Book Development Manager

About the role

The Book Development Manager leads the front‑end of the publishing pipeline for the House's K‑10 market. This role focuses on author engagement, project plans, and market intelligence, ensuring projects are viable, pedagogically sound, and aligned with the publisher's long‑term roadmap. Working in parallel with production managers, the Book Development Manager nurtures authors and prepares manuscripts for smooth transition into production.

Key responsibilities

• Scout and engage potential authors, series coordinators, and subject matter experts and nurture long‑term author relationships
• Oversee author-related matters tied to contracts and projects, including disputes, royalty concerns, and copyright/derivative work issues
• Connect with partner institutions (ex. Catholic schools, diocesan or system schools) and present publishing opportunities
• Review project proposals for curriculum fit, market relevance, and feasibility
• Guide qualified authors, series coordinators, revisers, and rewriters through onboarding, orientation, and continuing training programs
• Prepare project briefs, proposals (new and revision titles), and recommendations for the Executive Committee's review
• Conduct preliminary negotiations on scope, timelines, and expectations
• Track project status and maintain author/project databases in coordination with the House Coordinator
• Provide development forecasts to support 3‑ and/or 5‑year publishing plans
• Monitor curriculum changes, competitor titles, and educational trends, and coordinate with Marketing to align project development with market insights

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Literature, Business, or related field (Master's preferred)
• Proven leadership experience, preferably in educational publishing or curriculum development
• Strong editorial judgment and developmental editing skills, with understanding of pedagogy and curriculum standards
• Demonstrated accountability, professionalism, and drive
• Skilled coach and mentor with the ability to develop and guide authors and teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Ability to balance creative vision with market and curriculum requirements