Darby

Editorial Production Assistant

Horizon Academic Press • Freelance

Feb 2026 - Feb 2026 • 0 mos

As an Editorial Production Assistant at Horizon Academic Press, I supported the production team in preparing manuscripts for final publication using Adobe InDesign. My role focused on organizing and formatting long-form documents, including textbooks, research publications, and nonfiction titles. I developed structured layouts by applying consistent paragraph and character styles, setting up master pages, and maintaining proper margin alignment and typographic hierarchy. I was responsible for formatting front matter and back matter sections such as title pages, copyright pages, acknowledgments, indexes, and bibliographies. I ensured correct pagination, running headers, and chapter sequencing to maintain a professional and reader-friendly structure. Additionally, I reviewed documents for widows and orphans, spacing inconsistencies, and alignment issues to improve overall readability. Working closely with editors and proofreaders, I implemented revisions while preserving layout consistency and visual balance. I prepared print-ready files by verifying bleed settings, image resolution, color profiles, and export specifications. This experience enhanced my technical proficiency in Adobe InDesign and strengthened my attention to detail in high-volume publishing projects. Through this position, I developed strong problem-solving skills, improved workflow efficiency, and gained hands-on experience in professional book production from manuscript to final print-ready design.

Book Design & Layout Intern

BrightLine Publishing House • Freelance

Jan 2026 - Jan 2026 • 0 mos

During my internship at BrightLine Publishing House, I worked closely with the editorial and design teams to assist in the formatting and layout of manuscripts for print and digital publication. My primary responsibility was preparing book files using Adobe InDesign, ensuring proper margins, typography hierarchy, paragraph styles, master pages, and consistent formatting throughout each project. I applied professional book design standards, including correct page numbering, running headers, baseline grids, and print-ready export settings. I collaborated with authors and editors to implement revisions, adjust layout spacing, and refine visual presentation while maintaining the integrity of the content. Additionally, I supported cover layout adjustments, image placement optimization, and alignment consistency to meet publishing specifications. This experience strengthened my understanding of typography, visual balance, and production workflows in professional publishing. I developed strong attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to follow brand guidelines while meeting strict deadlines. Working in a fast-paced publishing environment enhanced my technical proficiency in Adobe InDesign and reinforced the importance of precision and organization in book formatting.

Maple Grove Editorial Services

CreativeEdge Media Solutions • Freelance

Jan 2026 - Jan 2026 • 0 mos

As a Publication Layout Assistant at Maple Grove Editorial Services, I was responsible for transforming raw manuscripts into professionally formatted book layouts ready for print and digital distribution. Using Adobe InDesign, I created structured templates with consistent paragraph styles, character styles, and master pages to maintain uniform design throughout each publication. I formatted chapter openings, table of contents pages, footnotes, captions, and reference sections according to industry standards. My role required careful attention to typography selection, line spacing, kerning adjustments, and margin alignment to ensure readability and visual balance. I also prepared print-ready PDF files by checking bleed settings, crop marks, color modes, and resolution requirements. In addition, I collaborated with editors to implement content revisions while preserving layout integrity. I troubleshooted formatting inconsistencies, corrected text overset issues, and ensured proper pagination and cross-referencing. This experience strengthened my technical expertise in Adobe InDesign and deepened my understanding of professional publishing workflows. Through this role, I developed strong organizational skills, precision in document structure, and the ability to manage multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines. My contribution helped streamline the publication process and ensured high-quality, reader-friendly book designs.