Saraba, the acclaimed literary magazine based in Nigeria, calls for applications for a new editorial team, including an Editor, Fiction Editor, Poetry Editor, Nonfiction Editor, and an Assistant Editor.
Since 2009, the editorial team has included Emmanuel Iduma and Dami Ajayi, the magazine’s founders, and other editors who have worked with them since inception, including Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Arthur Anyaduba, and Adebiyi Olusolape.
To foster continuity, however, it has become necessary to implement an institutional framework. To this end, the power structure of Saraba magazine will change with the support of a new editorial team.
The new editorial team will work with the Magazine’s advisory board. The editorial team will develop and implement a new strategic plan (2020–2021) to maintain and grow the profile of the magazine, and to produce three issues a year. Each editor should have a proven record of working with a literary or cultural publication, in a professional capacity, as well as a level of experience commensurate with the position he or she seeks to fill. Each editorship position will be on a part-time, issue-by-issue basis.
The specific responsibilities for each role is as follows:
Editor:
- Acts as the main liaison between the editorial team and the advisory board, presenting yearly reports on the progress of the magazine.
- As the artistic head of the magazine, manages the entire editorial process, working closely with the managing editor.
- Commissions new writing in the three main genres the magazine publishes, in liaison with writers, nationally and internationally, and consulting with the editors in each genre.
- Responsible for budget delivery, with the support of the managing editor.
- Responsible for timely delivery of magazine issues.
- Responsible for finalizing on themes for the magazine issues, working with members of the editorial team.
- In consultation with the advisory board, develops and maintains a yearly strategy to grow the magazine’s reach and influence.
- Communicates with contributors, either through the managing editor, or directly.
Fiction Editor
- Assists Managing Editor with management of fiction submissions.
- Responsible for on-schedule feedback on fiction submissions.
- Consults with the Editor on magazine themes.
- Commissions new fiction pieces, in keeping with publication schedules.
- Communicates with fiction contributors, either through the managing editor, or directly with them.
Poetry Editor
- Assists Managing Editor with management of poetry submissions.
- Responsible for on-schedule feedback on fiction submissions.
- Consults with the Editor on magazine themes.
- Commissions new poems, in keeping with publication schedules.
- Communicates with poetry contributors, either through the managing editor, or directly with them.
Nonfiction Editor
- Assists Managing Editor with management of nonfiction submissions.
- Responsible for on-schedule feedback on fiction submissions.
- Consults with the Editor on magazine themes.
- Commissions new nonfiction pieces, in keeping with publication schedules.
- Communicates with nonfiction contributors, either through the managing editor, or directly.
Assistant Editor:
- Responsible for the layout and design of each magazine issue, both in print and digital formats.
- Ensures that the design of the magazine and website is compatible with the highest industry standards, especially for a literary and cultural publication.
- Responsible for maintaining the website, including an online store, subscriptions, and posting new entries on the website as well as weekly newsletters.
- Sources images and artwork, and commissions artists and photographers for issues of the magazine, in consultation with the editor.
- Consults with the Editor to implement design strategies consistent with the magazine’s overall strategic plans.
The ideal Editor, Fiction Editor, Nonfiction Editor, or Poetry Editor must have:
- Previous professional experience of editing in a notable publication,
- Excellent proofreading and copy editing skills,
- Deadline-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to work under pressure,
- Initiative to search out ground-breaking new writing,
- Works well as part of a team.
The Ideal Assistant Editor must possess:
- Previous experience in commissioning and/or working with visual artists,
- Advanced familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
- Advanced familiarity with WordPress, and good grasp of at least one other Content Management System.
- A deadline-oriented sensibility, with a demonstrated ability to work under pressure,
- Familiarity with online marketing, promotions, and sales.
In addition, the Editor must possess:
- Demonstrable knowledge of production processes from concept to publication,
- Ability to manage multiple projects, on schedule and to budget,
- Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills,
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
To apply, each applicant is required to submit a detailed CV (with the contact information of 2 references) and a cover letter detailing why he or she is an ideal candidate for the position applied for. Please state clearly what qualities and/or competences distinguish you for the role you are applying for. Send applications to editor@sarabamag.com with “Application: Editorial Team” in the subject line. Also, state the role you are applying for in the subject line. Longlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Applications are due by September 30, 2019.
Saraba will offer successful applications remuneration and benefits after they are invited to join the editorial team.
