Proofreader / Copy Editor at Bible Society of Nigeria

The Bible Society of Nigeria was founded on 8th February, 1966 through the pioneering efforts of the late Dr. Francis Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam, the first indigenous Governor of the defunct Eastern Region. Earlier in February, 1965 Dr. Ibiam had initiated a consultation with representatives of most of the Churches [Church organizations] in Nigeria on the need to form a national Bible Society in Nigeria. It was the unanimous decision of that meeting that The Bible Society of Nigeria be formed which consequently led to its formation and inauguration on February 8, 1966. Before 1966, The Society was under the supervision of the British and Foreign Bible Society [BFBS] which had operated in Nigeria as far back as 1807. Then the Bible House, Apapa was serving as a distribution centre to other neighbouring West African countries.

Purpose of the Job

• Copy editor/proofreader is to assist in ensuring that texts due for publication are well written and grammatically correct.
• S/he checks basic spelling, punctuation, typographical errors, style consistency or accuracy using the original document and makes sure that the structure and content of the document are equally good.
• Performs a 'quality check' on all publications before they go to print.
• S/he will get involved in typesetting of scripture text after Typesetters have done their jobs.
• It is the proofreader's role to act as a fresh pair of eyes, spotting any mistake(s) others might have missed.

Nature and Scope of Position
The Proof Reader / Copy Editor is a Senior Staff Member of the BSN with the following responsibilities:

• Resolving queries directly with the Typesetters and translators, e.g., style and text inconsistencies.
• Spotting and correcting spelling mistakes, punctuation and grammatical errors.
• Creating artwork briefs to detail the content of illustrations.
• Ensuring that illustrations are correctly captioned and referred to in the text.
• Producing or working to a style checklist to ensure consistency in hyphenation, capitalization, formatting of references, etc.
• Sub-editing text written by a number of authors to ensure consistent house style.
• Preparing preliminary pages for the title, contents and preface of a publication.
• Ensuring that text matches the original.
• Ensuring that spelling and style are correct and consistent.
• Ensuring that page numbers, headings and captions are correct.
• Scrutinizing documents to the minute detail in order to identify errors.
• Identifying the common proof errors that are often missed by translators.
• Using a structured proofreading process to ensure error-free copy.
• Ensuring that good editorial work has been done on materials to be published by describing the overall work done from the editorial context, design, illustration, etc. to handing over the electronic text for production.
• Ensuring that the final presentation of text, illustrations and design features of the publication are error-free and complete.
• Ensuring safekeeping, archiving and re-using of materials used for Publishing.
• Working closely with the Translation Officer(s) and Publishing Staff to ensure completeness, correctness and accuracy of all materials/items submitted for publication.
• S/he shall be responsible for the editorial work of all Publications of The Bible Society of Nigeria.
• Providing necessary support to ensure that BSN newsletter is published on scheduled dates on quarterly basis, as shown below.
• January-March edition - February 15 is the deadline.
• April-June edition - May 15 is the deadline.
• July-September edition - August 15 is the deadline.
• October-December edition - November 15 is the deadline.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of First Degree in English Language, Linguistics, or Mass Communication with working knowledge in Biblical Studies (Theology) background from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 2 years experience as a translator, editor, or publishing officer in a reputable publishing organization.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• Biblical knowledge
• Versatility in I.Tskills, especially Microsoft Office.
• A high-level oral and written communication skill.
• A methodical working style.
• High level of concentration, accuracy, and great attention to detail.
• Tact and diplomacy for negotiating changes with translators and typesetters.
• Ability to stay focused throughout an entire document, which may be long.
• A committed Christian with deep understanding of the Bible.

Method of Application

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