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Book Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hope for Strokes

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Personal Assistant/ Book Writing Assistant

Orlando, FL · On-site

$20/hr

Also accompany me to my Book Editor for sessions. ● Ride with me on Access Lynx transportation when applicable (you do not need to use your own vehicle for these trips). ● Drive me to medical ...

Crossway

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Hachette Book Group

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 titles per year, from manuscript to bound book, as well as review reprints. The Production Editor will ...

Hachette Book Group

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 titles per year, from manuscript to bound book, as well as review reprints. The Production Editor will ...

Hachette Book Group

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 titles per year, from manuscript to bound book, as well as review reprints. The Production Editor will ...

Hachette Book Group

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editor to acquire ...

Hachette Book Group

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editor to acquire ...

Hachette Book Group

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY

$65K - $80K/yr

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editor to acquire ...

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Book Editing information

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How much do book editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for book editing in the United States is $29.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is book editing?

Book editing is the process of reviewing and revising a manuscript to improve its clarity, coherence, style, and overall quality before publication. Editors work closely with authors to correct grammar and spelling, ensure consistency, and enhance the structure and flow of the content. There are different types of book editing, including developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading, each focusing on specific aspects of the manuscript. The goal of book editing is to ensure the final book is polished, professional, and ready for readers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Book Editor, you need strong language proficiency, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of grammar, style, and publishing standards, often supported by a relevant degree or editorial experience. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and content management systems, as well as certifications from organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association, is common. Excellent communication, time management, and collaborative skills help editors work effectively with authors and publishing teams. These skills ensure manuscripts are polished, consistent, and ready for publication, maintaining high quality and meeting industry expectations.

What are some common challenges book editors face when working with authors, and how can these be managed effectively?

Book editors often encounter challenges such as balancing an author's creative vision with the need for clear, marketable content and maintaining consistent communication throughout the editing process. Navigating differing opinions about revisions requires tact, empathy, and strong negotiation skills. Effective editors build trust by providing constructive feedback, establishing clear timelines, and collaborating closely with authors to align on goals, which helps ensure a smooth editorial process and a polished final manuscript.

What is the difference between Book Editing vs Copy Editing?

AspectBook EditingCopy Editing
Primary FocusOverall content, structure, and flow of the bookGrammar, punctuation, and style consistency
Required SkillsStrong editing, storytelling, and developmental skillsAttention to detail, grammar, and style adherence
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, freelance, or self-publishingPublishing companies, freelance, or in-house editing
Typical TasksRevising content, improving narrative, and ensuring coherenceCorrecting language errors, consistency, and formatting

Book editing involves shaping the overall content and structure of a manuscript, focusing on narrative flow and coherence. Copy editing concentrates on refining language, grammar, and style at a sentence level. Both roles require strong editing skills, but they serve different stages of the publishing process and have distinct responsibilities.

How can I work as a book editor?

To work as a book editor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field, along with strong editing, writing, and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions and becoming proficient with editing software like Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign can improve job prospects. Building a portfolio of editing work and networking within the publishing industry are also important steps.

What qualifications do I need to be a book editor?

To become a book 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, along with experience in writing or editing. Some editors also pursue certifications such as the Certified Editor credential from professional organizations.
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What cities are hiring for Book Editing jobs?

Cities with the most Book Editing job openings:

What states have the most Book Editing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Book Editing jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Book Editing jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Book Editing jobs are:

Book Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Book Editing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,373 per year, or $30 per hour.

Associate Editor

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Deseret Book Company
Retail • 1 - 5K employees

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

Great coworkers

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Deseret Book Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

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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