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Book Editing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Cartographer works closely with the cartography crew, production department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza ...

The Senior Cartographer works closely with the cartography crew, production department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza ...

Senior Cartographer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

The Senior Cartographer works closely with the cartography crew, production department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

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.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

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.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

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.

... * 1 Photo Editor This is a remote position, available to any native English speaker (American ... Reaching out to potential podcast guests and book them, prep them, confirm them, etc. * Guest posts ...

... Editor This is a remote position, available to any native English speaker (American English) with ... Reaching out to potential podcast guests and book them, prep them, confirm them, etc. Guest posts ...

Strong editing and fact-checking skills, with meticulous attention to detail under tight deadlines. * An extensive contacts book. * The ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-pressure ...

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Book Editing information

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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Book Editing jobs in California? The most popular types of Book Editing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Book Editing jobs? Cities in California with the most Book Editing job openings:
Infographic showing various Book Editing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$65K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Hachette Book Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 19 rated publishing


Job description

SUMMARY:

The Senior Cartographer works closely with the cartography crew, production department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza MAPublisher to acquire data, design, and prepare map assets.

LOCATION: Oakland, CA (onsite 3 days/week)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design & Layout: Prepare and refine digital map files primarily using Adobe Illustrator and MAPublisher.
  • Data Acquisition & Software Management:
    • Utilize dedicated data acquisition sites and mapping software to source and organize reliable geographic data.
  • Map Production:
    • Design and compile accurate, visually compelling maps tailored for print travel guides using Avenza MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator.
    • Maintain consistent file and asset organization for each map project.
    • Organize and prepare map projects for junior employees and freelancers.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
    • Work directly with editorial and production departments to ensure map layouts align with text and publishing deadlines.
    • Oversee multiple simultaneous projects on different schedules and timelines.
REQUIRED SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE to SUCCEED within CARTOGRAPHY at AVALON:
    • Software Expertise:
      • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and MAPublisher is essential.
      • Adobe suite applications also used: Bridge, Photoshop, and InDesign.
      • Proficiency in Geographic Imager plugin for Adobe Photoshop.
      • Proficiency, or familiarity with, Google maps engine.
        • KML/KMZ and shapefile formats.
      • Proficiency with Excel.
      • MacOS platform
  • Industry Experience: Demonstrated background in cartography in print production.
  • This is not an entry-level role
  • Strong communication skills with the aptitude to communicate effectively in both individual and group settings regardless of audience.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for geographic accuracy, color grading, typography, topology, spacing, and graphic design.
  • Ability to deliver timely, accurate work product and demonstrate good follow up and follow through.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time effectively while also ensuring accuracy of work through attention to detail.
APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered, please submit both a 1 page resume AND a cover letter. Unconventional experience including personal projects/content creation are all very welcome.

Want to read up on us before you apply? Visit our imprint website at MoonTravelGuides.com, or find us @moonguides on Instagram. You can learn more about the Hachette Book Group at hachettebookgroup.com.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to be considered for this position.

This role is based in our New York office. Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with our hybrid work model. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office.

The compensation for this position is $65,000-$68,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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