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Book Editing Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Run outbound sequences through email, phone, and LinkedIn to book discovery meetings * Conduct in ... Strong written communication and a self-editing eye, meaning you can tell the difference between ...

Run outbound sequences through email, phone, and LinkedIn to book discovery meetings * Conduct in ... Strong written communication and a self-editing eye, meaning you can tell the difference between ...

Run outbound sequences through email, phone, and LinkedIn to book discovery meetings * Conduct in ... Strong written communication and a self-editing eye, meaning you can tell the difference between ...

Responsibilities include, but not limited to, writing, editing, and working with sales and client ... Schedule and book guests. * Work with Anchor/host on interviews and on-location segments * Balance ...

Responsibilities include, but not limited to, writing, editing, and working with sales and client ... Schedule and book guests. * Work with Anchor/host on interviews and on-location segments * Balance ...

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Book Editing jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Book Editing jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Book Editing jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Book Editing job openings:

Infographic showing various Book Editing job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Editorial Assistant, Timber Press

Hachette Book Group

Portland, OR • Hybrid

$48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 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:

Timber Press publishes nonfiction books, illustrated and narrative, in the categories of gardening, nature, science, craft, and lifestyle. We are seeking an Editorial Assistant to support our Executive Editor and Senior Editor. This is an entry-level role in our editorial department, but one with opportunities for learning and growth. This is a hybrid position, with three required days in the office, that is based in Portland, Oregon.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Interact professionally with authors and their literary agents, as well as internal departments, including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales
  • Enter, maintain, and track metadata and other key title information in our central management system throughout the life of a book
  • Assist in manuscript reviews and production handover preparation, image program and art log reviews and creation, and other book-related company tasks for projects acquired and assigned by the senior editorial staff
  • Assist with onboarding new authors and executed contracts
  • Process and track payment requests and invoices
  • Support authors, editors, and design with photo research and procurement for specific books, including assistance with photo licensure and permissions
  • Draft independent contractor and commissioned art agreements for specific books
  • Draft descriptive copy and fact sheets
  • Attend editorial meetings, as well as marketing and sales meetings as required
  • Manage the editorial inbox, including unsolicited proposals
  • Research book sales using internal and external databases
  • Assist in ongoing departmental projects, such as book prize submissions, maintenance of rights lists, and metadata optimization for backlist books
  • Manage and order all complimentary copies of books
  • Apply titles for Cataloging in Publication records through the Library of Congress
  • Perform other administrative duties


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
The successful candidate will:

  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in addition to solid computer skills
  • Deliver timely, accurate work and demonstrate good follow-up and follow-through
  • Have demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team setting and with colleagues at every level of seniority
  • Be passionate about nonfiction books and curious and open-minded about a range of nonfiction subject areas
  • Be self-directed and able to work independently
  • Be highly organized, capable of multi-tasking, and detail oriented
  • Demonstrate imagination, creativity, and original thinking
  • Be proficient with email, calendar management, and file management tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Demonstrate understanding of and appreciation for the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion


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 compensation for this position is $48,300. 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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