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Book Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$250 - $350/day

Editor About TrueShort TrueShort is one of the fastest-growing streaming apps in the United States. An AI studio and streaming platform where we experiment, develop and release original series and ...

About the Video Editor position We are looking for a talented video editor to assemble recorded footage into a finished project that matches director's vision and is suitable for broadcasting.

About the Video Editor position We are looking for a talented video editor to assemble recorded footage into a finished project that matches director's vision and is suitable for broadcasting.

We want an editor who can see the story before everyone else does, move quickly when news breaks and help reporters turn daily developments into coverage that matters. This is not a passive editing ...

About the Video Editor position We are looking for a talented video editor to assemble recorded footage into a finished project that matches director's vision and is suitable for broadcasting.

Editor

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

We want an editor who can see the story before everyone else does, move quickly when news breaks and help reporters turn daily developments into coverage that matters. This is not a passive editing ...

Video Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $110K/hr

THE ROLE We are seeking a Video Editor to take a role in shaping the creative direction and execution of our videos. This individual will bring extensive experience editing YouTube content that has ...

THE ROLE We are seeking a Video Editor to take a role in shaping the creative direction and execution of our videos. This individual will bring extensive experience editing YouTube content that has ...

The News Editor operates editing equipment to produce images or scenes for newscasts and other programming. * Organizes and strings together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts ...

New

The News Editor operates editing equipment to produce images or scenes for newscasts and other programming. * Organizes and strings together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts ...

New

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

San Francisco, CA Staff Editor-WIRED WIRED is seeking a staff editor for our newsroom. Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an experienced team of ...

Video Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $110K/hr

THE ROLE We are seeking a Video Editor to take a role in shaping the creative direction and execution of our videos. This individual will bring extensive experience editing YouTube content that has ...

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Book Editor information

See California salary details

$7

$29

$75

How much do book editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for book editor in California is $29.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.89 and $37.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Book Editors Do?

A book editor prepares a manuscript for publication. Their duties include anything from basic grammar checks to line editing and fact-checking. They work closely with authors to revise their documents to fit the requirements of the publishing house. Some individuals specialize in a particular genre within either fiction or nonfiction. Often an editor focuses on one aspect of the process, especially in larger companies. Some book editors take on all the parts of the review process. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential.

What qualifications do you need to become 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 experience with editing software or publishing processes are also important qualifications.

Is there a high demand for book editors?

The demand for book editors remains steady, especially with the growth of self-publishing and digital content. Editors with strong editing skills and familiarity with editing tools are often sought after in publishing, media, and educational sectors.

How much money do book editors make?

Book editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of publishing. Freelance editors may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $100 or more, while those working for publishing houses often have salaried positions with benefits.

What does a book editor do?

A book editor is responsible for reviewing, revising, and improving manuscripts before they are published. Their duties include checking grammar and spelling, ensuring clarity and consistency, providing feedback to authors, and sometimes helping shape the overall structure and content of a book. Book editors may also coordinate with authors and publishers to meet deadlines and ensure the final product meets industry standards.

What are some common challenges Book Editors face when working with authors, and how can these be managed?

Book Editors often encounter challenges such as balancing the author's creative vision with market expectations, managing tight deadlines, and providing constructive feedback that is both honest and supportive. Effective communication and establishing clear editorial guidelines early in the process can help manage expectations and foster a collaborative relationship. Additionally, strong organizational skills and empathy are essential to navigate revisions and maintain positive author-editor interactions throughout the editing process.

How do you get a job as a book editor?

To become a book editor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field, along with strong editing, communication, and organizational skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions and familiarizing oneself with editing software and publishing processes can improve job prospects.

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 excellent language proficiency, a keen eye for detail, and a strong grasp of grammar, style, and narrative structure, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software such as Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word's Track Changes, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, time management, and the ability to provide constructive feedback are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure manuscripts are polished, deadlines are met, and productive author-editor relationships are maintained, resulting in high-quality published works.
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Editor jobs in California? The most popular types of Book Editor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Book Editor jobs in California? For Book Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Book Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Book Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Book Editor jobs in CA? For Book Editor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Book Editor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,750 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Chronicle Books

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

Chronicle Books is looking for a creative and savvy Assistant Editor to join the Art & Entertainment publishing group. From Grumpy Cat to Dolly Parton, the Art & Entertainment team acquires and publishes pop culture books, formats, and calendars across a wide range of non-fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. 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.


Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for providing editorial and project management support on a wide range of commercial books and formats, with a focus on key licensing relationships. In addition, they will independently acquire or be the project editor for 6-8 books, calendars, and formats a year. They will forward the goal of creating a distinctive, innovative, and profitable list by generating ideas, conducting consumer research, and adding value whenever possible, and will build industry relationships and cultivate authors and other makers. They will focus on key entertainment publishing categories like licensing, humor, brand- and trend-driven, pets, and more.


Key Responsibilities: Duties will also include evaluating, tracking and inputting corrections to manuscripts, maintaining title schedules as well as generating title memo copy for tipsheets, and communicating with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and literary agents. Researching, evaluating and responding to proposals while tracking licensor approvals will also be part of this position. The Assistant Editor will present proposals to publishing group meeting, generate P&Ls and deal sheets, lead creative meetings while also making offers, monitoring marketplace trends and working alongside department group members.


The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Hiring Salary Range: $27.41 – $31.50/hr. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the expected salary for this position and will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, an applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is eligible for our profit share plan.


Benefits: Chronicle Books offers a full suite of benefits, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, a profit share plan, three weeks of paid vacation to start, two weeks of sick time per year, and company holidays, including a paid winter break between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, paid family, maternity, and paternity leave, commuter benefits, long-term disability insurance, annual tuition assistance, annual wellness stipend, and more.


Schedule: Employees at Chronicle Books will follow a regular hybrid schedule in our San Francisco office of at least three (3) in-office days per week and up to five (5) in-office days per week, depending on project and business needs. Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all the activities required of the employee.


To Apply: Please follow the link to submit a resume and cover letter via our career site. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We look for candidates who will add to our culture and support the company’s vision of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply.


About Us: Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists, writers, and business partners who represent the diversity of our world and to fostering an inclusive company culture that respects and promotes diverse backgrounds and points of view. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com.

Requirements:

Applicants will need a minimum of three years’ publishing experience with proven project management skills. They will also need to possess an interest in licensing, a demonstrated skill in copywriting/written communications, and the skills to represent the publishing director and executive editor in meetings. They will need an ability to successfully manage details and tasks simultaneously, a strong attention to detail, self-motivation and the skills to work independently as well as in a collaborative group.