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Acquisition Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... the acquisition of 16-20 books per year and will manage an overall list to ensure profitability. As the Associate Acquisitions Editor, you will bring an entrepreneurial spirit and an energetic ...

... the acquisition of 16-20 books per year and will manage an overall list to ensure profitability. As the Associate Acquisitions Editor, you will bring an entrepreneurial spirit and an energetic ...

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How much do acquisition editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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 kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior editors, content directors, and executive producers often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced skills in project management and industry knowledge. Acquisition editors in publishing or media companies can also reach this level with a strong track record and specialized expertise. High earnings typically require a combination of experience, negotiation skills, and working in large organizations or niche markets.

What does an Acquisitions Editor do?

An Acquisitions Editor is responsible for evaluating and selecting manuscripts or proposals to publish, negotiating contracts with authors, and coordinating the development of new content. They work closely with authors, agents, and publishing teams to ensure the material aligns with the publisher's goals and standards, often using editing and project management skills. The role typically requires strong communication, industry knowledge, and familiarity with publishing tools and processes.

How much do acquisitions editors make?

Acquisitions editors typically earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Senior or specialized acquisitions editors can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits related to publishing industry standards.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Acquisition editors typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, or ownership of profitable businesses. In publishing, top executives or senior editors at major firms may approach this level with bonuses and profit sharing.

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.
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Associate Acquisitions Editor

Associate Acquisitions Editor

Wiley

Hoboken, NJ

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

We believe in bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and the drive to transform knowledge into impact. Here, your curiosity fuels progress, your voice shapes innovation, and your ambition helps redefine what's possible within science and learning. We are a culture that obsesses over impact, challenges, and drives what's next to power infinite possibilities for our customers, colleagues and society at large.

About the Role:

As the Associate Acquisitions Editor, you will be joining a leading global trade book publishing team and will have the opportunity to contribute to one of our largest and most dynamic programs related to business, success and self-improvement topics. As the Associate Acquisitions Editor, you will be responsible for the acquisition of 16-20 books per year and will manage an overall list to ensure profitability.

As the Associate Acquisitions Editor, you will bring an entrepreneurial spirit and an energetic, positive attitude to successfully identify opportunities and manage author relationships and ultimately bring impactful books to the market. We are looking to add a team member who is enthusiastic about acquisitions and who is motivated to sign and build a list.

Job Responsibilities:

Signs a minimum of 16 books per year - primarily non-revisions and new authors - and ensures that each project meets profit goals.

Works to refine overall strategy including identifying new sub-areas, performing market research, monitoring sales results, and analyzing sales channels.

Champions projects throughout the publication lifecycle by developing and articulating visions for each project and by collaborating with production, marketing and others as needed.

Practices effective and diplomatic communication skills to propose and implement solutions for keeping titles on track.

Manages project and schedule follow-up; handles author queries and troubleshoots when necessary.

Meets with authors, vendors, and agents to network and develop relationships.

Explains to authors their role in the marketing, sales, and success of their titles.

Meets established goals for growth and profit.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum three years of experience in publishing, specifically with book acquisitions.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

Experience and/or interest in business, entrepreneurship and/or wellness subject areas.

Demonstrated mastery of publishing systems, cycles and activities.

Demonstrated ability to effectively analyze potential authors and projects, identify the right projects and shape them for an audience.

Excellent written and oral communication and the ability to be persuasive and direct, yet tactful.

Ability to negotiate contracts, schedules and other efforts.

Project management skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and agendas. Detail oriented with attention to deadlines and a productive and focused work pattern. Ability to move publication projects smoothly from beginning to end.

Ability to build and manage relationships with authors and team members.

Self-motivated, flexible, curious, energetic, outgoing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience working at a trade publisher.

Knowledge of AI tools.

Ability to apply financial understanding of publishing to the overall strategy.

We power infinite possibilities.

For more than 200 years, we've transformed knowledge into discoveries that shape the world. Today, our global team of innovators, creators, and experts is driving what's next in science, education, and publishing-creating impact that reaches everywhere.

We're not just observers of progress. We're the ones accelerating scientific breakthroughs, advancing learning, and sparking innovation that redefines entire fields and improves lives.

Here, your talent matters. Your ideas have room to grow. And your work creates breakthroughs that can change everything.
Wiley is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We evaluate all qualified applicants and treat all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or based on any individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Wiley is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact tasupport@wiley.com for assistance.


We are proud that our workplace promotes continual learning and internal mobility. Our values support courageous teammates, needle movers, and learning champions all while striving to support the health and well-being of all employees. We offer meeting-free Friday afternoons allowing more time for heads down work and professional development, and through a robust body of employee programing we facilitate a wide range of opportunities to foster community, learn, and grow.
We are committed to fair, transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive compensation in addition to a comprehensive benefits package. The range below represents Wiley's good faith and reasonable estimate of the base pay for this role at the time of posting roles either in the United Kingdom, Canada or USA. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates will fall within the range, however the ultimate salary offered for this role may be higher or lower and will be set based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, skills, and competencies.
When applying, please attach your resume/CV to be considered.

Salary Range:

60,800 USD to 85,133 USD#LI-MS1

Job Posting Title:

Associate Acquisitions Editor

Location:

Hoboken (HQ), NJ, USA