Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent college graduate looking to start your publishing career, the hiring process will follow the same model. In key ways, this has commonalities with the job itself, whether it be copyediting, book production, or project management. Successful publishing requires a procedural approach to tasks and time management and the ability to produce work that adheres to specifications. The application process is an opportunity to demonstrate these skills.
First, expectations should be established, with each person’s role clearly defined. This page provides the preliminary information you need when applying for a job at Scribe and explains what we expect from candidates. Just as Scribe must determine if someone is the right fit for the company, so too must you decide if Scribe is a company where you feel you can dedicate your time and energy, develop your skills, and grow as a publishing professional.
Scribe reviews every application and seriously considers every submission that meets our guidelines and requirements. We ask that you demonstrate the same attention and care when applying. The full list of open positions can be found on our Employment page.
Who Should Apply?
Scribe frequently hires candidates with little to no publishing experience, including recent graduates or people transitioning to a new career after working in another industry. We are looking for candidates who have the capacity to work using our methodology, a genuine interest in the publishing industry, and a desire both to learn new skills and to apply existing skills in a new way.
We are looking for employees who share our vision and want to grow with us. Ideal candidates are excited to take on the responsibilities of the listed position while improving the publishing process, striving for excellence, and contributing to new approaches. While each position lists specific requirements, we primarily look for high technical aptitude, excellent language skills, strong organizational skills, and a disposition that is never satisfied with the status quo. We will provide the necessary training, and all experience levels are welcome.
Scribe is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nondisqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by the law. All employment is chosen based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
What Is Scribe Looking for in Application Materials?
All Materials Included
Scribe only considers applications that contain both a cover letter and a résumé.
Cover letters and résumés can be provided as either Word documents or PDFs.
Include your name and a Scribe-specific indicator when naming your cover letter and résumé files. For example, if your name is Jane Doe, name your files scr-coverletter-jdoe.pdf and scr-resume-jdoe.pdf.
If available, include the following with your initial application:
- a reference letter or a contact list for your references
- samples of your work, either as links to online materials or as attached files
Name these files in a manner that is consistent with the listed requirements for cover letters and résumés.
Proper Grammar and Spelling
All aspects of an application should use proper grammar and spelling. This includes any email correspondences, cover letters, and résumés.
Consistent and Proper Formatting
The cover letter should be formatted as a formal letter.
Elements from a cover letter should be treated the same way in both the letter and the résumé. This includes addresses, phone numbers, names, and dates.
Specific Interest in Working for Scribe
Tailor your application to Scribe specifically. Generic cover letters are discouraged. Rather than simply saying you want a job, show why you are interested in this position and in pursuing publishing as a career.
Before applying, familiarize yourself with our website and read about the Well-Formed Document Workflow (WFDW). Your cover letter should directly address Scribe’s mission and the position for which you are applying, especially with respect to the listed qualifications.
Human-Created Application Materials
Scribe will reject any applicant in which we detect the use of AI to generate their cover letter. If AI was used to assist with the editing in some way, you may indicate this, but materials sent to Scribe should be human created, original, and distinctive.
The Interview Process
What Is the Interview Process Like?
The application and interview process often involves a preliminary phone conversation and, for successful candidates, two interviews. The first interview involves a computer test using a text editing program (either Sublime or BBEdit). In at least one of the interviews, we will also discuss with you some of the work we perform.
Depending on the circumstances, interviews are either conducted in one of our offices or via videoconference.
Interview questions are aimed at learning more about the applicant and their professional goals. During the interview process, Scribe’s company and mission will be explained, including workday expectations, how employees are trained, how employees advance within the organization, and the theory behind the Well-Formed Document Workflow (WFDW).
In some cases, an additional “homework” assignment may be requested. This could involve revising a résumé or cover letter, formatting a document, or researching a particular topic for further discussion. It will never be live work that would benefit the company by utilizing an applicant’s labor.
What Is Scribe Looking for During an Interview?
Precursors to the Position
Scribe’s approach is based on both the theoretical and practical application of XML. While the work we perform uses common programs in publishing (e.g., Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign), we also have methods to work with coded documents.
All applicants should have a basic familiarity with HTML and XML. If you do not have experience with these file types or concepts, we recommend the following:
- Check online for HTML tutorials.
- Research the concept of the well-formed document. Resources can be found on the World Wide Web Consortium site (W3C, www.W3.org), as well as on Wikipedia and other sites.
Applicants should also be aware of the basic process of publishing a book as well as the standard guides for editing.
Aptitude for the Position
Because of Scribe's approach, we seek people who are not only interested in publishing but have the technical and organizational skills to work and grow within our environment.
We also seek people who are focused and have a strong ability to work independently.
No one comes to Scribe fully formed and ready to take on all the responsibilities of the job. Though some skills can be developed very early, all employees must learn about the Well-Formed Document Workflow, Scribe’s proprietary tools, and our production system.
With this in mind, candidates should feel free to ask questions, note things for follow-up, and treat the interview process as mutual and somewhat open-ended.
A Professional Approach
While Scribe is a casual company in many ways, we also aim for the highest standards in the work we do and the administration of this work. We require a strong attention to detail and a professional, highly procedural approach to communication and organization.
We encourage applicants to examine the publicly available documentation to learn more about the WFDW as well as the publishing industry as a whole, from traditional approaches to modern considerations. Scribe’s website details many of our procedures and provides information about critical concepts like accessibility and ebook metadata.
A Candidate Who Can Develop Within Scribe
Ultimately, Scribe needs to determine if a candidate is likely to develop into a valuable employee. Scribe invests a significant amount of time in training and employee development, and the goal is for the new hire to gain skills and take on more responsibilities.
Career paths are not rigidly defined, so after learning Scribe's fundamental skills, employees can find their best fit within the company. During the application process, Scribe is looking for people who want to develop and grow within Scribe and who we think have the potential to do so.
The fundamental criteria are technical capacity, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Candidates who demonstrate a disciplined, professional approach to the application process give the strongest indication that they have the potential to succeed at Scribe.
What Is the Initial Training Period Like?
The formal training process at Scribe typically lasts between six and nine months. During this period, all aspects of the position will be taught, including the work that is performed, the Well-Formed Document Workflow, the use of our internal production system, and working with relevant resources (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style).
New employees will work on three designated training projects to familiarize themselves with Scribe’s tools and procedures. After successfully completing those, all of the training of new employees is done on live projects. In all cases, these projects are managed by an experienced Scribe staff member, and employees will be given support and feedback while working. Employees will not be asked to interact with clients or manage projects until they have demonstrated that they are ready for those responsibilities.
Can I Work from Home?
At Scribe, we utilize a hybrid work model. For collaborative purposes, we gather in our offices or via videoconferencing. During training, employees are expected to attend an assigned office on a regular basis. After achieving the ability to work independently (as determined by your supervisors), employees may operate with greater flexibility.
What Is a Normal Workday at Scribe?
Scribe has an eight-hour workday (forty-hour workweek), excluding breaks. Scribe does not regulate when an employee takes breaks or lunch. Each employee is responsible for logging their time on tasks in our internal production system.
The workday will vary based on assigned tasks and employee preferences, with certain aspects in common for all.
- When training, you will be expected to be present in the office, coordinating with a trainer. Tasks will be assigned, concepts and procedures explained, and all work will be sent to quality control personnel for feedback.
- The majority of the workday should be within standard business hours. When you achieve a degree of independence, you may choose whether to start a little earlier or later in the day, as best fits your preferences.
- Scribe has a “flat” management style. You may find yourself working on a task being managed by someone else while that person works on a project you are managing.
- Assignments will vary. You may find yourself working on one project for an entire day, handling multiple projects, or performing quality control procedures on others' work. Experienced employees will manage projects, respond to customer support requests, and test new tools and systems.
What Is the Company Culture Like?
Every project at Scribe involves multiple people. Thus, Scribes are in constant contact with each other and collaborate on every project.
However, the majority of the work is solitary. In addition, due to our three offices and hybrid situation, the majority of our interaction is through electronic means (videoconferences, email, telephone).
While people get along well and work closely together, it is important to know that our work environment (even in person) tends to be quiet and focused. Similarly, many tasks at Scribe require the ability to remain alert and attentive while working on long, repetitive tasks, often on material that one would not consider “exciting.” Examples include formatting bibliographies in academic monographs and linking cross-references in religious works or textbooks.
What Kind of Projects Would I Work On?
Scribe works with a wide variety of publishers and publications. We work with major publishers, small presses, and mission-driven organizations. From academic monographs, memoirs, and novels to religious materials, textbooks, and journals, we employ the Well-Formed Document Workflow in every corner of the publishing industry. Even if you have never heard of the authors you encounter, your work at Scribe will have an impact in many areas and will reach readers across the country and, in some cases, the world.
While we support freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right, Scribe will not work with hate speech or pornographic materials.
Benefits and Time Off
How Does Time Off Work?
Scribe is closed for major holidays, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and the week between Christmas and New Year's. These holidays are paid days off for employees.
After a three-month probationary period, employees accrue days off.
- In their first three years, 1 vacation day is added per month.
- After three years, 1.5 days are accrued.
- After five years, 1.75 days are accrued per month.
There is no distinction between vacation and sick days, and employees may use accrued time as they wish.
Do Employees Get Health Insurance?
After a three-month probationary period, employees receive health-care benefits as part of their salary. In addition to the primary health insurance, employees can buy into an optional dental plan.
Is There a Retirement Plan?
Scribe employees can sign up for an optional 401(k) plan.
How Does Compensation Work?
Employees are paid every two weeks through direct deposit.
Employees are reviewed on the anniversary of their start date. Assessments for raises occur at that time or when new responsibilities are undertaken.