Manager, Book Design & Production

Summary: 

Book of the Month is seeking an experienced Book Production Designer to own and elevate the physical quality of our hardcover books - especially our special editions featuring sprayed or printed edges, foil stamping, embossing, spot UV, and other premium finishes.

This role is ideal for a hands-on production & design expert with deep subject matter expertise in hardcover book manufacturing and prepress, who thrives at the intersection of design, mechanics, and print execution. You will be responsible for translating creative intent into flawless, print-ready files; partnering closely with print manufacturers to continuously improve color, materials, and finishes; and building the internal systems, SOPs, and design standards that ensure consistent, world-class output at scale.

The ultimate goal of this role: make Book of the Month the producer of the finest special edition hardcovers in the market.

What you will do…

• Collaborate closely with designers, editorial, member experience, and supply chain to align creative vision, production feasibility, timelines, and cost.
• Serve as BOTM’s internal expert on hardcover mechanics, materials, and special effects (foil, emboss/deboss, spot UV, inks, coatings, paper stocks).
• Own prepress and print-ready file preparation for hardcover books and components.
• Design, prepare and validate print-ready PDFs in accordance with printer specifications, including color profiles, special effects callouts, die lines, etc.
• Manage printed edge design and execution, including file setup, pattern continuity, alignment, bleed, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure mechanical accuracy across all components.
• Review and approve proofs, identifying risks and driving corrective actions before mass production.

• Partner with print manufacturers to improve color accuracy, consistency, and finish quality through proofing, press checks, and iterative feedback.
• Proactively identify production risks and recommend design or spec changes to improve durability, aesthetics, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with vendors to test new materials, finishes, and processes that elevate BOTM’s books.
• Document learnings and best practices from each print run to continuously improve outcomes over time.
• Build and maintain SOPs for print production, prepress workflows, proofing, and quality control.
• Develop an internal design and production system for jackets, cases, and printed edges to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency.

About you…

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience at a publisher working in print production and design.
• Deep experience with prepress mechanics and design, color correction, printing, binding, special effects, and printed edges on 4-color print jobs. 
• Subject matter expertise in hardcover book production, with hands-on experience producing high-quality, premium books.
• Detail-obsessed, quality-driven, and able to spot issues others miss - especially with color, registration, and finishing.
• Systems-minded and excited to build processes, standards, and documentation that scale.
• Comfortable balancing craftsmanship with deadlines, budgets, and operational realities.
• Proficiency with Adobe Suite’s InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat programs required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Able to prioritize work effectively while juggling multiple tasks.
• Thrives working in a fast-paced environment and ready to work hard.