Acquisitions Editor—Arts & Culture

Flatpage is an editorial agency and publishing house that specializes in delivering top-quality editing to nonfiction authors and organizations, and publishing books that captivate wide audiences. As an idea-driven business, Flatpage empowers authors and content creators to write engaging texts that resonate with their readers. Our team of editors, most of whom are former academics, artists, and journalists, works collaboratively to ensure every project meets the highest standards of excellence.

Acquisitions Editor—Arts & Culture (Part-Time)

Location: Remote (US-based only)
Type: Part-time employee (up to 20 hours per week); W2
Compensation: $35-40/hour
Schedule: Flexible, with availability for virtual check-ins around midday 12–1:00 p.m. ET
Reports to: CEO, with close collaboration across leadership

Position Overview

Flatpage is seeking a self‑starting Acquisitions Editor with a deep specialization in arts and culture (theatre, visual art, music, dance, fashion, film, and adjacent fields) to build this list area from the ground up. We’re looking for someone who brings strong initiative, a record of follow-through, and a genuine passion for connecting meaningful scholarship with broader audiences. Candidates with university press acquisitions experience and a graduate degree are strongly preferred. You will complement our existing acquisitions editor focused on current events, politics, and history, and play a pivotal role in shaping a distinctive, mission‑driven arts and culture program.

Key Responsibilities
• Build the list from scratch: Develop and execute an acquisitions strategy for arts and culture that aligns with Flatpage’s vision and commercial goals.
• Initiate and execute projects: Take ownership of new ideas and opportunities—from scouting potential authors to shaping acquisition pitches and shepherding projects through to contract.
• Pipeline development: Proactively identify, court, and acquire high‑potential proposals and manuscripts from researchers, practitioners, and journalists across arts and culture.
• Author outreach & pitching: Conduct online and in‑person pitch meetings to introduce Flatpage’s publishing vision and value proposition to prospective authors.
• Travel & conferences: Travel as needed to conferences, festivals, fairs, and institutional meetings to scout talent, solicit proposals, and strengthen industry relationships.
• Market & positioning: Monitor category trends, comparative titles, and audience signals to inform acquisition decisions and positioning.
• Internal collaboration: Partner with the publisher and publishing team to transition projects smoothly from acquisition to contracting and development; participate in list planning and launch discussions.
• Platform building & outreach: Contribute to expanding the visibility of Flatpage and its authors by writing blog posts, initiating webinars or panels, and supporting author marketing efforts—with an eye toward engaging public audiences with scholarly insight.
• Meetings & cadence: Attend twice weekly publishing meetings; regular 1:1s with the publishing team (including our current AE); and a monthly all‑hands.

Qualifications
• University press background: Experience in acquisitions at a university press strongly preferred.
• Graduate degree: MA/MFA/PhD (e.g., art history, arts administration, performance studies, musicology, design/fashion, journalism, literature, cultural studies) preferred.
• Arts & culture network: Established, active network among authors with research or practitioner backgrounds in arts and culture (e.g., curators, artists, critics, arts administrators, scholars, journalists, choreographers, musicians, designers).
• Proven acquisitions ability: Demonstrated track record acquiring nonfiction projects and shaping viable proposals.
• Market sense: Strong grasp of category trends, readerships, and how to position ideas for general audiences.
• Relationship‑first approach: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to earn trust and maintain long‑term author and agent relationships.
• Communication: Clear, persuasive written and verbal communicator; confident presenting and pitching live and over video.
• Organization: Able to manage a proactive outreach pipeline, juggle leads, and hit acquisition goals.

What Success Looks Like in the First 90 Days
• Strategy & outreach: Develop and begin executing a targeted acquisitions strategy for the arts & culture list, including identifying potential authors and initiating outreach.
• Marketing collaboration: Actively participate in book marketing meetings and contribute at least one actionable idea to help increase visibility for upcoming titles.
• Industry engagement: Write and publish one blog post related to the publishing industry, arts & culture publishing, or author development.
• Manuscript review: Vet and respond to unsolicited proposals and cold outreach manuscripts in a timely and thoughtful manner.
• New initiatives: Propose at least one new programmatic or editorial initiative aimed at attracting authors or elevating Flatpage’s profile within the arts and culture publishing space.

Employment Details
• Part-time employee role at approximately 20 hours per week.
• Fully remote within the United States.
• Initial 90-day introductory period with structured feedback and clear goals.

How to Apply

To streamline our hiring process, we’re collecting applications through the form below (no cover letter required). Please be ready to upload your résumé and provide a list of past titles you’ve acquired.

What you’ll need to submit:
• Résumé (PDF; max 2 pages)
• A list of titles you’ve previously acquired in your current or former role(s)
• A few short answers about your experience and availability
• Confirmation that you meet the role requirements (US-based, authorized to work in the US, remote-work ready)

Selected candidates will be invited to an interview. Target start date: February 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

Flatpage is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, please let us know.

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