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Book Copy Editor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Crossway

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 ...

Sourcebooks

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ... book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Sourcebooks

Production Editor - Children's

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Prepare and approve final print and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) files, confirming they meet technical ... book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Sourcebooks LLC

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ... book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Trivium

Media Buyer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

... copy. You develop the concepts, write the hooks, and script the funnel: ads, VSL, book-a-call page ... You work alongside our editors and designers, who handle production. You don't manage clients and ...

Trivium

Performance Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... copy. You develop the concepts, write the hooks, and script the funnel: ads, VSL, book-a-call page ... You work alongside our editors and designers, who handle production. You don't manage clients and ...

Trivium

Creative Strategist

Chicago, IL · On-site

... copy. You develop the concepts, write the hooks, and script the funnel: ads, VSL, book-a-call page ... You work alongside our editors and designers, who handle production. You don't manage clients and ...

All JobsBook Copy Editor JobsBook Copy Editor Jobs in Illinois

Book Copy Editor information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$27

$45

How much do book copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for book copy editor in Illinois is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $30.96 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Book Copy Editor jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Book Copy Editor jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Book Copy Editor jobs in Illinois?

For Book Copy Editor jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Book Copy Editor jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Book Copy Editor jobs in Illinois are:

Book Copy Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Book Copy Editor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,956 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Editor, Academic Books

Crossway

Wheaton, IL • On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Title: 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's publishing ministry by copyediting book manuscripts and managing the editorial process for those book projects through the editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing stages. He or she will strive to ensure excellence of content, beauty of expression, and theological faithfulness. The editor will work under and closely with the vice president of Editorial and the director of Editorial, and will collaborate with the rest of the Book Department team (including Editorial and Acquisitions colleagues), the Production team, and other Crossway colleagues as needed.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Copyediting eight to twelve books per calendar year for content, style, and doctrine, with a focus on books toward the academic end of the spectrum but also including some trade books
  • Managing book projects through the editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing phases, concluding with handoff to the Manufacturing Department
  • Interacting with typesetters to provide all that they need to do their jobs effectively
  • Engaging and reviewing the work of freelance proofreaders and indexers
  • Working through projects in an efficient, timely manner
  • Meeting regularly with supervisor and others to discuss project issues
  • Handling other editorial needs that arise

Position Requirements:
  • Undergraduate degree in English, Bible, theology, history, philosophy, or a closely related field
  • Master's or doctoral degree in historical theology, church history, systematic theology, biblical and theological studies, or Old or New Testament
  • Familiarity with biblical languages; familiarity with Latin also helpful
  • Demonstrated copyediting experience for a publishing house or in another professional context, including copyediting of multiple book-length academic manuscripts
  • A thorough knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style (including but not limited to its citation style)
  • Attention to detail, ability to focus for long periods, ability to communicate clearly, and strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Adherence to a robust evangelical theology in the historic stream of the Reformation-that is, broadly Reformed in line with the doctrinal DNA of Crossway's publishing ministry-and willingness to affirm Crossway's Statement of Faith, Statement of Classic Reformation Orthodoxy, and statements on Human Sexuality and Complementarity

Publishing Ministry Commitment:
Commitment to the Crossway publishing ministry and vision, as summarized in the following statement of purpose: By God's grace: (a) to bring men, women, and children to Christ as their Lord and Savior; (b) to help individual Christians and the church grow in knowledge and understanding of the Bible and the Christian life; (c) to bear witness to God's Truth, Beauty, and Righteousness, and the Lordship of Christ in every area of life; and (d) to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in every way.
Personal Qualities:
A love for God's Word and His church. Committed to an evangelical, historic Reformation understanding of the Bible, the gospel, and Christian doctrine. A genuine faith in Jesus Christ as one's Lord and Savior, and active participation in a local church. Pleasing personal demeanor with a willing, servant's heart. Creative, energetic, organized, timely, excellence in execution.
Benefit Program:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for full time employees after 30 days of employment with employer contribution to costs
  • Three medical plan options available with monthly premium costs for a family from $125-$300
  • Life, long term, and short term disability insurance for full time employees paid by company
  • Additional voluntary life insurance offerings paid by employee
  • Paid vacation and illness days for full time employees (part time employees PTO accrual based on hours worked.)
  • 11 paid holiday for full time employees (part time employees holiday pay dependent on schedule)
  • Participation in retirement plan including 25% company match of up to $1,500 for full time and part time employees (temporary employees not eligible.)

Salary:
Salary range is $65,000 to $95,000. This range reflects the full scope of potential compensation for this role. Most candidates can expect to fall at the midpoint of the range, with placement determined by experience, skills, and demonstrated ability for the position. Salary also will be commensurate with current standards for comparable positions and responsibilities within publishing and other leading not-for-profit ministries.
Other:
  • This is a full-time position.
  • On-site work preferred, but remote work negotiable.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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