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Book Publishing Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As the Associate Acquisitions Editor, you will be joining a leading global trade book publishing team and will have the opportunity to contribute to one of our largest and most dynamic programs ...

At least 4 years of experience in writing and editing, preferably in book publishing and preferably ... in an office setting. * Experience with a publisher specializing in K-12 education and multimedia ...

Development Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Fairchild Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing and the leading US publisher in Fashion and ... Book front cover, spine, and back cover information, accurate, and provides final approval.

We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our ... Solicit, evaluate, and develop book proposals, including managing peer review * Stakeholder ...

Development Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$55K - $65K/yr

Description Fairchild Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing and the leading US publisher in ... Book front cover, spine, and back cover information, accurate, and provides final approval.

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Description Tor Publishing Group is seeking an associate editor to join the Bramble team. Working ... Write copy for tip and launch sheets, catalog, online retail feeds, and book jackets/covers that ...

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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 Jun 9, 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Book Publishing Editor, and why are they important?

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.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Book Publishing Editor jobs? Cities with the most Book Publishing Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Publishing Editor jobs? The most popular types of Book Publishing Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Book Publishing Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Book Publishing Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Book Publishing Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Book Publishing Editor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Book Publishing Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 21% Full Time, and 72% Part Time. Highlights an 72% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Associate Editor (NYC Hybrid)

Associate Editor (NYC Hybrid)

HarperCollins Publishers

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview
Company: Harlequin Enterprises
Date: March 27, 2026
Job Title: Associate Editor, Harlequin Intrigue
Department: Harlequin Brand Group (Editorial)
Reporting To: Senior Editor, Harlequin Intrigue
Status: Regular Full Time
Location: 195 Broadway, New York, NY (Hybrid)
We celebrate and support the differences that make each of us unique, striving to create a welcoming workplace that ensures everyone has a voice and are able to do their best work. We welcome all applicants, including those who identify with groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the publishing industry including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and persons with disabilities.
Join us and share your story.
Job Summary:
The Associate Editor is accountable for soliciting, acquiring and developing authors and books for the Harlequin Intrigue publishing program. The primary purpose of the position is to ensure the ongoing and timely supply of high quality, saleable titles for the list.
Responsibilities
  • Acquires manuscripts with the correct editorial fit and highest editorial quality for the publishing strategy.
  • Works closely with authors on editorial development, including evaluating and advising on proposals, providing revisions to authors and line editing. Oversees copy editing and author approval/ alterations.
  • Reads submissions (solicited and unsolicited where applicable), replies to authors/agents, presents projects, negotiates contracts and monitors payments to authors. Develops new authors to publication standard.
  • Provides editorial input into packaging design to ensure key selling features are reflected in the book package. Works with the Marketing and Art teams on design recommendations.
  • Writes and reviews back cover copy to deliver the most saleable package.
  • Provides assistance to team as needed, to back imprint strategy and growth.
  • Represents the program/company at both internal and external conferences.
  • Fosters current agent contacts and develops relationships with new agents.
  • Project management of specific initiatives, including trend-inspired IP projects, as directed.

Qualifications
Specific training or job experience required includes:
  • An undergraduate degree
  • 3-5 years of experience in publishing, including acquisitions experience
  • Strong communication, writing, and editorial skills
  • Strong project management, planning, organizational, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • Creativity, decisiveness, functional/technical knowledge, computer knowledge, adaptability/flexibility, customer orientation and a drive for results
  • The ability to manage execution, to prioritize, and to pay close attention to detail
  • High level of creativity/innovation, functional/technical knowledge
  • Enthusiasm for mystery, suspense and romance a plus!

About Harlequin
Harlequin is a leading publisher of commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. We publish more than 100 titles a month that reach audiences globally. Encompassing highly recognizable imprints that span a broad number of genres, we are home to many award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world. Through HarperCollins's global publishing program, Harlequin titles are published in 17 countries and 16 languages.
HarperCollins Publishers is a company full of people who are passionate about books. When you apply for a position, we want to know why you want to work here, and why you are interested in the job. That's why cover letters are strongly preferred.
The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.
In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.
HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.
HarperCollins Publishers is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at TalentManagement@harpercollins.com. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.