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Acquisitions Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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Acquisitions Editor information

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$11K

$59.6K

$65K

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.

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 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.
Senior Content Editor -Acquisitions (Medical School)

Senior Content Editor -Acquisitions (Medical School)

Wolters Kluwer

Cary, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Wolters Kluwer rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 215 rated software companies


Job description

As an Acquisitions Editor for theMedical Schoolportfolios, situated within the Medical Education and Medical Practice business unit, you have an opportunity to join an award-winning teamthatis passionate about creating quality content and delivering that content inmultipleinnovative solutions.

You will have responsibility forcontributing to the growthof assigned course areas and will serve as the internal expertand leaderfor these areas, working to stay continuously informed on customer content needs, market trends,and the competitive landscape toensure delivery ofupdated content forstudents and instructors in higher education.

OVERVIEW

This role is responsible for contributing to the growth of their assignedportfolios, includingmedical school, osteopathic medicine, and physician associatethrough the signing and publication ofexceptional contenttoeducate andhelpprepare the next generation of health professionals forpractice.As the sponsor fortextbooks, digital assets, andvideos,you areresponsiblefor definingthevision and scopeof work within each disciplineandexecutinga strategy that ensures editorial quality andsustainable growth.

You will establish and maintain anetwork of authorsandsubject matter experts ("SMEs") andwill be responsible for regularly vetting and expandingthatnetwork.Youwill strategically acquire newcontent assets,pursuemutually beneficialpartnerships,secure revisions for existing books and digitalassets, andpublishcontentsuitablefor multiple digital platforms.Collaboration withproductmarketing, sales, product managers, and content developmentis vital to this roleto ensure successful publications andproduct launches.

You will serve as the internal expertfor your assigned disciplines and course areas,buildingan understandingof thesemarkets, including curricula, trends, market size, existing and emerging competitors, and growth opportunities. In addition to consistently evolving and expanding your own understanding of your markets, you will effectively communicate relevant information to internal stakeholders to help ensure alignment on strategic priorities and go to marketplansessential to your successisanunderstanding ofexpectedoutcomesin each educational program, how they connect with any accreditation standards, and how these outcomescan be achieved with Wolters Kluwerproductsand vis a vis the competitive landscape.You willdefine new publishing opportunities, review and modify existing content to maximize profitability and meet customer needs, and take a customer-centric approach to growing the business. As part of your role, you will manage relationships with key partners to achieve growth and brand awareness, including authors, SMEs, and societies. Finally, you will work with marketing and sales colleagues to expand sales and marketing opportunities and maintain an awareness of new trends and developments. You would also be responsible for managing the budget for disciplines inassigned programs andensuring thatproducts achieve required contribution margin to grow the business.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Market researchandcustomer insight

  • Develop relationships with thought leaders as reviewers, content providers,andconsultants

  • Lead conversations withnetwork of experts in various contexts (both virtual and in person) toidentify and explore evolving needs in each discipline and across portfolios

  • Participate in campus and exhibit travel to deepen and broaden understanding of market/customer needs and new opportunities for portfolio

  • Annual forecasting for disciplines

  • Completebusiness plans that detail market trends, customer needs, competitive landscape, and publishing plan related to these elements

  • Ownthree-year planning of sales and signings for revision and new titles

  • Acquiring newcontentand revisions

  • Findandrecruitqualifiednew authors and SMEs

  • Research and initiate new ideas by interviewing customers to ensure products are developed based on market needs

  • Exploreideasand acquirecontentfor new assets to support digital products

  • Complete publishing proposals for internal review and approval(includingdevelopment plan,sales forecast, costs, and P&Ls), collaborating withstakeholders to ensure product plan is optimized for success

  • Negotiatecontracts with authors, SMEs,and societies

  • In partnership with product development,productmarketing, and sales, develop customer-facing product messaging and go-to-market strategies

  • Sponsoring the development process

  • Work with the Development Editor, Editorial Coordinator, Product Manager, Content Strategist, and others todeliveron-time, in-scope, in-budget products

  • Ensureauthorsand SMEsdeliver high quality manuscript/contentas scheduled

  • Mitigate issues that come up during the development process related to competition, markettrends, customer developments, and/or author/resource issues

  • Management of the P&L

  • Monitor sales and costs lines of the P&L,ensuring sales and costs are on target by:

  • Overseeing sales opportunities, working with sales colleagues to ensure the meeting of budget targets, and ultimately increasing revenue

  • Working withProductManagers,MarketingManagers,and sales colleaguesoneffective product launches anddiscipline-widesupportplansfor eachportfolio,includingcollaborating oncreation and execution ofmarket developmentplans at the beginning ofeachproduct developmentlife cycle

  • Monitoringprofitability of existing products, and buildingfranchises for key brands across multiple disciplines

  • AssistingMedical Education or Medical Practice Director as needed, includingmanagementof subprocessesand SOPs

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • College degree (BA/BS) required or equivalent relevant experience

Experience:

  • 5+ years of experiencein higher education publishing or related field, including. editorialacquisitions/strategy(preferred) or development,sales, or marketing.

  • Knowledge of trends, developments, and professionals/thought leaders/authors in assigned specialtiesideal but not required.

  • Experienceinthe processesrelated toideating, developing, and producingtextbooks,digitalancillaries, and content assets

  • Skilled in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

  • High degree of professionalism

  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

  • Strong project management skills.

  • Ability to develop strategic business plans.

  • Experience in managing the financials ofbothindividual products and portfolios, includingcreatingand managingbudgets, forecasting, and P&L oversight

  • Familiarity withprocesses related to contract negotiationandauthor managementAbility and willingness to travel extensively to meet business goals and objectives.

  • History of working effectivelyas part of a team, including cross-functional collaborations.

  • General knowledge of the healthcare and textbook markets; experience in higher education publishing a plus.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  • Ability to determine customer needs and market trends

  • Knowledge of content management and asset development

  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving,and decision-making skills

  • Strong customer relationship management and partnership skills

  • Effective presentation skills, oral and written, adjusting delivery to target audience

  • Experience with facilitation of group discussion, dialogue, and the consensus process

  • Organized, detail oriented, effectively meets deadlines, sets priorities

  • Possessesa passion for learning

  • Confidence in developing and enactingstrategic vision

Travel:

  • This position requires 20% travel.

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:

$66,700.00 - $116,400.00 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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