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$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do acquisitions editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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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Acquisitions Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisitions Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Acquisitions Editorial Consultant

Acquisitions Editorial Consultant

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Part-time, Contractor

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Acquisitions Editorial Consultant


STATUS: Independent Contractor / Part-Time (Approximately 20 hours per week)


LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois (role can be fulfilled remotely)


ABOUT NCSBN

The world leader in nursing regulatory knowledge, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that empowers and supports nursing regulators. The organization protects the public and the trust in nursing through innovative regulatory solutions, insights and expertise. With its NCLEX® Examinations, Nursys® national licensure database and groundbreaking research, NCSBN attracts people who are passionate about what they do and driven by the knowledge that their work protects the public.


JOB SUMMARY

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced publishing consultant to join the Editorial team at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) as an acquisitions editor for the Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR), the official journal of NCSBN.


JNR is online at www.journalofnursingregulation.com and is the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated to nursing regulation.


NCSBN is a not-for-profit organization through which boards of nursing can act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety, and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing.


The acquisitions consultant will oversee JNR’s acquisition operations, including:

  • Monitoring and researching current regulatory topics,
  • Proactively solicit manuscripts from new writers via relationship building and networking
  • Contribute to new ideas and strategies for growing author engagement
  • Reviewing initial submissions for appropriateness and suggesting changes (as necessary) to manuscripts before peer review and/or acceptance.


This will be a part-time, independent contractor position reporting to Ellen Lanser May, MA, senior managing editor of JNR. The acquisitions editor will also work with Carol Timmings, RN, BScN, MEd, the Interim Editor-in-Chief of JNR; NCSBN’s Policy, Research, and Education Division; and other NCSBN staff. The role can be fulfilled virtually with only one to two in-person meetings annually.



RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities for the journal, which is published four times a year, include:

  • Proactively soliciting manuscripts that are appropriate for JNR’s audience and meet the journal’s high-quality standards, including topics and authors for the recurring column, “Regulatory Reflection”
  • Relationship building and networking with state boards of nursing, the editorial advisory board, NCSBN’s Policy, Research, and Education Division, and other NCSBN staff to develop topics and identify authors
  • Evaluating manuscripts for potential publication, in consultation with the managing editor and editor-in-chief
  • Recruiting potential authors on an ongoing basis
  • Creating and monitoring manuscript submission schedules and metrics
  • Collaborating with authors to develop and revise manuscripts prior to submission
  • Working on various projects throughout the year, such as online special collections, that extend JNR’s reach and impact



QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 4 years of acquisition and/or publishing experience in scholarly journals.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and editorial skills required.
  • Degree in English, journalism or nursing preferred.
  • Previous experience in acquiring manuscripts for peer-reviewed, scholarly publications preferred.



COMPENSATION

The anticipated hourly rate for this contract role is $55 - $65 per hour. Actual hourly rate will be dependent on a candidate’s relevant experience, skills, training, certifications/licenses, qualifications and geographical location. This is a 1099 independent contractor position; not eligible for company-sponsored benefits or additional compensation.



TO BE CONSIDERED

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume as soon as possible.


The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an equal employment opportunity employer. Decisions affecting employment are considered without regard to disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected characteristic.