Typesetter

Responsibilities:

• Typeset textbooks, workbooks, storybooks and other publishing materials according to approved layouts and specifications.
• Format manuscripts consistently, including headings, paragraphs, page numbers, tables, exercises, captions, footnotes and other elements.
• Apply appropriate fonts, styles, spacing, alignment, margins and paragraph settings.
• Place and position illustrations, photographs, diagrams, tables and other visual elements correctly.
• Ensure that text and visual elements are properly aligned and balanced on each page.
• Work with editors to implement corrections and amendments accurately.
• Prepare files for proofreading and make corrections based on proofreader and editorial feedback.
• Check typeset pages carefully for missing text, formatting errors, incorrect page breaks, inconsistent styles and other production issues.
• Ensure consistency in formatting throughout an entire publication.
• Prepare final files for printing and digital publication according to the required specifications.
• Maintain organised versions of working and final files.
• Collaborate with editors, graphic designers, illustrators and production staff to meet publication deadlines.
• Ensure that all publications comply with the company's design and production standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Editorial or Production Manager.

Requirements:

• A minimum of OND in Publishing, Computer Science or a related field.
• Previous experience in typesetting, book production, desktop publishing or editorial production is required.
• Experience working in a publishing company, particularly educational publishing, will be an advantage.
• Candidates with relevant practical experience and a strong portfolio may be considered irrespective of their academic background.

Technical Skills

The ideal candidate should have strong working knowledge of relevant desktop publishing and design software, particularly:

• CorelDRAW
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Microsoft Word

Core Competencies

The successful candidate must:

• Have excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of typography, page layout and visual hierarchy.
• Be highly accurate and meticulous in handling text and page elements.
• Have good knowledge of spelling, punctuation and basic editorial conventions.
• Be able to follow detailed formatting and production specifications.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Have good organisational and time-management skills.
• Be able to manage multiple projects and meet tight publishing deadlines.
• Be receptive to corrections and able to implement feedback accurately.
• Demonstrate patience and concentration when working on lengthy publications.
• Have a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.