Summer Publishing in Full Swing

Summer is in full swing, which means that publishing is, in many ways, going into snooze mode as editors, publishers, and authors take long weekends or go off on long vacations. That doesn’t mean that the industry is comatose, though. Jobs keep popping up, and there are some interesting events taking place around the city and suburbs.

Remember, posting jobs and events at CPN is free (!). Send details to us at cpn @ bibliobibuli.com.

Finally, check out this month’s CPN Profile of Chicago editor Ann Wildman. Ann’s editorial career has taken her from value publishing to trade publishing to education publishing, so she has some insider insight into various forms of publishing. She shares some of her insight in this month’s CPN Profile below.

Chicago Publishing Events

Be sure to check with the hosts or sponsors of events before showing up. Have fun!

Friday, July 10

The Science of Obscurity: An Official Printers’ Ball Lead-up Event!

7 p.m.

Jupiter Outpost

1139 West Fulton Market, Chicago

The Chicago Underground Library celebrates “The Science of Obscurity,” an evening of new, unpublished, and in-progress works presented as science fair experiments. The night will also feature a public book launch via catapult and the mass purging of rejection letters—community literary rituals in need of revival! This event is free and for all ages. Its other attractions include the dazzling debut of the Chicago Underground Library’s artist-designed drop boxes, debutantes, prizes, and a raffle! For information, visit http://www.poetryfoundation.org/programs/events.html or http://underground-library.org/

Saturday, July 11

Chicago Women in Publishing Annual Planning Meeting

9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Let the planning begin! Join CWIP board members in sharing new ideas at our annual planning meeting. We will discuss plans for the Fall Kickoff and gather topics for Wednesday night programs, networking events, the Web site, and the CWIP newsletter, Clips. We’ll start at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast and end at 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. All members are welcome. Please RSVP by July 9 to Tulie O’Connor at tulieoconnor@hotmail.com. Directions to the meeting, which is being held at a CWIP member’s house, will be provided when you RSVP. For more information, call Tulie at 312-329-6049.

Sunday, July 12

Collaboration: An Official Printers’ Ball Lead-up Event!

2 p.m.

Woman Made Gallery

675 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

For this event, writers’ work and/or performance will involve interaction with other writers, performers, art forms, media, maybe even with the audience. Participants in the event include Simone Muench and Philip Jenks, presenting collaboratively written poetry; Mars Gamba-Adisa Caulton, working with her own music; performance poetry duo Marty McConnell and Andi Strickland; Jennifer Karmin, in a live improvised collaborative performance of the text-sound epic Aaaaaaaaaaalice with Chicago writers Carrie Olivia Adams, Daniel Godston, Laura Goldstein, Amira Hanafi, Coman Poon, and Larry Sawyer; and curator Nina Corwin in collaboration with Janice Misurell-Mitchell, internationally known improvisational flautist. For more information, visit http://www.womanmade.org/poetry.html

Monday, July 13

Author Event: Cokie Roberts

At noon

Harold Washington Library Center

Cindy Pritzker Auditorium

400 S. State Street, Chicago

Renowned journalist and political commentator Cokie Roberts discusses and signs her book, We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters. In this tenth anniversary edition, Roberts once again examines the nature of women’s roles through the revealing lens of her personal experience. From mother to mechanic, sister to soldier, Roberts reveals how much progress has now been made—and how much further we have to go. Updated and expanded to include a diverse new cast of women, this collection of essays offers tremendous insight into the opportunities and challenges that women encounter today. For information, visit http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/29435/

Tuesday, July 14

Use the Book You Didn’t Know You’d Written to Market Your Skills

5 p.m.

National-Louis University, Room 5008

122 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Don’t think you can write a book? Two-time IWOC president Jim Kepler says you probably already have, and don’t even know it! He’ll explain how to work material you’ve already created into a book, how to sell it, and where to go from there. Networking with refreshments begins at 5 p.m.; the discussion begins at 6 p.m. A buy-your-own-dinner networking event will follow the program at a nearby restaurant. Free for IWOC members; $15 for nonmembers. For information, visit http://www.iwoc.org/iwoc_events.htm

Tuesday, July 14

Author Event: C. Wyatt Evans

6 p.m.

Harold Washington Library Center

400 S. State Street, Chicago

C. Wyatt Evans will read from and discuss his illuminating and humorous book about the history of John Wilkes Booth as a romantic, doomed assassin, and the way his image held the public imagination long after his death. For information, visit http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/29501/

Wednesday, July 15

Call for Entries: 2009 Book & Media Show

Chicago Book Clinic proudly announces a Call for Entries in its 58th Show. The deadline for entries is July 15, 2009. The goal is to demonstrate the outstanding quality of publishing in the Midwest and to recognize the importance of books (or book design) and multimedia in our society. We invite the publishing community to enter their best works.

Visit http://chicagobookclinic.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bm09_callforentries.pdf to download the entry form. See http://chicagobookclinic.org/news/ for additional information.

Thursday, July 16

Chicago Creative Coalition Networking Dinner

6 p.m.

Moody’s Pub

5901 N. Broadway Street, Chicago

Get to know your creative peers at our monthly networking dinners where there are no agendas, no sales pitches, no boring speeches, and — ta da — no dues! We call them Creatives and Networking Dining Occasions, or for short, CAN DO Dinners. Join us and we’ll compare notes on who’s working, who isn’t, who has ideas, and who knows whom. In these challenging times, you can’t be too connected, so come on by. Easy ground rules: attendees should be in creative fields, but do not have to be C3 members. Everyone buys their own food and drink (minimum of $10) to keep the restaurants happy. RSVPs are necessary, and be sure to bring plenty of business cards. Ask to be seated at the C3 table. And, we’ll keep the locations moving around by attendee choice. RSVP to CanDo@chicagocreative.org. For information, visit http://www.chicagocreative.org/view-event.php?id=25

Wednesday, July 22–Sunday, July 26

25th Annual Newberry Library Book Fair

Hours vary

60 W. Walton Street, Chicago

Celebrate 25 years of inexpensive used books at the Newberry’s annual Book Fair. We have a record number of books to sell this year! More than 110,000 donated books will be sorted into 70 categories for your browsing convenience. With many books priced under $2, it’s easy to replenish your home library’s holdings on subjects ranging from antiques to zoology. Admission is free. For information, visit http://www.newberry.org/giving/events/Bookfair.html

Friday, July 31

The Fifth Annual Printer’s Ball

5 p.m.

Ludington Building, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago

Sponsored by Poetry magazine in collaboration with more than100 literary organizations. Featuring tons of free print available free of charge, offset and letterpress demonstrations, papermaking workshops, readings, live music, and surprises. For information, visit http://printersball.org/

Chicago Publishing Gigs

There are a number of opening for publishing and media jobs. This is just a smattering. Remember to check with the employer for additional details about the jobs listed below. Good luck!

Children’s Marketing & Publicity Associate

Sourcebooks, a leading independent book publisher, is seeking a marketing and publicity associate for our children’s imprint.� This is a new position for our growing children’s book list and is available in either Chicago or New York.� This position will be responsible for creating and implementing marketing and publicity campaigns to build sales, increase profitability and enhance the visibility of Sourcebooks Jabberwocky in the marketplace. Additional responsibilities include promoting our books and authors, planning author tours, developing strong press materials, and strategic marketing to libraries and bookstores. Minimum 3-4 years prior marketing and/or publicity experience required, preferably within children’s book publishing.� This is an exciting opportunity for a multi-tasking individual with high energy, excellent organizational skills, creative thinking abilities, an ability to collaborate with cross-functional personnel, and strong communication & leadership skills. Please send a letter of interest, a resume and salary requirements to publicityjobs@sourcebooks.com.

Managing Editor

Goodheart-Willcox is searching for a management professional to develop and expand our Business and Marketing secondary and college level product line. This person will be responsible for acquisitions and new product development. This position will also edit, verify accuracy of content, and write (as needed) manuscripts for business and marketing texts and supplements. Responsibilities include: Determine the need for new Business and Marketing texts and support materials; Find qualified authors to write and develop new products; Research and remain informed about the strengths and weaknesses of competing products. This position is posted on CareerBuilder: http://careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=QHKCVGM&ff=21&APath=2.21.21.0.0&job_did=J8F0FF6DJQKVJKN902M

Markets and News Editor

Magazine and Web publisher seeks financial journalist to write and edit trading strategy features and report on trading industry developments for the benefit of our readership of independent investors and traders. Responsibilities: Covering the financial markets and the investment/trading industry beyond the generalities of the mainstream press. Rewriting/editing stories, managing contributing writers and editors, and writing original features about trading and investments (stocks, futures, options, and forex/currencies). Requirements: At least 3-5 years of journalism/editorial experience, or an equivalent blend of financial market analysis and editorial experience. A writing/editing test will be mandatory for all applicants under consideration. This position is posted on CareerBuilder: http://careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=QHKCVGM&ff=21&APath=2.21.21.0.0&job_did=J8G60278TT0LWX8904L

Medical Editor

Our client company is a full service Medical Education Company that exclusively develops and executes a new standard of CME programs that educate healthcare professionals and ultimately, improve patient care. Our client offers innovative products, services, and audience generation solutions that greatly impact the dissemination of scientific information to physicians and allied health professionals. Duties include: Traffic editorial and medical writing for all scientific content and editorial needs; Proactively interface with project and program teams, scientific director, and graphics for all content and editorial needs; and Edit PowerPoint slides, slide notes, abstracts, manuscripts and other types of medical media and literature for Continuing Medical Education Programs. Requirements include: 7-10 years leading an editorial and writing team for continuing medical education (CME); Proactive in communicating with members across teams to manage editorial traffic efficiently; Manage resources and be able to identify freelance needs with Scientific Director/Associate Scientific Director. This job is posted on CareerBuilder: http://careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=QHKCVGM&ff=21&APath=2.21.21.0.0&job_did=J7X0J56S4PF3J2W0DCD

Producer, Partner Resources & Alliances

Responsible for day-to-day operation of delivering print and digital media using virtual resources, domestic suppliers, and offshore vendors. This strategic role will require interfacing directly with clients and vendors to secure and adhere to all technical guidelines for projects. Requirements include: Bachelor’s (business/media production); 5+ years managing media/print production; Able to establish workflows and manage resources; Experience with the latest publishing technologies (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, XML, HTML, Flash, content management systems); Digital media delivery and vendor knowledge; Has managed/established service levels and quality control standards. Apply online @ www.quarasan.com/careers

Science Editor

The University of Chicago seeks a science editor to electronically copy edit and revise manuscripts, research proposals, patent disclosures, figures and presentations for English grammar, clarity, accuracy, and conformity to Journal style. Maintain checklists of submission requirements for journals, templates of journal formatting styles for text and references, and a database of contacts. Monitor deadlines; create and maintain electronic copies of all documents; maintain group library, archives, calendar, and content of group web pages; process letters of recommendation. For information, visit https://jobopportunities.uchicago.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1246471513913

Senior Permissions Specialist

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a global education company with approximately $2.5 billion in revenue. We are currently seeking a Sr. Permissions Specialist for our Evanston office. Responsibilities include: Acts as liaison between Editorial, Design, and Project Management to facilitate the clearance of text permissions; Negotiates terms and conditions for use of previously published material in HMH K-12 product, securing licenses from other publishers, agents, authors and illustrators; Ensures timely clearance of assigned permissions. Negotiates most favorable fees, royalty terms and boilerplate contract language; Provides historical data for forecasting and monitoring budgets. Required: 5 years experience; BA/BS. Apply at www.hmhpub.apply2jobs.com

CPN Profile

Ann Wildman is an editor with the Wright Group at McGraw-Hill. Ann’s background includes theater and publishing, but publishing has been her focus for the past decade. As with many Chicago-area publishing professionals, Ann has passed through Publications International, which seems to be something of a publishing rite of passage. Her career has taken her from value publishing to trade publishing to education publishing.

How long have you been in publishing?

10 years

What was your first editorial job? Was it what you hoped it would be?

Assistant acquisitions editor at Publications International. I was excited about the research aspect of the position and the opportunity to learn from the other editors. As an assistant, you get to work on a variety of projects as you help the more senior editors. I had good editors, so I was able to work on some fun projects.

You’ve worked for value publishers, trade publishers, and education publishers. How do these organizations and their approaches to publishing differ from one another?

Each obviously has a different approach toward their market. Value publisher customers don’t pay a lot for the product, so budgets are very important in this type of publishing. Trade publishers need to be concerned about the perception of the book: do enough people know the author? is there a great interest in the topic at the moment? and how have this author’s books performed in the past? It is all about getting the book out in the market and creating a buzz about it. Educational publishers are dependant on schools, governments, and teachers. It is a completely different market. While we must make quality educational materials for students, we are really trying to sell the materials to the school boards and teachers since they are the decision makers. So educational books not only have to make learning interesting and understandable for the student, but the information needs to be presented in an uncomplicated manner for the teachers to digest quickly and to be differentiated enough for his or her diverse students and teaching methods. It is quite a challenge since we are trying to reach so many different teachers and learners.

How do you think publishing has changed in the past five years? 10 years?

The production cycle has definitely shortened, in half in some cases. There is not enough time to hone every aspect of the project in house, so you have to hire and trust good outside vendors or freelancers to do what they are being paid to do. This is also something that has changed recently. More work is being outsourced. I have worked exclusively with full-service vendors to create an outline, write, edit, and provide production for the projects I have worked on for the last three years. Publishers are keeping slim in-house staffs and staffing up or down with project workers and freelancers depending on the needs for the year.

What do you think is unique about Chicago-area publishing?

I have only worked in Chicago, so I don’t have anything to compare to. But I have met a lot of great people associated with the Chicago-area publishing industry and some of them have turned into long-time friends. While Chicago and the surrounding area is large, it is a small publishing community that is sort of like family. You keep running into distant relatives at the occasional reunion (i.e., new project), and you can rely on their support when you really need it.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start out or advance in Chicago-area publishing?

Don’t be afraid to show how good you are. Don’t be arrogant, but if you do good work, you have to remind your managers every so often. Let your managers know that you want to advance and lay out a plan with them to get you there. You should come up with specific, obtainable steps, and once you achieve these steps, things should work out. I always assumed managers knew their employees wanted to advance, so I wasn’t as vocal as I should have been sometimes. Also, start to assume some of the roles that are typical of the position you want. Managers will notice that you can already do some of the work and hopefully reward you. However, be careful what roles you take on—you don’t want to step on toes.