ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Acquisition Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bloomsbury

Acquisitions Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The Acquisitions Editor would acquire across a range of product categories in Music & Sound Studies, from research monographs and reference books to general interest and trade titles. Main Purpose of ...

The Daily Grace Co.

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX · On-site

You will collaborate closely with cross-departmental teams to ensure each acquisition meets ... editing * Deep theological understanding aligned with The Daily Grace Co.'s statement of faith

Bloomsbury Publishing

Acquisitions Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Acquisitions Editor would acquire across a range of product categories in Music & Sound Studies, from research monographs and reference books to general interest and trade titles. Main Purpose of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAcquisition Editor Jobs

Acquisition Editor information

See salary details

$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do acquisition editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition editor in the United States is $59,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Acquisition Editor vs Content Editor?

AspectAcquisition EditorContent Editor
Primary RoleSecures new content, evaluates submissions, and acquires publishing rights.Revises, edits, and improves existing content for clarity and quality.
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with authors, agents, and publishers during acquisition process.Works closely with authors and production teams on manuscript editing.
Required SkillsStrong negotiation, industry knowledge, and editorial judgment.Editing, proofreading, and content development skills.

While both roles involve editing and industry knowledge, Acquisition Editors focus on acquiring new content and negotiating deals, whereas Content Editors concentrate on refining and improving existing manuscripts. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in publishing.

What are acquisition editors and what do they do?

Acquisition editors are publishing professionals responsible for identifying, evaluating, and acquiring new manuscripts or book proposals for publication. They review submissions, assess their market potential, and work closely with authors to develop their projects. Acquisition editors also negotiate contracts and coordinate with other departments, such as marketing and production, to bring books to market successfully. Their goal is to build a strong and profitable publishing list by selecting works that align with the publisher's vision and market demand.

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

To thrive as an Acquisition Editor, you need a strong background in publishing, literary evaluation, and market analysis, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in editorial roles. Familiarity with manuscript tracking systems, content management platforms, and contract management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help you identify promising authors and projects while collaborating with internal teams. These competencies are crucial for acquiring high-quality content that meets market demands and drives publishing success.

What are some common challenges faced by Acquisition Editors when evaluating new manuscripts?

Acquisition Editors often encounter the challenge of balancing market trends with the publisher's editorial vision while assessing new manuscripts. They must carefully evaluate the commercial potential and originality of submissions, sometimes making tough decisions when a manuscript is promising but not a perfect fit for their list. Additionally, they frequently juggle multiple projects and tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate between authors, agents, and internal teams. Building and maintaining relationships with authors and agents is also crucial, as it ensures a steady pipeline of quality submissions.
More about Acquisition Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Acquisition Editor jobs? Cities with the most Acquisition Editor job openings:
What states have the most Acquisition Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Acquisition Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Acquisition Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Acquisition Editor jobs are:
Acquisition Editor jobs near you
University Press Acquisition Editor Sr

University Press Acquisition Editor Sr

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

$47K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Job Title University Press Acquisition Editor Sr Requisition Number RE54641 Working Title Senior Acquisitions Editor Department Name 88400:University Press Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 45 Salary Range $47,278-78,000/year Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

5 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods, occasional lifting objects up to 25 lbs
Shift
40 hours/week from Monday to Friday; Occasional weekends and job related travel.
Job Summary
The Senior Acquisitions Editor is responsible for acquiring and coordinating publication of approximately 20 or more high quality trade and scholarly books annually . The Senior Acquisitions Editor will work closely with Editor in Chief, Press Director, staff, authors, and series editors to shape the list as well as individual projects. The Senior Acquisitions Editor will review and evaluate manuscripts and proposals, negotiate and execute contracts with appropriate authors, and present projects to the Editorial Board. The Senior Acquisitions Editor will prepare financial information on all prospective titles, work with authors to seek publication funding, and work with authors to prepare final manuscripts for copyediting. Attend conferences and events, and represent the Press in a professional manner. Schedule and conduct meetings and workshops with board members, administrators, and prospective authors at press consortium institutions. The candidate should have a thorough working knowledge of the publishing process, including development in editorial and marketing. The Senior Acquisitions Editor may supervise both permanent and temporary/student acquisitions assistants as well as interns.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Microsoft Excel required. Filemaker Pro and working knowledge of Adobe InDesign preferred.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes Preferred Education/Experience
Masters degree and five years experience in acquisitions and/or marketing with a scholarly publisher preferred
Deadline to Apply 07/03/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

What University Of Kentucky employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Kentucky logo

About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

View All University of Kentucky Jobs

Apply