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Acquiring Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Macmillan

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to ... Work closely with authors during editing process and every stage of publishing thereafter ...

The Daily Grace Co.

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX · On-site

About the Role The Daily Grace Co. is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to identify, evaluate, and acquire high-quality Bible studies, trade books, and theological resources that align with our mission ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

In addition, they will independently acquire or be the project editor for 6-8 books, calendars, and formats a year. They will forward the goal of creating a distinctive, innovative, and profitable ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

In addition, they will independently acquire or be the project editor for 6-8 books, calendars, and formats a year. They will forward the goal of creating a distinctive, innovative, and profitable ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

In addition, they will independently acquire or be the project editor for 6-8 books, calendars, and formats a year. They will forward the goal of creating a distinctive, innovative, and profitable ...

Sourcebooks

Editor - Romance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The Editor, Bloom Books and Bloom YA will acquire, edit, and manage both adult fiction and young adult authors. Bloom Books has experienced mind-blowing growth in the last two years with our adult ...

Sourcebooks LLC

Editor - Romance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The Editor, Bloom Books and Bloom YA will acquire, edit, and manage both adult fiction and young adult authors. Bloom Books has experienced mind-blowing growth in the last two years with our adult ...

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How much do acquiring editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for acquiring editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an acquiring editor typically collaborate with authors and other departments during the manuscript development process?

As an Acquiring Editor, you play a central role in guiding manuscripts from acquisition to publication. You frequently collaborate with authors to provide editorial feedback and refine their work, while also coordinating with departments such as marketing, design, and production to ensure each project aligns with publishing goals and timelines. This cross-functional teamwork is essential to maintain clear communication and deliver books that meet both market expectations and the publisher’s standards. Regular meetings and updates are common to keep everyone aligned and address any challenges that arise during the process.

How do you become an acquiring editor?

To become an acquiring editor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in publishing, journalism, or a related field, along with experience in editing, publishing, or literary scouting. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge are essential, and familiarity with editing tools and industry trends can improve prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquiring editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acquiring Editor, you need a strong background in publishing, literary analysis, and market research, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, manuscript tracking software, and publishing platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for identifying promising manuscripts, managing author relationships, and ensuring the acquisition of marketable titles that drive a publisher's success.

How much do acquiring editors make?

Acquiring editors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. Senior or specialized acquiring editors may earn higher salaries, and the role often requires strong editorial skills and industry knowledge.

What is the difference between Acquiring Editor vs Acquisitions Editor?

AspectAcquiring EditorAcquisitions Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in publishing, literature, or related fields; experience in editing or publishingSimilar credentials, often with a focus on publishing, editing, or literary background
Work EnvironmentWorks within publishing houses, literary agencies, or media companiesSimilar, often in publishing or media organizations
Industry UsageCommonly used in publishing to describe roles responsible for acquiring new contentOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on the acquisition process itself

Both Acquiring Editors and Acquisitions Editors are involved in selecting and acquiring new content for publishers. While their roles overlap significantly, Acquiring Editors may have broader responsibilities including editing and project management, whereas Acquisitions Editors primarily focus on sourcing and negotiating new content. Understanding these nuances can help clarify job expectations in publishing careers.

What is an acquiring editor?

Acquiring Editors are publishing professionals responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing new book manuscripts or other content for publication. They review proposals and manuscripts submitted by authors or literary agents and decide which works are a good fit for their publishing house or imprint. Acquiring Editors negotiate contracts, guide authors through the editorial process, and collaborate with other departments such as marketing and production. Their role is vital in shaping a publisher’s catalog and ensuring the content meets both quality standards and market demands.
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Infographic showing various Acquiring Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Editor, TOR

Macmillan

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science fiction. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to acquire and work across all TPG imprints, including Tor, Nightfire, Bramble and Tordotcom Publishing.
We are actively seeking job applicants who reflect a broad representation of differences, including race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical ability, neurodiversity, age, veteran, family and economic status and background, geographical background and status, and perspective. We believe that the best companies reflect the incredible diversity in viewpoints, backgrounds, and identities of the world in their staffs, and are committed to inclusive hiring across departments and levels.
What you'll do:
  • Acquire and edit approximately 10 - 15 original adult SFF titles a year. Be familiar with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic fantasies.
  • Be part of a collaborative team and be involved in every part of the publishing process, including contributing to marketing and publicity campaigns as needed, coordinating with art and design teams, facilitating production with managing ed and authors, etc.
  • Be a leader and positive influence within the Tor Publishing Group and Macmillan teams.
  • Work closely with authors during editing process and every stage of publishing thereafter, including close collaboration on discussions of positioning, cover, marketing, timelines, and other publishing needs.
  • Read and evaluate submissions from industry contacts, and provide second-reads for publisher and teammates.
  • Brief the cover designer on look, tone, and content of your titles; ensure the cover conveys specific positioning; negotiate all jacket concerns between designer, literary agent, and author.
  • Present selected titles to the national account reps each season at launch meetings.
  • Determine key selling points for all launches and convey them to the sales force, publicity, and marketing teams.
  • Create sharp, persuasive, tailored pitches for every stage of the publishing process, including acquisitions pitch, galley copy, presentation to the sales force, for blurb mailings, etc.
  • Actively seek to expand and nurture new and existing relationships with agents and agencies throughout the industry.

What you'll bring:
  • Extensive knowledge of publishing workflow
  • Familiarity with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic fantasies
  • Managerial experience preferred
  • Excellent literary agent contacts
  • Strong editing skills
  • Ability to write galley, catalog, flap/cover copy
  • Public speaking: ability to present titles to sales force

Ideal Experience:
  • 5+ years publishing or equivalent experience

This role will have an annual salary of $80,000-$90,000.
Macmillan Publishers is the U.S. trade company that is part of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned group of media companies headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Holtzbrinck Publishing Group's publishing companies include prominent imprints around the world that publish a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.
U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, The St. Martin's Publishing Group, and Tor Publishing Group. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, companies in the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group publish under the Pan Macmillan name. The German publishing company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.
Macmillan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, consistently striving to foster a culture where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. Qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, physical ability, neurodiversity, genetic information, protected veteran status, family and economic status, and background or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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