Managing Editor

As the managing editor of The Offbeat in the summer and fall of 2018, I had many roles to play. I organized the publication’s workflow by applying task management software such as Trello and Asana. I used these tools to ease journal production, manage editorial deadlines, and openly communicate with staff members. To train new editors, I wrote process documents, layout and formatting guides, and conducted training seminars. I managed a small team of interior designers who assisted in the typesetting, formatting, and proofreading of the journal issue. Lastly, I coordinated with third-party artists and web developers to improve the overall quality of The Offbeat.

 Workflow manager

In previous years, The Offbeat managed production work using a combination of Google Docs, Facebook, and Submittable. This worked for the journal because we always had returning staff members. However, in fall of 2018, we welcomed 13 entirely new staff members. Our journal production runs on tight schedule since it follows the schedule of the student’s semester. I set up Trello to oversee the journal production, manage reading submissions, maintain editorial deadlines, and communicate easily with new staff members. This year, we also had a larger senior staff for this issue with three managing editors and a supervisor. For the senior staff, I set up Asana to coordinate with other manager, maintain an editorial calendar, and openly communicate ideas.

Asana

This tool accomplishes the following:

• Provides master to-do list

• Calendar feature to keep track of deadlines

• Assign managers to tasks

• Comments and communication capabilities

• Keeps track of task completion and provides progress reports

• Multiple task boards that are easily accessible (not pictured in the left)