Acquisitions Editor, B&H Academic

Overview

Lifeway is seeking an Acquisitions Editor for B&H Academic to identify, develop, and champion biblically faithful resources that serve the local church. In this role, you will build relationships with authors and literary agents, evaluate proposals for theological integrity and market potential, and guide projects from initial concept through contract execution. This is a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for Christian publishing to shape an editorial list that reflects Lifeway's mission and reaches readers across the church. 

Why Lifeway? 

This is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more. 

Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code 

This is a remote position in the U.S with occasional travel to Nashville for in-person team gatherings. #LI-Remote 

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue authors and book proposals that align with the product line's publishing vision and strategic priorities 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming proposal submissions, responding promptly and professionally to authors and literary agents 

• Develop original book concepts and present ideas to prospective authors to inspire and shape new projects 

• Evaluate proposals for theological alignment, market viability, and fit within the product line 

• Prepare and present proposals at Pub Board meetings and create deal point memos summarizing key terms and acquisition rationale 

• Negotiate contract terms with authors and literary agents in accordance with publishing guidelines 

• Review chapter outlines, sample chapters, and full manuscripts for structure, clarity, concept, style, and readability, and assist authors in refining their work 

• Ensure all published content reflects theological accuracy and alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 

• Champion acquired titles internally by representing books at sales conferences and collaborating with Marketing and Production teams 

• Monitor production schedules and budgets for assigned titles, adjusting plans in consultation with the broader team as needed 

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Theological Studies, or a related field, required

M.Div or MA in English, Communications, Journalism, Theological Studies, or a related field, required

PhD or PhD in progress, strongly preferred

Skills & Experience — Required 

• Relationship building with authors, literary agents, and ministry contacts 

• Manuscript and proposal evaluation for theological accuracy, market viability, and editorial fit 

• Critical thinking and editing skills applied to structure, clarity, and readability 

• Working knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) 

• Working knowledge of the Society of Biblical Literature style guide (SBL) 

• Contract review and foundational understanding of licensing and rights administration 

• Reporting and documentation practices for deal memos and contract records 

• Ability to travel 4-6 times per year for team meetings and events 

Actively involved in an evangelical Christian church

Skills & Experience — Preferred 

• Prior experience in a ministry, denominational, or church-related context 

• Familiarity with biblical Greek or Hebrew 

• Co-writing or ghostwriting experience 

• Knowledge of the SBC and Baptist Faith and Message 2000