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Acquisitions Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 30, 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.

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:
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Infographic showing various Acquisitions Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Acquisitions Editor

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


University Of Notre Dame rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.

Job Description

The University of Notre Dame Press invites a creative, experienced, and forward-thinking Acquisitions Editor to join our dynamic publishing team. In this role, you will champion the publication of 15-20 high-impact scholarly and trade books annually, guiding projects from initial pitch to bound book.

This position offers a unique blend of creative autonomy and deep collaboration. Working hand-in-hand with the Director and the Editor-in-Chief, you will have the agency to define, shape, and grow your own distinct editorial list, drawing on the press's core areas of history, theology, religion, philosophy, political theory, Latin American studies, and medieval studies.

You will collaborate daily with talented colleagues within the Acquisitions department with professionals across all departments of the Press-including marketing, production, and design.

Core Responsibilities & Depth of Impact

  • List Growth & Curation: Acquire 15 to 20 scholarly and trade books a year in chosen areas, developing a strategic plan for lists in the chosen areas to advance the publishing program and meet revenue goals

  • Project Development: Effectively manage a pipeline of projects, including evaluating manuscripts and proposals, recruiting qualified peer reviewers, and presenting publishable projects to the Faculty Editorial Board. Analyze publishing and scholar trends in areas and evaluates the performance of previously published books, while guiding authors on manuscript development, preparation, revisions, and formatting

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with press colleagues to craft successful production, publication, and promotion strategies for projects, including, copyediting, design and packaging, and promotional copy and strategies

  • Community & Field Presence: Represent Notre Dame Press at major academic conferences, campus events, and within the broader publishing community

What We Are Looking For 

An Editorial Visionary: You possess a keen eye for exceptional scholarship and compelling narratives, have direct acquisitions experience, and a track record of successful titles.

A Collaborative Partner: You thrive in an environment built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals, working effectively alongside both your immediate acquisitions peers and the wider press staff.

An Industry Professional: You bring a deep understanding of university press publishing and meaningful acquisitions experience.  

Qualifications
  • Education Qualifications: Bachelor's degree (4 years)
  • Experience: 5 to 6 years
  • Skill Qualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with authors, scholars, peer reviewers, and colleagues, including the ability to manage multiple book projects at different stages of development. Excellent attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, comfort working with contracts and publishing workflows, and the ability to use standard computer systems and publishing-related tools effectively. Experience in acquisitions, scholarly publishing, list development, and revenue growth.
Additional Information

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of acquired titles with your application. Please add in the attachments section of your application.

Please submit your application by July 20th.

Benefits page: https://hr.nd.edu/benefits-compensation/

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.


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