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Acquisitions Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wayne State University

Acquisitions Editor

Detroit, MI · On-site

Acquisitions Editor Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Acquisitions Editor at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in ...

The Daily Grace Co.

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX

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 ...

Sage

Acquisitions Editor

Sage is a leading publishing company in the education sector, seeking an Acquisitions Editor for Business and Management. This role involves acquiring and developing new content, managing active ...

Wiley

Associate Acquisitions Editor

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

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 ...

Wiley

Associate Acquisitions Editor

Hoboken, NJ

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 ...

T Rowe Price

RFP Editor

Baltimore, MD · Hybrid

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 ...

Versant Media

Economics Editor, CNBC

Washington, DC

This editor will play a central role in shaping how CNBC explains the forces driving markets ... Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the ...

Fastmarkets

Non Ferrous Editor Americas

Houston, TX · On-site

The regional editor implements the broader Fastmarkets growth strategies, working with the editorial director, and the rest of the leadership team to shape and communicate the Fastmarkets vision in ...

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$59.6K

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How much do acquisitions editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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.

How to become an acquisitions editor?

To become an acquisitions editor, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in publishing, English, or a related field, along with experience in editing, publishing, or literary scouting. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the publishing industry are essential. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editorial roles can help build the necessary skills for this position.

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

In media, senior roles such as acquisitions editors, executive producers, and media directors often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. These positions typically require strong industry knowledge, negotiation skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual performance.

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.

How much do acquisitions editors make?

Acquisitions editors typically earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. Senior or specialized acquisitions editors can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. The role often requires strong editing, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge.

What does an acquisition editor do?

An acquisitions editor is responsible for evaluating and selecting manuscripts or proposals for publication. They review submissions, assess their quality and market potential, negotiate contracts, and coordinate with authors and editorial teams to bring projects to completion. This role often requires strong editorial judgment, industry knowledge, and communication skills.

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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Acquisitions Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisitions Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Acquisitions Editor

Acquisitions Editor

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Acquisitions Editor
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Acquisitions Editor at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Position Purpose
Identify, acquire and developpublication rights to book manuscripts, journals, annual volumes and otherpublishing projects including targeted subject areas or series in order tosupport the Wayne University Press' commitment to high quality scholarly andgeneral interest publications.
Essential Job Functions
  • Solicit, interface and establish relationships with authors, prospective authors and series editors in the acquisitions of new book manuscripts for a targeted subject area or series (i.e., Landscapes of Childhood, Fairy Tales, Contemporary Approaches to Film and Television, etc.). Negotiate contracts in consultation with management and the General Counsel's Office. Serve as resource to authors providing guidance through publication review, revision and approval process stages; maintain contact with series advisory board to apprise on publication process.
  • Evaluate unsolicited manuscripts and proposals in terms of quality, financial viability and adherence to the mission of the Wayne State University Press. Prepare financial cost analysis of projects and compile data on projected sales; recommend projects to management. Solicit, secure and maintain contact with qualified peer reviewers/readers for new manuscripts.
  • Coordinate and prepare materials and projects (i.e., manuscript, curriculum vitae, resume, peer reviewers, board readers, etc.) to Wayne State University Press editorial board for publication approval. Attend board meetings; assist in providing problem resolution for projects that lack full support. Interface with authors to ensure final manuscript is ready for editing and production phases.
  • Provide assistance to marketing services by participating in the oversight and maintenance of exhibit schedule. Contact exhibition companies and related academic trade conferences; determine participation and products to be showcased and displayed. Design and arrange promotional materials to publicize products and services. Prepare related paperwork, booking arrangements and coordinate the delivery of materials.
  • Participate in writing grant proposals to obtain subsidy funds for projects. Research alternative funding sources and investigate available university funds for first time scholars.
  • Serve as primary liaison between the author, the series editor and the editorial board. Maintain regular communication and guidance regarding the publication production process.Attend meetings, compile data and prepare reports as required.
  • Perform related work as assigned.

Additional Comments
This classification is designedto identify, acquire and develop publication rights to quality bookmanuscripts, journals, annual volumes and other publishing projects includingtargeted subject areas or series. Work activities require a very high-level ofcommunication, guidance and flexibility interfacing with authors, prospectiveauthors, series editors, editorial board members, peer readers, staff, variousuniversity personnel and external vendors. Incumbents should possess reasonableknowledge of scholarly publishing and book acquisitions and editorial and/ormarketing experience. Work activities require the ability to negotiatecontracts, develop strategies to address problematic situations and conductcost analysis. This position is generally assigned to the Wayne StateUniversity Press. This position reports to and receives work direction from amanagement level position.
Qualifications:
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Reasonable experience in scholarly publications and book acquisitions.
  • Strong written and/or oral communication skills.
  • Reasonable editorial and/or marketing experience.
  • Considerable knowledge of and experience with word processing, spreadsheet and internet software and programs.
  • Strong organizational skills; keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to meet established deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team situation.
  • Ability to communicate with multiple internal and external clients and customers.
  • Typically, incumbents have worked as assistant editors or acquisitions associates at university or scholarly publishers.

School/College/Division:
H52 - University Press
Primary department:
H5201 - University Press (H5201)
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: TBD
  • Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
Office environment
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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