In-house Copy Editor

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) is a not-for-profit provider of continuing legal education for lawyers and other legal advocates. MCLE has an immediate opening for a full-time, in-house copy editor. The Copy Editor is responsible for copy editing, proofreading, and formatting assigned manuscripts; reviewing and preparing final print and e-book PDFs; and compiling print and e-book program material PDFs. The Copy Editor works as a team with three other Copy Editors; collaborates with the Publications, Programs, and Marketing & Digital Content staff; and works under the direction of the Production Manager.

Job Responsibilities

• Correct syntax, spelling, grammar, style, and punctuation of assigned manuscripts, applying editorial conventions.
• Format authors’ original submissions using established templates.
• Highlight significant manuscript edits, including updated URLs and cross-references, for Publications Attorneys’ reviews.
• Prepare chapter files for indexing, finalize indexes, and send and receive files from freelance indexers as needed.
• Finalize chapter files and create or update front matter. 
• Review final chapter files for pagination, style, and layout consistency; prepare final print and e‑book PDFs; and prepare cover files for print books.
• Compile assigned program materials, prepare print and e-book PDFs, and transmit completed program materials to printer.
• Update project tracking files on department’s Microsoft SharePoint site and provide daily project status updates to the Production Manager.
• Participate in department discussions regarding evolving house style and its implementation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in publishing, English, or related field
• 2+ years of copy-editing experience in publishing preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in spelling, grammar, proofreading, and other language skills
• Knowledge of copy-editing conventions, e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style
• Knowledge of legal citation forms, e.g., The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, CorelDraw or InDesign, and Dropbox
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to remain focused when working on multiple projects
• Adaptability copy editing the works of a diverse group of authors and reconciling differences in style with tact while upholding MCLE’s high publishing standards
• Willingness to collaborate with a team of copy editors
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Compensation and Benefits

• Non-exempt hourly position
• Salary range: $36,000–$60,000; annual salary review
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm (or other agreed upon schedule between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm) with a 1-hour lunch break; 37.5 hour work week
• Remote work: 
  months 1 through 3: in-office 5 days per week
  months 4+: remote 2 days (assigned) and in-office 3 days per week
• 13 paid holidays
• Sick time accrued up to 120 hours per year
• 2 personal days allotted per year
• Vacation:
  years 1 and 2: 10 days accrued per year
  years 3 and 4: 15 days accrued per year
  years 5+: 20 days accrued per year
• Employer pension contribution: 7.5% of annual salary, vesting on first anniversary
• 401k employee contribution: eligible from first day of employment
• 75% of health insurance premium
• 50% of dental and/or vision insurance premiums
• 100% long and short-term disability insurance and life insurance premiums
• Educational benefits: $1,000 per semester with prior approval, up to $2,000 per year
• Smoke-free environment

MCLE is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment. MCLE’s employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.