Writer-Editor_

Summary This position is located in the general Publishing Office of the Center for Exhibits and Interpretation in the Office of the Librarian. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. The position description number for this position is 384062. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. Responsibilities Manages all projects with creativity, innovation, and accuracy while maintaining the highest levels of integrity in scholarship and editorial practice. With occasional guidance from the Lead Writer-Editor and senior Writer-Editors, navigates and negotiates the editorial and publication process with authors, other Library staff, and co-publishers. Guides authors in identifying and selecting appropriate illustrations, obtains high-resolution scans, clears reproduction rights, and assembles art logs with appropriate captions and credits. Develops and tracks editorial and production schedules to ensure timely completion of project. Prepares manuscripts, art, and other necessary elements for transmittal to co-publishers. With occasional guidance from the Lead Writer-Editor and senior Writer-Editors, Identifies the need for freelance assistance with copy editing, proofreading, index preparation, image research, peer review, etc. Reviews and marks up proofs at various stages of publication, along with promotional copy and design concepts and coordinates appropriate approvals by authors, lead writer-editor, and director of publishing. Maintains clean print and digital files at all stages and creates record copies upon completion of each project. Actively participates in planning sessions for new publications to be developed in concert with major public-facing initiatives such as exhibitions. Attends Library events to identify potential topics and solicits proposals from Library staff. Consults with Lead Writer-Editor and senior Writer-Editors to develop concepts for new works to highlight Library collections. Reviews and refines concepts proposed by potential authors. Evaluates proposed projects and assesses their suitability for Library publication. With occasional guidance from the Lead Writer-Editor and senior Writer-Editors, conducts research and writes text for book-length works, including main narratives, prefaces, introductions, acknowledgements, captions, credits, bibliographies, indices, and other backmatter. Drafts foreword on behalf of the Librarian of Congress and others and routes it through the appropriate approval process. Performs image research to identify appropriate illustrative material in Library collections. Checks factual information to ensure authentic detail and methodically records sources. Validates the integrity of the manuscript by soliciting reviews and critiques from internal and external subject matter experts. Contributes content to non-book projects when necessary. Evaluates and edits proposals, manuscripts, and proofs; with occasional guidance from the Lead Writer-Editor and senior Writer-Editors engages in developmental editing with authors and fellow staff editors to improve concepts, proposals, and manuscripts. In consultation with authors, fellow editors, and/or lead writer-editor, reorganizes whole or partial manuscripts by restructuring, refining, or rewriting sentences, paragraphs, and/or sections. Edits texts to correct errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation, fact, or style and/or to improve clarity of expression. Develops prospective publication plan by identifying potential audience, specifying potential binding, trim size, and price, and identifying competing titles. Identifies potential co-publishers by noting similar titles in their lists of publications and researching appropriate editorial contacts. Creates and disseminates illustrated proposals to potential co-publishers with instructions for submitting offers. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Knowledge of publishing and design techniques for publications, posters, brochures, and other printed material.** Knowledge of reference sources and research techniques.** Ability to write and edit written materials for a variety of audiences. Ability to interact collaboratively with others regarding writing, editing and publishing projects. Ability to plan and manage projects. Ability to use information technology to perform writing duties. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education There are no education requirements for this posting. Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.