Simone Black
St. Albans,NY
Summary
Seasoned professional with 11 years of experience in editorial and production roles, including a Senior Editorial Assistant position at John Wiley & Sons. Expertise in manuscript preparation, proofreading, and content development for commercial fiction, fiction and non-fiction titles. Seeking an Editorial Assistant role to leverage extensive background in coordinating editorial processes and managing manuscripts.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Manager/Production Stage Manager
Black Spectrum Theatre
Jamaica
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Managed stage operations, coordinated rehearsal schedules, and ensured technical execution for polished production presentations.
- Collaborated with directors and designers to align production goals and concepts with artistic vision.
- Developed and Implemented production schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Established clear communication channels between management and creative staff members.
- Facilitated production meetings, documented proceedings, and oversaw the creation and distribution of production materials.
- Served as the primary liaison between directors, actors, designers, stage crew, and producers, fostering effective team collaboration.
Educator
Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr., High School (PGCPS)
New York
09.2016 - 06.2019
- Developed and implemented an Arts Integration curriculum, facilitating interdisciplinary learning through the incorporation of visual, musical, and dramatic arts to elucidate textual themes and character analysis.
- Leveraged advanced technological tools to augment literary and artistic instruction, enhancing student engagement and mastery of written concepts.
- Orchestrated a student-driven creative writing initiative, culminating in original, student-led theatrical productions and the composition of personal narratives and short stories.
- Designed programs that focused on student voice within creative writing, which produced student facilitated performances where the students created, directed, and produced original and authentic plays and crafted short stories and life narratives.
Senior Editorial Assistant
John Wiley & Sons
Hoboken
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Facilitated editorial processes, including manuscript preparation and proofreading, for a diverse portfolio of 230+ titles, ensuring accurate and efficient content development.
- Coordinated cross-functional team communications, contributing to the successful progression of titles from proposal to production, while maintaining effective author relations and supporting marketing initiatives.
- Administered contract drafting for new book acquisitions and managed critical administrative functions, including financial analyses and payment processes, to support editorial and sales operations.
- Supported editorial product development through meticulous manuscript preparation and development, ensuring quality and coherence in final publications.
- Refined and edited content to elevate readability, aligning with publication standards for clarity and coherence.
- Monitored trends in the publishing industry and recommended changes as needed.
Sales Support Coordinator
John Wiley & Sons
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Enhanced sales outcomes by identifying key candidates for premier titles, leading to a 10% increase in sales revenue.
- Streamlined operations for the Higher Education Sales Team by maintaining accurate professor notes and course data in the CAMPS system, contributing to efficient management of relationships with 220 educational institutions.
- Developed and distributed essential sales materials, including presentations and booklets, while ensuring the prompt resolution of critical adoption issues to support university sales objectives.
Global Rights Intern
John Wiley & Sons
01.2008
- Crafted and refined promotional content and editorial copy to support book club and international translation sales initiatives.
- Supported the Permissions Department in managing the acquisition and authorization of global publishing rights.
Education
B.A. - English - Creative Writing
The City College of New York
Publishing Certificate Program -
The City College of New York
Skills
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Editorial process coordination
- Creative problem solving
- Content editing
- Deadline driven
- Copyediting
- Administrative support
- Proofreading
- Microsoft office suite
- Copywriting and editing
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Accomplishments
- Scholarship to Bear River Writers' Retreat
- Dale Carnegie Course
- Gotham Writers Workshop
- Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma Chapter
Timeline
Production Manager/Production Stage Manager
Black Spectrum Theatre
01.2021 - 01.2024
Educator
Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr., High School (PGCPS)
09.2016 - 06.2019
Senior Editorial Assistant
John Wiley & Sons
01.2010 - 01.2014
Sales Support Coordinator
John Wiley & Sons
01.2008 - 01.2010
Global Rights Intern
John Wiley & Sons
01.2008
B.A. - English - Creative Writing
The City College of New York
Publishing Certificate Program -
The City College of New York