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Acquisition Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Summary The RFP Editor plays a lead role in executing the strategic sales objectives of T. Rowe Price's global distribution units. The RFP Editor functions as the primary liaison with key ...

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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 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.
More about Acquisition Editor jobs
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What states have the most Acquisition Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Acquisition Editor jobs include:
Content Editor - Acquisitions Editor, Nursing

Content Editor - Acquisitions Editor, Nursing

Wolters Kluwer

Indianapolis, IN

$53K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Wolters Kluwer rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 188 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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