Publication Editor

The Pop & Classical (P&C) team plays a key role in driving revenue growth at Hal Leonard. We are currently searching for an Editor to join the Pop & Classical team. Reporting to the VP of Editorial and Production, the Editor will lead product development, manage key partner relationships, and contribute to the department’s strategic direction. This role has a direct impact on market performance while helping sustain the creative and commercial success of the P&C catalogue.

What’s in it for you?

Work that matters: get hands-on with a wide range of Pop and Classical music, working closely with great musicians and helping shape the music people engage with every day.

A global role: work across international markets and teams, with a real say in projects that reach audiences around the world.

Real influence: have a genuine impact on which music is published, promoted, and enjoyed by musicians globally.

Key responsibilities

The Publication Editor, under supervision, is responsible for accurately reviewing and editing music publications for print or digital use.

• Write and revise technical content for Hal Leonard’s publications, including instructional books and digital content.

• Liaise with internal departments and external contributors to coordinate book production and publication.

  • Assist in laying out written material for publication.

  • Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

  • Incorporate animation, graphs, illustrations, or photographs to increase users’ understanding of the material.

  • Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.

• Manage select product lines to ensure publications communicate complex and technical information easily for the end user.

  • Determine the needs of users of technical documentation.

  • Study product samples and talk with product designers and developers.

  • Work with technical staff to make products and instructions easier to use.

  • Analyze developments in musical publication to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.

• Collect user feedback to update and improve content.

• Review published materials and recommend technical revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.

  • Standardize content across platforms and media.

• Maintain records and files of work and revisions.

Required experience

• Educational & Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education required; 3+ years related work experience preferred.

• Music Expertise: Strong music theory background, music transcription skills, broad knowledge across all styles, proficient sight-reading, and clear prose writing ability.

• Technical Proficiency: Outstanding piano/keyboard skills required; proficiency on additional instruments preferred; familiarity with Hal Leonard products.

• Communication & Soft Skills: Excellent written/verbal communication; detail-oriented with strong attention to detail.

• Work Style: Ability to multitask in fast-paced environment; highly organized self-starter.