Figure 1, a leading Canadian publisher of illustrated books, is seeking an experienced, full-time Managing Editor. This role is critical to the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to partner-focused publishing. 

The successful candidate will oversee the editorial and production workflow for all Figure 1 book projects. The Managing Editor manages schedules, coordinates authors and freelance editorial talent, and ensures projects move smoothly from acquisition through editing, design, proofing, and print production. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, small-team publishing environment.

Our ideal candidate has several years’ experience in editorial or production roles in book publishing. Customer service / client-facing experience is an asset. They will bring enthusiasm and curiosity to the work, will be willing to engage in creative problem-solving and seek advice when needed, and be excited to help grow as a part of a small but accomplished and ambitious team.

About us

We work with storytellers, artists, curators, designers, chefs, and other creatives to make books of the highest quality, in the areas of art and photography, architecture and design, Indigenous art and culture, and food and drink. As we operate in a hybrid publishing model (which you can learn more about here), often with first-time authors, our work is highly collaborative in nature.

Our values

• Passion for books: We have a shared love for beautifully designed, well-written books, and we seek to celebrate that in everything we do.
• Respect for our team: We value the ideas, expertise, and unique contributions of our staff and freelancers, and compensate them fairly.
• Service-driven: Our work relies on the trust and respect of our authors and clients, which we earn by making high-quality books that serve their publishing goals.
• Pursuit of quality: We are always pushing to reach higher levels of excellence with every project.
• Collaborative: We believe that a shared commitment to teamwork and knowledge sharing among our Figure 1 staff, clients and publishing partners produces exceptional books that benefit all stakeholders.
• Disciplined: We regularly assess and improve our systems, communications, client services, industry knowledge, business strategy and individual performances.
  

Job overview

Reporting to the Publisher, the Managing Editor coordinates all stages of book production—from manuscript to finished book. Responsibilities include managing project schedules, organizing production documentation, assigning and supervising freelance editors, proofreaders, and indexers, and working closely with authors, clients, designers, and the in-house sponsor to move projects through editorial and design.

The Managing Editor also oversees print production, including requesting quotes, coordinating printer proofs and approvals, issuing purchase orders, and tracking shipments to warehouses. Additional responsibilities include maintaining bibliographic records, preparing CIP applications and deposits with Library and Archives Canada, managing ebook production and distribution for select titles, and maintaining internal workflow systems and production documentation.

Key responsibilities

Editorial and project management

• Oversee the editorial production of all Figure 1 titles.
• Create and maintain project schedules and organize project documentation and folders.
• Assign and manage freelance editors, proofreaders, indexers, printer proofers, and other editorial contributors as required.
• Track freelance costs and manage invoice documentation.
• Work closely with in-house project sponsors, designers, editors, authors, and clients on manuscript files, images, tagging, maps, and other production materials.
• Format manuscripts for editors upon initial submission.
• Input and organize text and image files when required.
• Manage author and client communications, including distributing schedules, guidelines, templates, permissions documentation, and other supporting materials.
• Follow up on outstanding materials and respond to author and client questions throughout the publishing process.
• Send approval PDFs to contributors of compilation books.
• Schedule shipping of contributor copies.
• Maintain and expand a strong network of freelance editorial and production professionals.

Print production

• Manage print production for all titles.
• Maintain relationships with printers and suppliers and research new vendors as needed.
• Request print quotes and schedules and issue purchase orders.
• Coordinate printer templates, proofs, and approvals.
• Assign a proofreader for printer proofs.
• Monitor printer invoices.
• Track shipping, customs, and delivery to the warehouse.

Production coordination

• Liaise with the Publisher and in-house project sponsor on project status and scheduling.
• Lead a weekly production meeting reviewing the full in-progress publishing list.
• Participate in project planning and launch meetings with internal staff and clients.

Publishing records and bibliographic data

• Maintain bibliographic and project specification records.
• Manage project documentation and archived production records.
• Assign ISBNs, complete and submit CIP applications and Legal Deposits to Library and Archives Canada.

Workflow and systems

• Maintain and improve internal production systems and workflows.
• Identify and address gaps in editorial and production processes.
• Develop and update internal workflow resources, including author and client guidelines, permissions templates, editorial documentation, and style guides.

Digital publishing

• Maintain relationships with ebook production partners.
• Monitor developments in digital publishing technologies relevant to Figure 1’s publishing program.

Qualifications

• Several years’ experience in book publishing, preferably in editorial or production management
• Strong understanding of editorial and print production workflows
• Experience managing illustrated or complex book projects
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong copyediting and proofreading ability and attention to detail
• Experience working with freelance editorial and production professionals
• Familiarity with print production and working with printers
• Knowledge of ebook production and digital publishing formats
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with authors, clients, and collaborators
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Assets

• Experience working with art, photography, or cookbook publishing
• Familiarity with Canadian publishing standards and processes

Location and hours

We are a fully remote workplace. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, in the traditional, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, with staff residing in the Lower Mainland and other regions. 

At this time we are only considering candidates based in Vancouver or Toronto who are legally entitled to work in Canada. 

This is a full-time, salaried position with a targeted start date of December 7, 2026.

Regular work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PT, including a one-hour lunch break. Some flexibility in working hours can be accommodated, especially for those working in other time zones. 

Occasional travel will be required, including to in-person team meetings in Vancouver.

Compensation and benefits

• Salary range: $60,000-68,000, commensurate with experience
• Three weeks’ paid leave annually: two weeks anytime during the year and one week during the Figure 1 office closure between Christmas and New Year’s
• Annual healthcare spending account
• Participation in annual bonus program 
• Half-day Fridays in July and August
• Professional development opportunities 
• Copies of Figure 1 publications

How to apply

Please email a cover letter and resume saved as a single PDF or Word document to [email protected] by November 9, 2026.

Applications and queries will be kept confidential. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviewing will take place in mid-November.. 

We are committed to diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those individuals who identify as BIPOC, disabled, LGBTQ2+, and others who face barriers to employment. We ask applicants who require accommodation throughout the hiring process to connect by contacting [email protected]

A note on artificial intelligence

We are an independent publisher working with and championing creatives in the arts. As such, we restrict the use of our publications for large-language-model training and insist our authors and clients do not submit any content generated by services using artificial intelligence or large-language models. We will not be using AI as part of our hiring process, and we ask applicants to embrace their humanness and refrain from using these tools in their applications.