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Book Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Editor

New York, NY ยท On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

Senior Editor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$105 - $180/hr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

Senior Editor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

Senior Editor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA ยท 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 ...

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA ยท 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 ...

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA ยท 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 ...

Assume primary responsibility for development, scheduling, editing, design and production oversight ... Coordinate color proofing and other stages of book production with internal and external parties ...

Copy Editor

New York, NY ยท 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 ...

Copy Editor

New York, NY ยท 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 ...

Assume responsibility for assigned editorial aspects of book development, including manuscript development and editing; partner with art director and designers to provide illustration; copywriting ...

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$76 - $87/hr

... editing of chapter and book manuscripts; managing manuscript work flow and editorial schedules; performing editorial and production-related tasks for individual projects; managing approved freelance ...

$76 - $87/hr

... editing of chapter and book manuscripts; managing manuscript work flow and editorial schedules; performing editorial and production-related tasks for individual projects; managing approved freelance ...

... editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The Senior Editor works as part of a book ...

Showing results 21-40

Book Editing information

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$8

$29

$74

How much do book editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 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:

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.

Romance Novel Copy Editor

Louisville, KY โ€ข Remote

$23.56 - $27.40/hr

Contractor

Posted 7 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.