Editor – Berkshire Family Historian

Berkshire Family History Society is looking for an Editor for its quarterly magazine, the Berkshire Family Historian, which is distributed to all members as a 40 page A5 booklet. Some desktop publishing experience is required although the outgoing Editor is available to  help the new Editor transition into the role.  We are an entirely volunteer-run charity and this a voluntary role.  

If you are interested please contact editor@berksfhs.org.uk

Time commitment

12 – 15 hours, every three months

Location

This is a remote working position.  The Editor does not have to be a resident of Berkshire or even the UK.  Membership of the society is  preferred but not essential

Tasks and responsibilities

1. Gathering in or originating text and images for each issue, consisting of:
   1.  main section of 36 pages, of which roughly one third contains regular items mostly compiled by society officers, and two thirds contain feature
      articles from contributors (and sometimes the editor).
   2. cover of 4 pages.
2. Editing input to the appropriate length, literacy standard and house style.
3. Obtaining, processing and captioning pictures (many are sent in by contributors).
4. Organising proof-reading and implementing proof corrections.
5. Laying out on screen, page by page.
6. Compiling the contents page.
7. Sending the finished files to printer, and liaising with the Membership Secretary who supplies the mailing database.
8. Liaising with distribution provider.
9. Sharing PDF of each issue with webmaster (for distribution to those receiving a digital only copy) to coincide with print publication.
10. Monitoring billing and costs.
11. Evolving the design and content of the magazine to avoid monotony.
12. Writing a report for the bimonthly Executive Committee meetings.
13. Gaining author permissions to reproduce their article on the public part of our website one year after original publication in the Historian.

Computer skills

Ideally the editor needs to be familiar with:

1. Some form of DTP software for page layouts. Currently we use InDesign. This task could possibly be done using MS Word, although Word is very limited in its graphics options by comparison with specific publishing software.
2. Adobe Photoshop or similar for processing pictures.
3. PDF creation.
4. Excel, for recording statistical info and creating the editorial and production schedules.

Help with this would be available in-house.

Time and place

The magazine is mailed to members in the last week of the month preceding the issue month. Production follows a quarterly schedule which can be planned a year in advance. There is scope for flexibility in timing if planning is done well ahead.

You will need:

1. a broadband connection of at least 1- 2Mbps.
2. a printer is essential for self-proofing, because this cannot be done efficiently on screen.
3. a scanner is useful but not essential.

Personal qualities

1. Literacy: The editor’s job is to correct mistakes and usually to shorten submitted material, which varies enormously in length and quality. Some material has to be originated by the editor alone.
2. Computer skills as outlined above.
3. Communication skills are needed for finding, wooing and retaining good contributors from within and beyond the membership. Diplomacy is needed in gently refusing unsuitable material.