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$11

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$57

How much do acquiring editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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.

Is there a high demand for editors?

The demand for acquiring editors remains steady, especially in publishing, media, and digital content industries, as organizations seek skilled professionals to manage content quality and acquisition. Strong editing skills, familiarity with editing tools, and industry knowledge can improve job prospects, though competition varies by region and sector.

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 to become an acquiring editor?

To become an acquiring editor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in publishing, literature, or a related field, along with experience in editing, publishing, or book acquisition. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of market trends are essential, and familiarity with editing tools and industry standards can enhance prospects. Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles can also help build the necessary skills for this position.

What does an acquiring editor do?

An acquiring editor is responsible for evaluating and selecting manuscripts or proposals to publish, negotiating contracts with authors, and guiding the development of new content. They work closely with authors, literary agents, and editorial teams to ensure the material aligns with the publisher's goals and standards.

How much do acquisitions editors make?

Acquiring editors typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. Senior or specialized acquisitions editors can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits related to the publishing industry.

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.

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 are Acquiring Editors?

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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Acquiring Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquiring Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Content Editor - Acquisitions Editor, Nursing

Content Editor - Acquisitions Editor, Nursing

Wolters Kluwer

Cary, NC

$53K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Wolters Kluwer rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 202 rated software companies

Job description

As a Content Editor - Acquisitions Editor, Nursing you will support the growth and financial health of assigned Nursing Education and Nursing Practice course areas by acquiring and maintaining a pipeline of high-quality textbooks and digital learning assets. You will stay close to instructors, students, and education trends; recruit and manage authors/SMEs; negotiate contracts; and partner cross-functionally to deliver successful publications and launches.

Key Responsibilities

Market & Customer Insight

  • Maintain working knowledge of assigned nursing course markets (curriculum, adoption drivers, instructor/student needs, and competitive landscape) and share actionable insights with internal partners.

  • Conduct structured market research (reviews, surveys, faculty conversations, focus groups) to validate opportunities and inform content positioning and revision priorities.

Author/SME Recruiting & Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain an active network of authors, reviewers, and SMEs; recruit talent for new projects and revisions; provide clear expectations and consistent "author care."

  • Participate in conference/campus engagement (virtual and in-person) to identify emerging needs and strengthen networks that support future signings.

Business Planning

  • Contribute to business plans for assigned areas (new projects, revisions, and supporting digital assets) and manage day-to-day pipeline activity.

  • Prepare acquisition proposals for internal review (market rationale, competitive context, development approach, cost assumptions, forecast inputs, and P&L) in collaboration with stakeholders.

Contracting & Negotiation

  • Negotiate and execute contracts with authors/SMEs/partners (scope, schedules, deliverables, and terms) with support/guidance as needed; ensure alignment to business goals and delivery timelines.

Content Development

  • Move assigned projects through the publishing workflow in partnership with Development Editors, Product, Production, and other teams; ensure deliverables meet quality and schedule expectations.

  • Support acquisition and development of digital-first or platform-ready assets (e.g., media sets, assessments, videos, cases, practice materials) that complement core titles and improve learning outcomes.

  • Identify risks early (author performance, scope changes, market shifts) and escalate/coordinate mitigation to protect timelines, quality, and budget.

Go-to-Market Enablement

  • Partner with Product Marketing and Sales to provide content and positioning inputs; support launch readiness (key messages, differentiation, sales training inputs) for your titles/areas.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent relevant experience).

  • 3 years in higher education publishing or an adjacent field (editorial, acquisitions, content development, product, marketing, or sales).

  • Demonstrated ability to translate market/customer insight into clear recommendations and to work cross-functionally in a deadline-driven environment.

  • Comfort with basic financial inputs (forecasts, cost assumptions, P&L awareness) and business-case preparation.

  • Strong written and verbal communication, including presenting concepts to internal stakeholders and engaging external experts professionally.

Preferred

  • Experience with nursing, allied health, or clinical education content markets.

  • Familiarity with author contracting/negotiation and rights/IP basics.

  • Experience supporting digital learning products or managing multi-format content (print + digital).

Our Interview Practices

To maintain a fair and genuine hiring process, we kindly ask that all candidates participate in interviews without the assistance of AI tools or external prompts. Our interview process is designed to assess your individual skills, experiences, and communication style. We value authenticity and want to ensure we're getting to know you-not a digital assistant. To help maintain this integrity, we ask to remove virtual backgrounds and include in-person interviews in our hiring process. Please note that use of AI-generated responses or third-party support during interviews will be grounds for disqualification from the recruitment process.

Applicants may be required to appear onsite at a Wolters Kluwer office as part of the recruitment process.

Compensation:

$53,700.00 - $91,950.00 USDThis role is eligible for Bonus.

Compensation range listed is based on primary location of the position. Actual base salary offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skills, experience and actual hiring location. Your recruiter can share more information about the specific offer for the job location during the hiring process.

Additional Information:

Wolters Kluwer offers a wide variety of competitive benefits and programs to help meet your needs and balance your work and personal life, including but not limited to: Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Commuter Benefits, Tuition Assistance Plan, Vacation and Sick Time, and Paid Parental Leave. Full details of our benefits are available upon request.

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