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Acquisitions Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR, MIT Press , will strategically acquire and develop books for general readership, professional readers, and scholarly and academic audiences across science, education, and ...

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 ...

Acquisitions Editor

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Posting Description ACQUISITIONS EDITOR, MIT Press, will strategically acquire and develop books for general readership, professional readers, and scholarly and academic audiences across science ...

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 ...

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

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 ...

$90 - $140/hr

The Senior Acquisitions Editor serves in a leadership role in the acquisition and editorial/product development for group and individual Bible studies, video curriculum, and small group resources in ...

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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 Sep 2, 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 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 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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Acquisitions Editor jobs?

Cities with the most Acquisitions Editor job openings:

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:

Infographic showing various Acquisitions Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Acquisitions Editor

MIT Human Resources

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR, MIT Press, will strategically acquire and develop books for general readership, professional readers, and scholarly and academic audiences across science, education, and scholarship, as determined by signing goals; manage a pipeline of projects and work with authors and peer reviewers to develop the highest quality manuscripts for general readers, academics, students, and professionals; actively oversee a backlist of projects and serve as the primary point of contact with authors; establish robust relationships with MIT faculty members and wider networks of advisors and prospective authors; and will exercise good judgment to promote the growth and continued success of this portfolio.


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About MIT Human Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission is to advance a vibrant and diverse work community where individuals and groups thrive and contribute to MIT's excellence. We offer Support, Services, and Programs to enhance your work life. We're here to help. MIT is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy balance between their careers and the full lives they lead off-campus. Explore all of MIT's Work & Life resources, including MyLife Services, which provides 24/7 access to a network of experts available to help with life’s challenges.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

2014