Editor Wanted

Bookbird Seeks New Editor(s)

Bookbird: a Journal of International Children’s Literature is a refereed journal published quarterly by IBBY (The International Board on Books for Young People), and is distributed by the Johns Hopkins University Press.

Bookbird requires a new editor or team of editors. The application deadline is January 15, 2011. The new editor(s) should be in place by mid-2011 to prepare the first issue of 2012. The contract to edit Bookbird usually extends for three years.

The Bookbird editor(s) must have the following qualifications:
A postgraduate degree in an appropriate discipline, e.g. literature, languages, children’s literature, education, childhood studies, publishing or librarianship.
Experience in editing and copyediting a journal or books.
Evidence of a clearly defined interest in children’s literature, preferably in an international context.
An excellent command of the English language and a general ability to work with foreign languages and writers whose first language is not English. Proficiency in a language other than English will be an advantage.
A sympathetic ability to work with and encourage authors from a wide range of cultures and different educational backgrounds.
Excellent Information Technology skills including access to email and other appropriate technology.
An ability to work within and keep to deadlines.
Commitment to the ideals of IBBY and a willingness to work closely with the IBBY Secretariat and Executive Committee.

The editor(s) duties include:
Planning the content of each issue of Bookbird.
Sourcing and commissioning suitable articles.
Liaising with the Bookbird editorial panel and overseeing the refereeing process for each article.
Working with authors to improve their texts.
Editing and overseeing the copyediting and proofreading of articles and dealing with illustrations and permissions.
Liaising with the designer and printer and generally project-managing each issue of the journal and ensuring that it appears on time.
Working closely with and informing the board of Bookbird Inc. on editorial-related matters.

The editor(s) are required to attend Bookbird Inc. and IBBY Executive Committee meetings twice yearly in various venues around the world. These are held in March or April at the Bologna Book Fair and in another location in September or October. There is a small budget to cover hotel and travel expenses to these meetings.

This is a golden opportunity for an ambitious and creative person with a strong interest in international children’s literature to develop his/her career and acquire invaluable experience. It is not, however, a full-time job, remuneration is modest and the editors will need to provide their own back-up by way of office facilities and secretarial help. The editor(s) work from their own homes or offices and may be based in any country.

Interviews for the post are likely to be conducted by telephone with a possible follow-up interview in person.

Expressions of interest, including a detailed CV (resumé), a statement about the applicant’s vision for Bookbird and an outline of how the applicant would manage the processes involved in producing the journal are invited from suitably qualified persons. These should be sent by email to:
Valerie Coghlan, President of Bookbird Inc.: bookbirdpresident@gmail.com
Ellis Vance, Treasurer of Bookbird Inc.: Executive.Secretary@usbby.org .

It is hoped that the new editor(s) will be appointed by March 15, 2011.



October 2010