Bookbird is a refereed journal published quarterly by IBBY (The International Board on Books for Young People), and is printed and distributed by JHUP (Johns Hopkins University Press). Bookbird is indexed on SCOPUS, Children’s Book Review Index,Library Literature, LISA, MLA International Bibliography, Web of Science. The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. The Bookbird editor(s) must have the following qualifications:

  • An appropriate level of experience in editing a journal or books to publication level.
  • A thorough understanding of the publishing process and experience in working with copy editors, designers and printers. Previous experience in this area will be a definite advantage.
  • Evidence of a clearly defined interest in and knowledge of children’s literature in an international context.
  • An excellent command of the English language and a general ability to work with other languages and writers whose first language is not English. Proficiency in a language other than English will be an advantage.
  • A degree in an appropriate discipline, e.g. literature, languages, children’s literature, childhood studies, publishing or librarianship.
  • An empathic ability to work with and encourage authors from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
  • Excellent Information Technology skills, in particular related to editing and publishing.
  • An ability to work within and keep to deadlines.
  • Commitment to the ideals of IBBY and an understanding of and empathy with the principles guiding the publication of Bookbird.
  • Have appropriate office/secretarial support.
  • A willingness to work closely with the board of Bookbird, Inc., the IBBY Executive Committee and the IBBY Secretariat.
  • Be available to travel to designated meetings of Bookbird, Inc. and the IBBY Executive Committee.

Editorial duties include:

  • Planning the content of each issue of Bookbird. This includes preparing the biennial Hans Christian Award issue and the biennial pre-IBBY Congress issue featuring the Congress country/region.
  • Sourcing and commissioning suitable articles.
  • Liaising with the Bookbird review panel and overseeing the refereeing process for each article.
  • Working with authors to improve their texts.
  • Working with the organizations and individuals that produce additional content for the journal, i.e. reviews, 'Focus IBBY', etc.
  • Editing content and overseeing the copyediting and proofreading of articles and dealing with illustrations and permissions.
  • Working with the designer.
  • Liaising with JHUP about the management of each issue prior to going to print.
  • Ensuring that each issue appears on time.
  • Working closely with and informing the board of Bookbird, Inc. on editorial-related matters.
  • Promoting the overarching aims of IBBY through Bookbird.

The editor(s) are required to attend and report at Bookbird, Inc. and IBBY Executive Committee meetings twice yearly in various venues internationally. These are held in March or April at the Bologna Book Fair and in another location later in the year, usually during September. There is a modest budget available to cover expenses for attendance at these meetings.

The application deadline is 1st October 2021. Application review will begin on 18 October 2021 and the position will be open until filled.

It is expected that the incoming editor(s) will be in place by early 2022 to prepare their first issue for 2023 (January). The contract to edit Bookbird extends for four years subject to an initial period of approval.

[Quelle: Ausschreibung]