Production Manager - eBooks & Backlist

About the role

The Production Manager of eBooks & Backlist leads a team of Production Specialists responsible for preparing, correcting, quality-checking, and delivering print and digital files. They oversee day-to-day workflows, troubleshoot complex production challenges, collaborate across departments, and help refine scalable processes that support speed, accuracy, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Production Specialists focused on eBook and backlist production.
• Manage day-to-day production workflows, ensuring projects are assigned, prioritized, and completed on schedule.
• Oversee file preparation, corrections, preflight, quality review, and final delivery for print and digital formats.
• Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for complex file issues, vendor discrepancies, and production blockers.
• Collaborate with Editorial, Production Editorial, Design, Marketing, vendors, and other cross-functional teams to meet project goals.
• Ensure files meet print, digital, art, image, and vendor specifications while maintaining consistency across projects.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve documentation, and increase efficiency through best practices and new technologies.
• Support capacity planning, workload balancing, and scheduling decisions by flagging risks and helping the team stay on track.
• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and high-quality execution.

Requirements

• 8+ years of book production experience, including print and digital publishing workflows.
• People management experience with a proven ability to coach, mentor, and build strong teams.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Strong typography, layout, and design skills with a sharp eye for file accuracy and production quality.
• In-depth knowledge of print specifications, file types, preflight standards, and production methods including offset, digital, and POD.
• Experience with eBook production tools and workflows, including XML-based processes and platforms such as Vellum.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve complex production challenges.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for process improvement.
• Must love books!

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for the craft of book production, where precision, creativity, and innovation come together.
• Must have a deep technical expertise, leadership, and a love of books to a fast-moving publishing environment.
• Must have a proven ability to manage a team of Production Specialists and ensure projects are completed on schedule.
• Must have experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Must have strong typography, layout, and design skills with a sharp eye for file accuracy and production quality.
• Must have in-depth knowledge of print specifications, file types, preflight standards, and production methods including offset, digital, and POD.
• Must have experience with eBook production tools and workflows, including XML-based processes and platforms such as Vellum.
• Must have strong technical troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve complex production challenges.
• Must have excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Must have a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for process improvement.
• Must have a passion for books!

Skills

• Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Typography, Layout, and Design
• Print Specifications, File Types, Preflight Standards, and Production Methods
• EBook Production Tools and Workflows
• Technical Troubleshooting
• Organizational, Communication, and Time Management Skills
• Collaboration and Solutions-Oriented Mindset
• Loves Books!

Benefits

• Medical/Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care
• Dependent Care
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off

Pay

This is an exempt salaried position with a range of $65,000 - $70,000. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

Schedule

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin. This role includes some travel with occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity — we’re looking for someone who’s as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!