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Acquisitions Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acquisitions Editor

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Acquisitions Editor Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536349 Work type: Administrative & Professional Senior management: Dean of Libraries Department: Library Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

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 ...

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 ...

About the Role The Daily Grace Co. is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to identify, evaluate, and acquire high-quality Bible studies, trade books, and theological resources that align with our mission ...

$77K - $115K/yr

General Purpose As Acquisitions Editor, you will play a key role in expanding our publishing program by identifying, acquiring, and developing a targeted number of new series and titles annually. You ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Acquisitions Editor information

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$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do acquisitions editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisitions 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 an Acquisitions Editor?

An Acquisitions Editor is a publishing professional responsible for identifying, evaluating, and acquiring new manuscripts or book proposals for publication. They review submissions, assess their market potential, and collaborate with authors to develop content that aligns with the publisher’s goals. Acquisitions Editors also negotiate contracts, work closely with other editorial staff, and help guide projects from acquisition to publication. Their role is crucial in shaping a publisher’s catalog and ensuring the success of new titles.

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

To thrive as an Acquisitions Editor, you need strong editorial judgment, market awareness, and excellent written communication skills, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with manuscript tracking systems, content management tools, and publishing contracts is essential. Negotiation skills, relationship-building, and the ability to assess potential in authors and projects make someone stand out in this role. These abilities ensure the acquisition of high-quality, marketable content and foster successful collaborations with authors and stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced by an Acquisitions Editor, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Acquisitions Editors often face the challenge of balancing the publisher’s strategic goals with market trends and author expectations. Identifying promising manuscripts while managing tight deadlines and multiple submissions requires strong analytical and organizational skills. Additionally, building relationships with authors and agents is essential, as is negotiating contracts and ensuring projects align with the publisher’s vision. Applicants can prepare by developing industry awareness, refining negotiation skills, and gaining experience in manuscript evaluation and project management.

What Is the Role of an Acquisitions Editor?

The role of an acquisitions editor is to acquire and prepare commercial books, academic papers, or other written projects for print or digital production. They work on the editorial team, and select projects based on their employer’s objectives. Common job duties are to read manuscripts, stay within budget, negotiate royalties, finalize contracts for new titles and reprints, build relationships with authors and agents, and hire contractors or contributors such as photographers and illustrators. Career qualifications for an acquisitions editor include a bachelor’s or master’s degree and publishing experience.

What is the difference between Acquisitions Editor vs Content Editor?

AspectAcquisitions EditorContent Editor
Primary RoleIdentifies and acquires new content or manuscripts for publicationReviews, revises, and improves existing content for publication
Work EnvironmentEditorial departments, publishing houses, media companiesPublishing teams, media organizations, online platforms
Required SkillsEditorial judgment, negotiation, industry knowledgeEditing, writing, content management
Common UsageBook, magazine, or media acquisition processesContent refinement and quality control

The main difference is that an Acquisitions Editor focuses on sourcing and acquiring new content, while a Content Editor concentrates on editing and improving existing material. Both roles are essential in publishing but serve different stages of the content lifecycle.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Acquisitions Editor jobs? The most popular types of Acquisitions Editor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Acquisitions Editor jobs? The top employers for Acquisitions Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Acquisitions Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Acquisitions Editor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Acquisitions Editor jobs? For Acquisitions Editor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Acquisitions Editor

Acquisitions Editor

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Acquisitions Editor

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536349
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Dean of Libraries
Department: Library
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Library

Job Description

The Acquisitions Editor will be responsible for developing and executing an acquisitions strategy for the Press. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a firm grasp of the changing landscape of academic publishing, particularly with respect to emerging digital publication initiatives within libraries and university presses. Essential to the position is successful work with scholars from a range of disciplines who are interested in pursuing open access scholarship. Virginia Tech Publishing & Press is a digital first, open access university press based in the University Libraries at Virginia Tech and publishes books, journals, open educational resources, and digital scholarship.

Required Qualifications

-Bachelor's degree with relevant training and at least junior level work experience in scholarly publishing
-Demonstrated successful experience working with authors across multiple academic disciplines to develop scholarship
-Experience managing peer review processes following standards and best practices
-Experience working in publishing acquisitions
-Experience planning and managing projects, including setting priorities, creating schedules, and meeting deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

-Master's or other advanced degree in relevant acquiring areas such as education, science and technology studies, or digital humanities
-Experience acquiring new titles for scholarly publishers and presses
-Previous experience working in university presses
-Demonstrated experience working with open access and non traditional publications

 

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$60,000 - $65,000 dependent on qualifications and experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

6/2/26

Additional Information

The application package needs to include a resume, cover letter addressing the candidate's experience with the responsibilities associated with the position, and the required and preferred qualifications, and the names of three(3) references and their contact information.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Osborne @rebeccaao@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 5, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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