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Book Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Writer/Editor

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$69K - $104K/yr

In addition, will provide writing and editing support for book publishing. Main Duties Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Will use their news judgement to propose, research, conduct ...

Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$98K/yr

The Editor / Technical Writer will work closely with analysts, leadership, and staff action teams to refine content, improve document quality, and ensure final products meet required formatting ...

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

Distant Moon Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Film Editor to help shape documentary, commercial, and narrative projects from assembly through ...

The news editor managers the skills, time and talents of their various writers, giving story ideas and content information weekly. The news editor is responsible for assisting the writers in ...

BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, quality, and professionalism of executive correspondence, reports ...

BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, quality, and professionalism of executive correspondence, reports ...

BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, quality, and professionalism of executive correspondence, reports ...

BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, quality, and professionalism of executive correspondence, reports ...

The Sr. Editor, Integrated Content supports the editorial development, production, and optimization ofEducational Leadership magazine, EdSurge journalism, newsletters, and sponsored content ...

Content Editor C² Technologies seeks a Content Editor to contribute and edit written content for use in online and classroom training products. The Content Editor will work with a team of ...

The Sr. Editor, Integrated Content supports the editorial development, production, and optimization of Educational Leadership magazine, EdSurge journalism, newsletters, and sponsored content ...

Content Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Content Editor C² Technologies seeks a Content Editor to contribute and edit written content for use in online and classroom training products. The Content Editor will work with a team of ...

Video Editor

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$53K - $56K/yr

Exceptional editing skills identifiable by clients and peers and measurable by visual appeal and in compliance with appropriate technical standards * Ability to exercise judgment/concepts given a ...

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Book Editor information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$29

$74

How much do book editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for book editor in Virginia is $29.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.77 and $37.17 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Book Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Book Editor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Book Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Book Editor jobs in VA? For Book Editor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Book Editor job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,327 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Writer/Editor

$69K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
About the Position
The Writer/Editor will generate and write original articles and edit features and other content as needed for Trend & Tradition: The Magazine of Colonial Williamsburg, as assigned by the Editorial Manager. Work with all editorial staff on best practices. In addition, will provide writing and editing support for book publishing.
Main Duties
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Will use their news judgement to propose, research, conduct interviews and personally write original articles whose subject matter pertains to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's mission, activities, research, programming and general news. The position will be responsible for writing a minimum 12 original articles an issue, which vary from 200 to 2,000 words, to incude (but are not limited to) profiles, "Behind the Scenes," general-interest stories and Foundation updates.
  • Will exercise independent editorial judgement, and participate in idea sessions on stories and illustrations, find and propose potential articles and bring fresh ideas and approaches to long-standing features and columns.
  • Will offer original headline suggestions and caption writing and suggest and produce complementary content to package with articles, including illustrations, photography.
  • Work with the editorial staff, use excerising editorial judgement, and help expand and produce stories based on ideas from the staff.
  • Will conduct fact-check using Associated Press Style, edit features and news articles, make suggestions to further align stories with the Foundation's mission. Work with the editorial team to execute long-term planning for stories and magazine issues.
  • Cultivate relationships with other departments across the Foundation, including Development, Museums and Digital Marketing, to collect material for regular magazine features.
  • In concert with the Editorial Manager, proofread final galleys of the magazine before its submission for printing.
  • Support book publications as a Writer and/or Editor/Proofreader. Generate potential book projects.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in English, Journalism or History
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of professional feature writing and editing experience
  • To be considered, applicants must provide three (3) published writing clips, resume and references.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in book publishing is desired
  • 3+ years' experience in a magazine setting
  • Familiarity with inDesign is desirable
  • Familiarity with project management tools, such as Trello is a plus

Key Skills / Competencies:
  • Knowledge of American colonial history
  • Knowledge of AP Style
  • Strong organizational skills; must demonstrate ability/willingness to take direction and work independently.
  • Must be comfortable using both Mac and PC environment
  • Knowledge about Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding region, particularly its 18th- century history

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Stand Constantly
Walk Frequently
Sit Constantly
Use hands/fingers Constantly
Climb or balance Rarely
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl Rarely
Reach with hands/arms Frequently
Talk or hear Constantly
Lifting up to 10 lbs. Rarely
Lifting up to 25 lbs. Rarely
Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely
Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely
More than 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely
Wet/humid conditions: Rarely
Wet/humid conditions: Rarely
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely
Extreme cold: Rarely
Extreme heat: Rarely
Risk of electrical shock Rarely
Typical Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $69,700 to $104,500
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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