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Assistant Fiction Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deseret Book Company

Associate Editor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction and nonfiction for adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers. Our titles regularly ... Provide editorial support across teams. Assist sales and marketing teams by proofreading catalogs ...

Wisconsin

Assistant Editor

Stevens Point, WI

$24.97/hr

Assistant Editor Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant ... Experience in editing fiction, poetry, and prose, published media, or related. * Expertise in word ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We ... Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We ... Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We ... Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for ...

Macmillan

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

... * Assist Senior Editor with select acquired or co-acquired titles, taking responsibility for ... Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working ...

Macmillan

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

... * Assist Senior Editor with select acquired or co-acquired titles, taking responsibility for ... Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working ...

Simon & Schuster

Editorial Assistant, Gallery Books

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Gallery Books seeks an energetic and enthusiastic Editorial Assistant to support an Executive and Senior Editor, one focused on nonfiction (humor, memoir, and pop culture) and fiction (including ...

Bloomsbury Publishing Inc

Publicist/Senior Publicist

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

In this role you will be responsible for the execution of publicity campaigns for both fiction and ... Strong relationships with reviewers, features editors, freelancers and producers will be central to ...

Bloomsbury

Publicist/Senior Publicist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

In this role you will be responsible for the execution of publicity campaigns for both fiction and ... Strong relationships with reviewers, features editors, freelancers and producers will be central to ...

Bloomsbury Publishing

Publicist/Senior Publicist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

In this role you will be responsible for the execution of publicity campaigns for both fiction and ... Strong relationships with reviewers, features editors, freelancers and producers will be central to ...

Bloomsbury

Intern, Adult Editorial

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

The intern will assist our closeknit team of editors in the publication of both literary/upmarket fiction and general nonfiction. Please note that interns will not be working with Sarah J. Maas ...

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Assistant Fiction Editor information

See salary details

$23.5K

$51.2K

$65K

How much do assistant fiction editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant fiction editor in the United States is $51,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant fiction editor?

Assistant Fiction Editors are publishing professionals who support senior editors in managing fiction manuscripts and working with authors. Their tasks often include reading and evaluating submissions, proofreading, coordinating with authors and agents, and helping with the editorial process from acquisition to publication. They play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and marketability of fiction books and may also assist in preparing materials for meetings and marketing. This position is typically an entry- or mid-level role for those interested in a career in editing or publishing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant fiction editor?

To thrive as an Assistant Fiction Editor, you need a keen eye for detail, strong command of grammar and style, and a background in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word, Track Changes, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, time management, and the ability to collaborate with authors and senior editors set standout candidates apart. These skills are vital for ensuring manuscripts are polished, deadlines are met, and the overall quality of published fiction is maintained.

What are the main challenges an assistant fiction editor may encounter when balancing creative vision with commercial demands?

Assistant Fiction Editors often face the challenge of supporting authors' creative ideas while ensuring the manuscript aligns with the publisher's target audience and market trends. Balancing these priorities requires strong communication skills and the ability to provide constructive feedback that respects the writer's voice but also addresses editorial and commercial considerations. Additionally, Assistant Fiction Editors must work closely with senior editors, marketing teams, and authors to ensure manuscripts are both artistically compelling and marketable, often within tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Assistant Fiction Editor vs Associate Fiction Editor?

AspectAssistant Fiction EditorAssociate Fiction Editor
ResponsibilitiesSupports senior editors, reviews submissions, assists in editing storiesManages editing process, makes editorial decisions, oversees submissions
CredentialsBachelor's degree, editing experience, strong writing skillsSimilar credentials, often with more experience or advanced education
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, literary magazines, online platformsSame as Assistant, often with increased responsibility

The main difference between an Assistant Fiction Editor and an Associate Fiction Editor lies in their level of responsibility. The Assistant typically supports senior staff and handles initial review tasks, while the Associate takes on more decision-making and editing duties. Both roles require similar qualifications and work in comparable environments, but the Associate position involves greater oversight and editorial authority.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Fiction Editor jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Fiction Editor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Fiction Editor jobs?

The most popular types of Fiction Editor jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Fiction Editor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Fiction Editor jobs include:

Assistant Fiction Editor jobs near you

Associate Editor

Deseret Book Company

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Deseret Book rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 11 rated book shops

Job description

Our company is committed to being trusted voices of light and truth reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Associate Editor
Reports to
Editorial Director
Location
Deseret Book Corporate Office
Salt Lake City, UT
Start Date
Immediately
Position Type
Full Time; Hybrid
The Opportunity
About Shadow Mountain
Shadow Mountain is a national trade imprint of Deseret Book Company, publishing award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers. Our titles regularly appear on the New York Times and national bestseller lists, and our catalog spans mystery and suspense, romance, historical fiction, cookbooks, picture books, and inspirational nonfiction.
Position Summary
Shadow Mountain is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Associate Editor to join our editorial team. This is a hands-on role managing approximately 12-15 titles per year through every stage of the publishing process-from manuscript development through prepress and final printing. The ideal candidate is an exceptional editor at all stages (developmental, line, and copy) with strong project-management instincts, a passion for commercial fiction and nonfiction, and the ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with authors.
Responsibilities include
  • Manage books through the complete production lifecycle. Oversee up to 15 titles per year from conception to consumer, including developmental editing, author revisions, line editing, copyediting, typesetting coordination, cover design coordination, final page corrections, indexing, and blueline approvals. Work with freelance editors as needed for sensitivity reviews, copy editing, or proofreading tasks.
  • Edit manuscripts in Microsoft Word. Perform developmental reads, line editing, copy editing, and source checking to prepare both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for publication.
  • Build and maintain author relationships. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned authors, communicating clearly and often about the publishing process, and working collaboratively to develop new projects that are marketable, unique, and brand-building.
  • Prepare and present editorial pitches. Write pitch documents for editorial, sales, and marketing review-including tag lines, book descriptions, author bios, key selling points, and comp titles-and contribute to acquisition decisions.
  • Build and manage production schedules. Coordinate timelines, communicate project updates and changes to the team, and ensure all assigned titles meet press deadlines.
  • Collaborate with design, typesetting, and art teams. Work with designers on cover concepts and interior images, coordinate with typesetters on interior book design, prepare cover and interior files for Advance Reading Copies, perform prepress checks, and approve bluelines.
  • Write cover copy and marketing materials. Develop book jacket copy for both ARC and final version, and work with the design team to produce polished, consumer-ready materials.
  • Support acquisitions and project development. Review and evaluate submitted manuscripts, participate in slush pile review, and attend local and national writing conferences to take pitches from authors and teach classes as needed.
  • Provide editorial support across teams. Assist sales and marketing teams by proofreading catalogs, marketing materials, and social media posts; prepare metadata worksheets for assigned titles; secure author endorsements; and provide occasional collaborative support for other editors on the team.
  • Stay current with industry trends and the competitive market. Monitor publishing trends, read widely in Shadow Mountain's key categories, and bring market awareness to editorial discussions, pitch development, and author consultations.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field
  • 3-5 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing (or equivalent)
  • Score of 85% or higher on in-house editorial/proofreading test
  • Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Planner, etc.) and Adobe applications
  • Strong command of The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Impeccable attention to detail
  • Experience working directly with authors through the editorial process
  • Familiarity with book production workflows, including typesetting, prepress, and print coordination
  • Knowledge of current publishing trends and the competitive trade market
  • Experience developing, editing, and managing cookbooks a plus
  • Strong understanding of fiction genres and tropes for adult, young adult, and middle-grade readers
  • Able to work independently as well as with various teams
  • Experience with metadata systems (e.g., Firebrand) a plus
  • Experience attending or presenting at writing conferences
  • A portfolio or list of projects you have worked on

BENEFITS
  • Excellent medical, dental, and life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan with company matching funds
  • Company-funded retirement plan
  • Merchandise discount
  • Discounted UTA Eco pass
  • Paid leave and holidays
  • Great work environment

Equal Opportunity
Deseret Book is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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