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Book Writer 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 ...

Technical Writer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

PC is seeking an accomplished technical writer and content developer to support our business development and marketing teams in growing our book of business across the East Coast. This individual ...

Technical Writer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

PC is seeking an accomplished technical writer and content developer to support our business development and marketing teams in growing our book of business across the East Coast. This individual ...

Technical Writer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

PC is seeking an accomplished technical writer and content developer to support our business development and marketing teams in growing our book of business across the East Coast. This individual ...

Bookstore Associate

Dulles, VA · On-site

$17.13/hr

Communicate book inventory issues to management in a timely manner. * Leverages resources, tools ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to be on your feet for long periods of ...

Experience as a Volume Lead, Book Boss, or Lead Proposal Writer. * Deep understanding of proposal strategy, evaluation criteria, and competitive positioning * Strong command of technical and ...

... written work which indicates the number and sequence of machine operations required to complete the work and maintain dimensional accuracy in accordance with instructions provided At Lakeside Book ...

Bookstore Associate

Dulles, VA · On-site

$17.13/hr

Communicate book inventory issues to management in a timely manner. * Leverages resources, tools ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to be on your feet for long periods of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Book Writer information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$24

$42

How much do book writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for book writer in Virginia is $24.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a book writer?

To become a book writer, you should develop strong writing skills, often through practice and education such as creative writing courses or a related degree. Building a portfolio of completed manuscripts and understanding the publishing process, including querying agents or submitting to publishers, are essential steps in establishing a career as a book writer.

What are some common challenges book writers face when working with editors during the publishing process?

Book writers often encounter challenges such as incorporating editorial feedback while maintaining their creative vision and voice. Balancing revisions with tight deadlines, adapting to different editorial styles, and handling constructive criticism professionally are also common hurdles. Successful writers approach these challenges as collaborative opportunities, viewing editors as partners in refining and elevating the manuscript to meet publishing standards.

What is the difference between Book Writer vs Editor?

AspectBook WriterEditor
Primary RoleCreates and develops original content for booksReviews, revises, and improves written content
Required SkillsCreative writing, storytelling, researchEditing, grammar, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentIndependent, authoring projects, publishing housesPublishing companies, editing firms, freelance
Common CertificationsWriting courses, literary degreesEditing certifications, language proficiency

Book writers focus on creating original content and storytelling, while editors refine and improve existing manuscripts. Both roles often collaborate in the publishing industry, but their core responsibilities differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the literary field.

What does a book writer do?

A book writer, also known as an author, is responsible for creating content for books, which can include fiction, non-fiction, or other genres. They develop ideas, conduct research, outline stories, and write drafts before revising and editing their work to prepare it for publication. Book writers may work independently or with publishers, and often collaborate with editors and literary agents to bring their manuscripts to print or digital formats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Book Writer, you need strong writing ability, creativity, research skills, and a solid grasp of grammar and storytelling techniques, often supported by a background in literature or communications. Familiarity with word processing software, editing tools, and publishing platforms is common in the field. Persistence, self-motivation, and openness to feedback help writers stand out and improve their craft. These skills are essential for producing compelling, well-structured content that resonates with readers and meets industry standards.
Infographic showing various Book Writer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,086 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

$69K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 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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