor Engagement: Work directly with contributors to ensure their pieces are edited and refined. You will lead 1:1 discussions with contributors, offering creative suggestions and ensuring that their work aligns with the vision of the anthology.
• Oversight of Editing & Design: Supervise the work of the team to ensure the final anthology is cohesive, professionally presented, and error-free. You will ensure that all edits and design elements are consistent with the anthology’s goals and ethos.
• Final Production: Oversee the final stages of the anthology’s production, from layout approval to the final proofing, ensuring the project moves smoothly through to print. You will work with your team to implement any last-minute amendments and ensure timely completion.

 Additional Responsibilities:

• Organise a Launch Event: As Editor-in-Chief, you will be responsible for organising a launch event to celebrate the release of the anthology at the Lapidus International summer festival. This will involve coordinating with the team and contributors to ensure the event reflects the spirit of the project and Lapidus International’s mission to promote underrepresented creative voices.

You will oversee all aspects of the event, including for example:

• Planning and Logistics: Work with the admin staff and team to arrange the event, whether virtual or in-person, including the venue (if applicable), scheduling, and technical requirements.
• Contributor Involvement: Ensure that contributors have the opportunity to showcase their work, whether through readings, presentations, or other creative expressions.
• Promotion and Outreach: Collaborate with the events, marketing and social media team to promote the event and the anthology, ensuring a wide audience is reached, including members of the Lapidus community, supporters, and the wider public.
• Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: The event will be an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of voices included in the anthology, highlighting the importance of underrepresented writers and fostering a sense of community.

The successful candidate will ensure that the launch event is a memorable and impactful occasion that honours the hard work of contributors, volunteers, and the editorial team.

By building a strong and supportive team, you will foster a collaborative working environment that helps elevate the voices of underrepresented creative writers in Bristol, making this anthology a success.

Key Requirements:

• Understanding of Lapidus International’s Mission: A deep understanding and commitment to the mission of Lapidus International, which is to support and promote underrepresented creative voices, particularly in the realm of creative writing. The ideal candidate will share a passion for fostering diverse literary voices and be dedicated to creating an inclusive platform for writers from all backgrounds.
• Proven Editorial Experience: Extensive experience as an Editor-in-Chief, Creative Editor, or in a senior editorial role, with a demonstrated ability to manage the editorial process from selection to final production.
• Leadership & Team Building Skills: Experience in leading and building teams, including working with volunteers. You should be able to motivate, guide, and support a group of diverse individuals, ensuring collaboration and high-quality output.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for liaising with contributors, team members, and other stakeholders.
• Experience in Editing Anthologies: Previous experience editing anthologies or collections of creative writing, with a strong eye for selecting compelling content and providing constructive feedback.
• Collaborative Approach: Ability to work closely with admin staff, designers, copy editors, and proof-readers, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Passion for Diversity and Inclusion: A commitment to supporting underrepresented voices in the literary community, with a focus on creative writing projects that elevate marginalised perspectives.

Timeline:

This is a 6-month fixed-term contract, with an estimated 18 days of work across a 24-week period. The position will involve a flexible schedule, allowing for communication between the Creative Editor and contributors, but with quicker responses required during the final sign-off stages.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience, suitability for the role, and your approach to editing creative writing anthologies.

Send your application to: chair@lapidus.org.uk
Deadline for applications: Friday 28th February

We look forward to hearing how your editorial expertise and creative vision can help bring this exciting project to life!

Lapidus International is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the literary world and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.