Production Supervisor: The production supervisor analyzes and consults with editors on specifications for paper, cloth, binding, typography, and reproduction processes. He or she secures estimates based on project specifications and selects vendors. The salary range is from $50,000 to $66,000.
Interview
In an interview in Image World, Stephani Hughes, former production supervisor at Simon & Schuster, discusses her job function.
As production supervisor, I manage many steps of the book production process, all the way from manuscript to printing. The pace is fast.
You have to be very organized and detail-oriented to succeed in this business.
For each book, the first thing I do is assign the design work to a freelance artist. When the design is approved, the manuscript is sent to a typesetter, and then we paste up the mechanicals in-house. I deal with at least Five companies that handle the printing and binding of the inside pages. The book jackets and covers are handled by four or five other printers. When the book goes to press, I have to be there to OK the press sheet The greatest satisfaction is the finished product.
You have a book that you can hold in your hands.
I was a business major at Ferris State College. Many of the people I work with are English majors, some have degrees in printing.
Cost Estimator/Production Estimator: The cost estimator provides cost estimates to production management by obtaining actual current costs from vendors of all production services and materials. He or she also maintains contacts and understanding of traditional and new graphic arts processes and costs. The salary range is from $22,000 to $30,000.
Art Director/Design Director: The art director establishes overall artistic guidelines, themes, and quality control standards. Responsibilities include the hiring and training of staff, recruitment of freelance resources, assignment of work on projects, including design of covers, jackets, and packaging, and supervision of the creative staff output. The art director sets and approves budgets and schedules, approves costs and bills for design and art, and maintains quality and artistic merit based on understanding of the market, competition, usage requirements, and the like. The salary range is from $47,000 to $55,000.
Artist/Designer: The designer understands editorial, marketing, and production requirements of a particular book and provides a design theme and artwork that meet these requirements. The designer is also responsible for selecting the typefaces and type size for the book, choice of display type, and dimensions of the page elements. He or she keeps to a schedule that meets the financial and deadline requirements of the project. The salary range is from $25,000 to $40,000.
Production Assistant: This is an entry-level position. The production assistant secures estimates and submits them to the production manager for evaluation and analysis. He or she coordinates movement of the manuscript to the compositor by assisting in the development of the schedule, by trafficking of the galley proofs and page proofs, and follows up with suppliers. The salary range is from $14,000 to $18,000.
