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Assistant Literary Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... and literary agents. Researching, evaluating and responding to proposals while tracking licensor approvals will also be part of this position. The Assistant Editor will present proposals to ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... and literary agents. Researching, evaluating and responding to proposals while tracking licensor approvals will also be part of this position. The Assistant Editor will present proposals to ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... and literary agents. Researching, evaluating and responding to proposals while tracking licensor approvals will also be part of this position. The Assistant Editor will present proposals to ...

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Assistant Literary Editor information

See salary details

$23.5K

$51.2K

$65K

How much do assistant literary editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant literary 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 does an Assistant Literary Editor do?

An Assistant Literary Editor supports the literary editor in reviewing, editing, and selecting written works for publication. Their responsibilities often include reading submissions, providing feedback to authors, proofreading manuscripts, fact-checking, and helping to manage the editorial calendar. They may also correspond with writers, coordinate with other editorial staff, and assist in organizing literary events or features. This role is essential for ensuring the quality and timely publication of literary content.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Literary Editors, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Assistant Literary Editors often juggle multiple manuscripts, tight deadlines, and varied author personalities. Balancing thorough editing with efficiency can be challenging, especially when prioritizing which submissions to review first. Successful editors develop strong organizational skills, communicate proactively with senior editors and authors, and remain adaptable to shifting editorial calendars. Building a solid understanding of the publication’s voice and maintaining meticulous attention to detail are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Assistant Literary Editor vs Assistant Editor?

AspectAssistant Literary EditorAssistant Editor
CredentialsBachelor's degree in English, Literature, or related field; strong editing skillsBachelor's degree; editing or publishing experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, literary magazines, publishing departmentsMagazines, publishing companies, online media
Industry UsageLiterary publishing, book publishingGeneral publishing, media outlets
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on literary content, editing books or literary magazinesBroader editing roles across various media

The main difference is that an Assistant Literary Editor specializes in literary content, often working on books or literary magazines, while an Assistant Editor has a broader role across different media types. Both roles require strong editing skills and relevant education, but the Assistant Literary Editor focuses more on literary quality and content specific to literature.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Literary Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Literary Editor, you need strong editorial judgment, attention to detail, and a background in English, literature, or publishing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, and content management systems, as well as knowledge of style guides such as Chicago Manual of Style, is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with authors, editors, and other team members. These abilities are vital to ensuring the quality of published material and maintaining efficient editorial workflows.
What cities are hiring for Assistant Literary Editor jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Literary Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Literary Editor jobs? The most popular types of Literary Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Literary Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Literary Editor jobs include:
ASSISTANT EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Chronicle Books

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

Chronicle Books is looking for a creative and savvy Assistant Editor to join the Art & Entertainment publishing group. From Grumpy Cat to Dolly Parton, the Art & Entertainment team acquires and publishes pop culture books, formats, and calendars across a wide range of non-fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We need a quick-thinking, pop-culture and trend-loving editor who has many creative ideas, an interest in growing publishing relationships, and a clear vision for what makes a book irresistible. 


Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for providing editorial and project management support on a wide range of commercial books and formats, with a focus on key licensing relationships. In addition, they will independently acquire or be the project editor for 6-8 books, calendars, and formats a year. They will forward the goal of creating a distinctive, innovative, and profitable list by generating ideas, conducting consumer research, and adding value whenever possible, and will build industry relationships and cultivate authors and other makers. They will focus on key entertainment publishing categories like licensing, humor, brand- and trend-driven, pets, and more.  


Key Responsibilities: Duties will also include evaluating, tracking and inputting corrections to manuscripts, maintaining title schedules as well as generating title memo copy for tipsheets, and communicating with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and literary agents. Researching, evaluating and responding to proposals while tracking licensor approvals will also be part of this position. The Assistant Editor will present proposals to publishing group meeting, generate P&Ls and deal sheets, lead creative meetings while also making offers, monitoring marketplace trends and working alongside department group members. 


The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Hiring Salary Range: $27.41 - $31.50/hr. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the expected salary for this position and will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, an applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is eligible for our profit share plan.


Benefits: Chronicle Books offers a full suite of benefits, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, a profit share plan, three weeks of paid vacation to start, two weeks of sick time per year, and company holidays, including a paid winter break between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, paid family, maternity, and paternity leave, commuter benefits, long-term disability insurance, annual tuition assistance, annual wellness stipend, and more.


Schedule: Employees at Chronicle Books will follow a regular hybrid schedule in our San Francisco office of at least three (3) in-office days per week and up to five (5) in-office days per week, depending on project and business needs. Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all the activities required of the employee. 


To Apply: Please follow the link to submit a resume and cover letter via our career site. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We look for candidates who will add to our culture and support the company's vision of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply.


About Us: Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world's most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children's books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists, writers, and business partners who represent the diversity of our world and to fostering an inclusive company culture that respects and promotes diverse backgrounds and points of view. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com.

Requirements

Applicants will need a minimum of three years' publishing experience with proven project management skills. They will also need to possess an interest in licensing, a demonstrated skill in copywriting/written communications, and the skills to represent the publishing director and executive editor in meetings. They will need an ability to successfully manage details and tasks simultaneously, a strong attention to detail, self-motivation and the skills to work independently as well as in a collaborative group.Â