Editorial Workflow Example: Transforming Print Content into Structured Digital Resources

My role as Project Manager was focused on workflow coordination, content structure, accessibility, metadata accuracy and cross‑team alignment — all essential foundations for preparing effective Primary learning materials.

1. Manuscript Intake & Content Structuring

  • Organised and prepared manuscript files for digital conversion.
  • Ensured content followed a clear structure aligned with learning objectives.
  • Checked for consistency across units, lessons and activities.
  • Supported editorial teams by highlighting structural issues or dependencies.
  • Prepared content for metadata tagging, accessibility checks and digital formatting.

2. Levelling & Language Awareness

While I did not perform levelling myself, I supported editorial teams by ensuring:

  • Content was clear, consistent and accessible for international learners.
  • Instructions and activity wording were easy to follow in a digital environment.
  • Activities and components aligned with intended learning outcomes.
  • Issues affecting clarity or learner experience were raised early.

3. Artwork, Media & Asset Coordination

  • Ensured artwork, images and diagrams were correctly referenced and matched the manuscript.
  • Coordinated audio and media assets to ensure they aligned with learning objectives.
  • Checked assets met accessibility requirements such as alt text and captions.
  • Maintained version control across artwork, audio and digital components.
  • Tracked dependencies between print and digital assets and communicated them to teams.

4. Metadata, Accessibility & Structured Content

  • Applied metadata accurately across digital components.
  • Ensured content adhered to OUP’s structured content models.
  • Supported accessibility compliance for international learners (WCAG‑aligned).
  • Checked consistency across components and delivery channels.
  • Prepared content for upload to the Oxford Learning Hub.

5. Workflow Coordination & Cross‑Team Collaboration

  • Tracked schedules, dependencies and risks using ClickUp and NWOW.
  • Coordinated with editorial, design, production and digital teams.
  • Ensured third‑party vendors met OUP’s governance and accessibility standards.
  • Escalated issues early to prevent delays.
  • Supported retrospectives and contributed to workflow improvements.
  • Applied project‑management principles to keep multi‑component print and digital workstreams aligned, visible and on schedule.

Working with External Editorial Service Providers

  • Collaborated with NEWGEN and Westchester to ensure their digital transformation outputs met OUP’s governance, accessibility and structured content requirements.
  • Aligned third‑party workflows with internal schedules, raising risks early where dependencies affected delivery.
  • Checked that delivered assets (structured content, artwork, media) matched specifications and were ready for integration into the Oxford Learning Hub.
  • Provided clear communication channels between OUP teams and external vendors to maintain consistency and quality across components.

Working with Freelancers

  • Coordinated with freelance editors and content specialists to ensure their work aligned with OUP’s structured content models and accessibility expectations.
  • Provided clear briefs, reference materials and workflow guidance to support accurate and consistent outputs.
  • Tracked freelancer progress through ClickUp, ensuring deadlines, dependencies and quality checks were met.
  • Reviewed delivered components for structure, clarity and alignment with learning objectives before passing them to the next stage.
  • Maintained clear communication channels to resolve queries quickly and keep workflows moving smoothly.

Managing Multiple Workstreams

  • Managed parallel workstreams across print, artwork, audio and digital components, ensuring each progressed in sync with project timelines.
  • Used ClickUp and NWOW to track tasks, deadlines, risks and dependencies across multiple components and teams.
  • Mapped workflow dependencies (e.g., artwork before audio, structured content before digital upload) to prevent bottlenecks.
  • Monitored vendor and freelancer deliverables alongside internal schedules to maintain alignment across all workstreams.
  • Escalated risks early and adjusted plans proactively to keep multi‑component delivery on track.

6. Quality, Consistency & Version Control

  • Checked structured content for consistency across components.
  • Ensured metadata and tagging were accurate.
  • Supported final readiness checks before upload.
  • Maintained clear version control across assets.
  • Raised issues affecting accuracy or learner experience.

7. Why This Matters for Primary Learners

  • Clear structure pedagogy supports comprehension and confidence.
  • Accessible content supports diverse international learners.
  • Consistent print and digital journeys help teachers deliver effectively.
  • Engaging visuals and media support motivation and understanding.
  • Reliable, high‑quality resources improve the learning experience.

8. How This Experience Prepares Me for a Development Editor Role

  • Strong understanding of Primary content structure and learning objectives.
  • Experience supporting clarity, consistency and accessibility across components.
  • Familiarity with artwork, audio and digital asset workflows.
  • Confidence managing schedules, risks and multi‑component dependencies.
  • Experience collaborating with editorial, design, production and digital teams.
  • Deep understanding of OUP’s systems, governance and workflows.