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Book Publishing Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

J. Paul Getty Trust

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Identifies, generates, and recommends to leadership new book publishing opportunities based on ... editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers * Maintains project records and regularly reports ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

The Production Editor will work closely with the editorial, design, and production teams, and will ... As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all ...

NCCER

Editor

Alachua, FL

Description As an entry-level editor at the National Center for Education and Research (NCCER), you ... Familiarity with the end-to-end book publishing process a plus NCCER is an equal opportunity ...

Hachette Book Group

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY

$65K - $80K/yr

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editor to acquire ...

Hachette Book Group

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editor to acquire ...

The Daily Grace Co.

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX · On-site

Master's preferred * 1-3 years of experience in book publishing, acquisitions, or developmental editing * Deep theological understanding aligned with The Daily Grace Co.'s statement of faith * Proven ...

Daily Grace Enterprises, LLC

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Master's preferred * 1-3 years of experience in book publishing, acquisitions, or developmental editing * Deep theological understanding aligned with The Daily Grace Co.'s statement of faith * Proven ...

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Book Publishing Editor information

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$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do book publishing editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for book publishing editor in the United States is $59,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a book publishing editor do?

A Book Publishing Editor is responsible for overseeing the development and refinement of manuscripts before they are published. Their duties include reviewing submissions, working with authors to improve content, ensuring the manuscript meets publishing standards, and coordinating with other publishing professionals such as designers and marketers. Editors often manage the editing process from initial acquisition through final publication, ensuring the final product is polished, accurate, and market-ready. They play a key role in shaping the quality and success of books released by a publishing house.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book publishing editor?

To thrive as a Book Publishing Editor, you need expertise in grammar, editorial judgment, and a strong background in literature or communications, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with editing software such as Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Word, and knowledge of style guides like Chicago Manual of Style, are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help editors collaborate with authors and manage multiple projects. These skills ensure high-quality publications, a smooth editorial process, and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a competitive industry.

How does a book publishing editor typically collaborate with authors and other departments during the publishing process?

Book Publishing Editors work closely with authors to refine manuscripts, providing feedback on both content and structure to enhance readability and marketability. They frequently coordinate with departments such as design, marketing, and production to ensure the book meets quality standards and publishing deadlines. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as editors often juggle multiple projects and must balance the creative vision of the author with commercial considerations. This collaborative environment offers editors the chance to build strong professional relationships and gain exposure to various aspects of the publishing industry.

What is the difference between Book Publishing Editor vs Book Literary Agent?

AspectBook Publishing EditorBook Literary Agent
Primary RoleReviews, edits, and prepares manuscripts for publicationRepresents authors to publishers, negotiates publishing deals
Required CredentialsOften a degree in English, journalism, or related field; editing experienceLiterary agent certification or industry experience; strong industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, editing firms, or freelanceAgency offices, industry events, or remote
Industry UsageCommonly employed by publishers to shape manuscriptsHired by authors to find publishing opportunities

While both roles are integral to the book publishing industry, a Book Publishing Editor focuses on refining manuscripts for publication, whereas a Book Literary Agent advocates for authors and secures publishing deals. Understanding these differences helps authors and industry professionals navigate their careers effectively.

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Book Publishing Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Book Publishing Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Senior Editor, Quirk Books Imprint

ANDREWS MCMEEL UNIVERSAL INC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Quirk Books, an imprint of Andrews McMeel Publishing, is seeking a Senior Editor to develop, acquire, and manage Quirk's unconventional list of commercial fiction and select nonfiction titles, while leading the strategic growth of Quirk's signature fiction publishing program.
This creative role is made for an idea person-an experienced writer/editor who has strong creative instincts, sharp market awareness, and a demonstrated ability to both originate concepts and acquire outside projects, strengthening both along the way. The Senior Editor will oversee Quirk's fiction list, including approximately 4-6 original titles annually in horror, mystery, and adjacent commercial genres distinguished by playful and humorous tones, high-concept hooks, reimaginations of pop-cultural tropes, inventive storytelling, and Quirk's aim to live up to its name and publish cross-genre breakout books.
The ideal candidate is a strong creative collaborator, working closely with the in-house team as well as authors and creators to build projects from the ground up, in addition to acquiring and editing agented manuscripts.
Key Responsibilities
Acquisitions & List Development
  • Acquire approximately 8-10 titles annually across fiction and select nonfiction categories aligned with Quirk's publishing strategy.
  • Lead and manage Quirk's fiction program, publishing 4-6 original fiction titles annually.
  • Identify market opportunities in horror, mystery, suspense, humor, speculative, and crossover commercial fiction.
  • Develop compelling P&Ls, acquisition memos, positioning rationale, and sales arguments for proposed titles.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with literary agents, authors, and entertainment/creative partners.

Concept Creation & Creator Collaboration
  • Generate original book concepts rooted in Quirk's brand strengths: playful twists, pop-cultural fluency, mash-ups, format innovation, and fresh takes on familiar genres or classics.
  • Collaborate with writers, IP holders, illustrators, and creators to shape proposals and manuscripts from early stages.
  • Pair clever concepts with talent and guide projects from ideation through publication.
  • Identify opportunities for reimaginations of classic literature, pop cultural tropes, nostalgic formats, and genre conventions. Remember that sometimes a great title gets you halfway there.

Editorial Management
  • Edit acquired manuscripts and proposals through all stages: developmental editing, line editing, copy preparation, and production handoff.
  • Manage schedules, author communication, contracts coordination, and title progress against deadlines.
  • Present projects effectively to internal stakeholders including sales, marketing, publicity, and design teams.
  • Write jacket copy, positioning documents, metadata guidance, and launch materials as needed.

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with Marketing, Publicity, Design, Production, and Sales to maximize title performance.
  • Help shape seasonal list balance and long-range publishing strategy.
  • Mentor junior editorial staff or interns as assigned.
  • Serve as a visible internal advocate for fiction publishing opportunities and trends.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • 5+ years of book publishing editorial experience, with meaningful acquisitions responsibility.
  • Proven track record acquiring and/or editing successful commercial fiction.
  • Strong knowledge of horror, mystery, suspense, and adjacent genre fiction markets.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop original concepts and collaborate creatively with authors.
  • Experience working with literary agents and negotiating acquisitions internally.
  • Excellent editorial skills, including developmental editing and manuscript shaping.
  • Strong understanding of positioning, audience targeting, and marketplace trends.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with humor-forward or genre-blending fiction-ideas that "so crazy they just might work."
  • Proven experience in adaptation, licensing, and IP-driven publishing opportunities.
  • A passion for pop-culture publishing and inventive concepts and formats.
  • Existing relationships with agents representing commercial fiction.

Core Competencies
  • Creative Development: Builds killer ideas into viable books through collaboration and iteration.
  • Commercial Instinct: Understands audience demand, positioning, and breakout sales potential.
  • Editorial Judgment: Identifies potentially strong concepts, talent, and marketable manuscripts and knows how to improve them.
  • Relationship Management: Builds and retains trust with agents, authors, and internal partners.
  • Project Management: Keeps multiple books moving on schedule and on budget.
  • Communication: Clear, persuasive, professional, and positive across all settings.
  • Initiative: Proactively generates opportunities
  • Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing market conditions and priorities.

Salary Range: $70,000-90,000 annually
Status: Full-time, exempt
Work Model: Hybrid; on-site expectations based on team needs
EEO Statement
Andrews McMeel Publishing and Quirk Books are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

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