Job Listing: Managing Editor
Gutter has enjoyed a long-standing reputation as the leading magazine of new writing in Scotland. A rare opportunity has arisen for a new Managing Editor to join the team who can steer the magazine forward towards the next chapter.
Gutter is published twice a year in February and August. Whilst the periods in the lead up to print are the busiest, the Managing Editor should be available year-round to oversee all aspects of the magazine. This is a part time position which would suit a freelancer dedicating a few hours per average week and more intensive working around production dates. We offer £4k per annum (a flat fee £2000 per issue, paid on issue launch).
Person Specification
The role of Managing Editor involves being a strong advocate of the magazine and committed brand ambassador. We therefore envisage the ideal candidate as someone not concurrently affiliated with another magazine or journal.
The candidate should be engaged with, and excited, by new writing in Scotland and beyond. Gutter is a proving ground for poets, short-story writers and reviewers. The Managing Editor will lead on selecting and soliciting new work, and be key to attracting submissions from established writers across Scotland.
The candidate will work closely with our in-house designer. Although not an essential part of the role, there is potential for the candidate to guide the visual identity, layout and design of the magazine. It is expected that the appointed person will have experience and understanding of typesetting within a publishing context.
We welcome–and encourage–applications from people of all backgrounds, but please note this is a Glasgow-based role requiring in-person attendance for meetings.
Responsibilities Include:
Creating a timeline for each issue.
Overseeing smooth running of issue production (from selecting work for inclusion, to proofing, delegating tasks and liaising with printers).
Shared responsibility for soliciting work and generating ideas for future issue features.
Checking central email account and responding to enquiries.
Making key decisions relating to the running of the magazine.
Allocating specific tasks to team as necessary.
Ensuring that Gutter as a brand is positively represented across all networks.
Liaising with designer on cover design and magazine layout as necessary.
Establishing partnerships with like-minded organisations.
Introducing new Guest Readers to the team and ensuring mentoring is in place.
Contacting authors and making sure that the magazine continues to foster good relationships with contributors.
Drafting funding applications and working closely with funding bodies such as Creative Scotland.
Managing a staff team and taking final responsibility for distribution, subscriptions, production and budgeting.
Organising, programming and hosting events for the magazine.
Essential
Experience of proofreading and an understanding of the typesetting process.
Editorial experience (the successful candidate is expected to be able to edit proficiently).
Demonstrable evidence of project management, ideally within a creative setting.
Good working knowledge of the literary scene in Scotland including familiarity with contemporary authors and writers.
Gutter is a Glasgow-based publication. The ideal applicant will be expected to travel to in-person meetings at this location, and must be based in Scotland.
Desirable
Direct experience of book or magazine publication (ideally within a publishing environment).
Experience with funding applications.
Ability to evidence quick decision making and strong leadership.
Ability to communicate a clear creative vision for the future of the magazine.
Please submit a CV and covering letter to contactguttermagazine@gmail.com with the subject heading ‘Managing Editor Application’ by the 20th of October.
Interviews will be held in November.