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Acquisition Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VIZ Media

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

As an Editor at VIZ Media, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of print and ... Research and propose potential publishing acquisitions * Represent and advocate titles placed under ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

... and acquisitions, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a ... variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

... and acquisitions, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a ... variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The ...

Triumph Arcade, Inc

Ads/UGC Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

Stay on top of creative trends in mobile gaming, user acquisition, and digital storytelling Qualifications * 2+ years of experience in video editing, ideally with a focus on performance or direct ...

Triumph

Ads/UGC Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Stay on top of creative trends in mobile gaming, user acquisition, and digital storytelling Qualifications * 2+ years of experience in video editing, ideally with a focus on performance or direct ...

New York Post

Reporting into the News Editor, Exclusives, with a dotted line to the News Editor, California Post, the Page SIx West Coast News Editor, Exclusives will lead Page Six's enterprise operation on the ...

Paramount

TOC/Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Utilize servers and monitoring systems to manage media acquisition and delivery. Ingest media into servers and prepare files for editing and broadcast. Perform basic troubleshooting and escalate ...

Paramount

TOC/Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... acquisition and delivery. • Ingest media into servers and prepare files for editing and broadcast. • Perform basic troubleshooting and escalate technical issues when necessary. • Support live ...

Golden Pet Brands

Associate Video Editor

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$22.50 - $30.10/hr

Our internal Talent Acquisition team is responsible for all candidate presentations to our hiring managers. Golden Pet Brands will need written approval and a signed agreement before submitting any ...

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All JobsAcquisition Editor JobsAcquisition Editor Jobs in California

Acquisition Editor information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$58.8K

$64.1K

How much do acquisition editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition editor in California is $58,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acquisition editor?

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?

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.

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.

How much do acquisition editors make?

Acquisition editors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization. Senior or specialized acquisition editors can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance.

How to become an acquisition editor?

To become an acquisition editor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in publishing, English, or a related field, along with experience in editing, publishing, or literary agent work. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the publishing industry are essential. Gaining familiarity with editing tools and building industry contacts can also improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Acquisition Editor jobs in California?

For Acquisition Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Acquisition Editor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Acquisition Editor jobs in California are:

Acquisition Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisition Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,841 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Editor

VIZ Media

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

VIZ Media is looking to add two Editors to our publishing department - come join a team of dedicated storytellers and artists and help bring your favorite manga to the English-speaking market! As an Editor at VIZ Media, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of print and digital publications, collaborate with talented creative colleagues, and even propose series for acquisition. 

What you'll do:

  • Manage all editorial duties involved in the graphic novel, simultaneous serializations, and trade book production process for both print and digital formats, including: editing manuscripts, proofreading page and cover proofs, checking bluelines, and reviewing digital editions to ensure quality and consistency
  • Oversee freelance translators, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels, simultaneous serializations, and trade books
  • Work with our Publishing Licensing department to address licensor requirements and concerns and to secure approval for publication projects
  • Collaborate with in-house Designers and freelance designers on the timely and high-quality creation of cover and miscellaneous text layout for graphic novels and trade books
  • Write cover text, catalog copy, and other related marketing and sales materials
  • Check promotional copy in items such as sell sheets, samplers, and other marketing materials to make sure they are consistent with the facts and spirit of the title
  • Work with Production staff to determine production specifications and with senior Publishing staff to conduct cost analysis and stay within the title budget
  • Research and propose potential publishing acquisitions
  • Represent and advocate titles placed under your responsibility
  • Provide supporting editorial and informational services for other departments, including Digital Publishing, Sales, Marketing, and Animation

The ideal candidate has:

  • 2-4 years of experience in delivering high quality editorial services related to book publication, simultaneous serialization, graphic novels, video games and/or trade books
  • Knowledge about book publishing, comics, manga, or anime
  • Experience writing and editing high-quality copy and maintaining continuity in projects
  • The ability to balance creative judgements with business requirements
  • Strong skill with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Excellent project and deadline management skills
  • A Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, Communications, or related field or equivalent experience

Additional Preferred Experience:

  • Prior experience in the publishing industry
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign and Photoshop)
  • Working knowledge of the Japanese language (a plus, not a must)

Work Location, Schedule, and Compensation

Location: The Editor must be local to the San Francisco Bay Area. VIZ Media operates on a hybrid schedule, and the Editor should expect to work onsite at our Downtown San Francisco office 1-2 times per week. There may be some required travel for this position to attend conventions or trade shows.

Schedule: This is a Regular Full-Time position with flexibility in working hours outside of our core hours of 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Editor may need to work late or on weekends or be on call for occasional urgent issues. 

Compensation: $73,000 - $78,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional variable compensation

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