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Book Copy Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Copy Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$49K/yr

The New Republic is looking for an experienced full-time copy editor to edit The TNR Blue Book, our new morning newsletter devoted to covering Democrats and progressive groups, and other editorial ...

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Book Department Editor Reports to : Vice President of Editorial and Director of Editorial, Book Department General Description of Responsibilities : The academic book editor will serve Crossway ...

Knowledge about book publishing, comics, manga, or anime * Experience writing and editing high-quality copy and maintaining continuity in projects * The ability to balance creative judgements with ...

New

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 ... Copyedit, proofread, and route jacket and cover materials from original copy through final proof

... book development, including manuscript development and editing; partner with art director and designers to provide illustration; copywriting including cover, tip sheets, and other marketing copy as ...

The Editor partners with authors to shape and finalize manuscripts, copy edits and proofreads as ... Coordinate color proofing and other stages of book production with internal and external parties ...

Fact-check all copy. Check content against an in-house style guide and the AP Style Book. Understand and adhere to brand voice, tone and style. Handle multiple projects simultaneously and respect ...

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Book Copy Editor information

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How much do book copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for book copy editor in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a book copy editor do?

A Book Copy Editor reviews a manuscript for grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and clarity. They ensure the writing adheres to a style guide and correct any factual inaccuracies or structural issues. Their goal is to refine the author's work while maintaining the original voice and intent. Copy editors also check for formatting errors and may collaborate with authors to improve readability. Their work helps create a polished, professional final manuscript ready for publication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book copy editor?

A Book Copy Editor should have a strong command of grammar, punctuation, style, and language usage, often supported by a degree in English, Journalism, or Communications. Familiarity with style guides like Chicago or APA, and proficiency in editing software such as Microsoft Word with track changes, are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and communication skills help copy editors excel, especially when working under deadlines or with multiple authors. These skills ensure that published materials are polished, error-free, and meet publisher standards for quality.

What are the typical challenges faced by book copy editors when working on manuscripts?

Book copy editors often face challenges such as reconciling an author's unique voice with the publisher's style requirements, managing tight deadlines, and handling large volumes of text with consistent accuracy. They may also need to navigate ambiguous or unclear passages and coordinate with authors to clarify content without altering the original intent. Building strong relationships with authors and maintaining open, professional communication is key to overcoming these challenges. Successfully managing these aspects ensures both the integrity of the manuscript and a smooth editorial process.

Are book copy editors still in demand?

Book copy editors are still in demand as publishers and authors seek to ensure high-quality, error-free content. The role often requires strong language skills and familiarity with editing tools, and demand remains steady in publishing, academic, and digital media sectors.

How much money do book copy editors make?

Book copy editors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Freelance copy editors may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $50 or more, with rates varying based on skill level and workload.

What qualifications do I need to be a book copy editor?

To become a book copy editor, a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field is typically required. Strong language skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with editing tools like Microsoft Word or editing software are essential. Many employers also value previous editing experience or certification from professional organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association.
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States with the most job openings for Book Copy Editor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Book Copy Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Romance Novel Copy Editor

RoseHarbor Publishing

Louisville, KY • Remote

$23.56 - $27.40/hr

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Copy Editor Needed for Long-Term Romance Series

RoseHarbor Publishing is seeking a talented copy editor for multiple series of novel-length books (90,000-100,000-word) within various genres of romance (mafia or fantasy romance, for example). This long-term position is remote and offers flexibility and allows you to work when you want as long as deadlines and timelines are met and communication is prompt.

 We are seeking a dependable copy editor for long-term work within a team environment. In the beginning, this will happen on a book-by-book basis, starting with the continuation of an ongoing series. As you learn and master our style, you may be offered the opportunity to copy-edit multiple books on a regular basis (weekly and monthly) according to our needs.

 Scope of work:

Utilizing our online platform, you ensure each element of a story is consistent, cohesive, and complete by:

·       Offering suggestions on each copy edit on areas that need series editor/writer feedback.

·       Completing two rounds of copy editing with series editor/editing director input and revisions in between.

·       Editing while keeping writer’s voice intact, scrutinizing for the following:

o   Fact-checking all facts, statistics, data, media et cetera mentioned in the narrative

o   Flagging ambiguous or factually incorrect sentences

o   Checking for continuity errors and flagging those that aren’t tied up

o   Tracking larger concerns like discrepancies in the plot, setting, timeline, and character traits, using an in-depth Master Character List as a guide

o   Logging new plot, setting, and character trait details in the Master Character List

o   Correcting any typos, especially spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors

o   Filling in missing words

o   Eliminating repetitive and redundant wording

o   Removing extra spaces and fixing other minor formatting issues

o   Creating new paragraphs to break up long passages

o   Adheres to Standard English

o   Ensuring consistent spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, capitalization, minimizing the use of crutch and filter words, and reducing the use of passive verbs, using the following guides:

§  RoseHarbor Publishing Style Guidelines

§  Merriam-Webster Dictionary

§  Chicago Manual of Style

§  Master Character List

You will work with the editing director and editing team as you learn the RoseHarbor Publishing style and receive feedback on each book with the goal of working independently by the fourth book. Copy editors will receive feedback for continued improvement.

 Requirements:

·       Strong background in copy editing romance novels in a series with the ability to spot inconsistencies within scenes and over the course of a series, as well as fact-checking plot, setting, and character details using master character list, as well as ensuring a book with correct grammar and clean copy. We create unique plots with surprising twists, and we will depend on you to maintain our high level of quality in our stories with an exceptional eye for detail and accuracy.

·       Able/willing to learn our writer’s voice and maintain that voice while editing.

·       Copy edit in both first person and third person point of views, present and past tense, while alternating character POVs per each scene.

  • Good research and fact-checking skills to ensure basic details are accurate (such as Greek gods or other magical being mythology) and be able to edit characters within a fantasy world. You will receive (and help maintain) a Master Character List in which you will be required to fact-check character details while editing.

·       High levels of discretion, diplomacy, and tact in leaving editing comments for writers to receive on their redlined copy.

·       Deadline driven and able to respond to communication within 24 hours—very important.

·       Must learn our style: Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster, and the RoseHarbor Style Guide, which will be provided to you.

·       Work in an online shared team environment.

·       Be able to fill in for another copy editor if necessary.

·       Use the most up-to-date version of Microsoft Word with Track Changes function.

·       Sign an NDA.

 Our readership is primarily composed of women. We will expect your work to be self-edited and proofread, and as clean as possible before submission. Our editing director and team will go over your work, and if needed, send it back to you for revisions and/or suggestions or to answer questions. You will be working with editors who are experienced in the romance genre on an online shared environment, and you must be open to constructive criticism from another set of eyes. The team will provide help and suggestions where needed. The goal is to work together to create the perfect genre romance book.

 Please be sure you will have the time to work with us and to devote to copy editing full-length novels. We need a copy editor with good communication skills, as communicating with us for deadlines and with the series editor, editing director, creative director, and book writers about plots and revisions is a must. We work as a team and care about our editors. This is a good opportunity for someone who wants job security.

 Ownership and Legal:

·       Understand that this is a work-for-hire independent contractor position—editors hold no rights to the work and must adhere to all legal and ownership agreements set by RoseHarbor Publishing.

·       Must be willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for each book.

·       All submitted work must be 100% original. AI-generated, AI-assisted, pre-written templates, or PLR (Private Label Rights) content will not be accepted. Submissions that appear to rely primarily on AI, templates, or PLR material will be disqualified.

This position is compensated on a per-word basis. Any hourly rate displayed in job postings is for advertising purposes only and does not reflect actual compensation.

We are looking for quality, professional copy editors who work at a high standard. If you are interested, please apply and share your editing portfolio.

 Thank you for your interest. RoseHarbor Publishing looks forward to hearing from you.