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Books Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

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 ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

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 ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

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 ...

... content, editing, design, and print-production quality across the range of materials the ... Project manages the production of books and other publications as assigned, coordinating project ...

... FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News ... FOX News Digital is seeking a Homepage and Social Media Editor to help shape how audiences engage ...

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Social Media Manager

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Artkive turns kids' artwork into beautiful keepsake books. * Cardkive turns cards (greeting cards ... Own the full process: concepting hooks, scripting, capturing or sourcing footage, editing, and ...

Freelance Academic Writers

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

Completing writing and editing assignments according to the instructions provided. Applying APA ... websites, books, and databases At least one year of experience with academic writing Strong ...

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Books Editor information

How do Books Editors typically collaborate with authors and other editorial staff throughout the publishing process?

Books Editors work closely with authors to refine manuscripts, providing constructive feedback and guiding revisions to enhance the overall quality and coherence of the book. They also coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders, and designers to ensure the manuscript transitions smoothly through each stage of production. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as Books Editors often juggle multiple projects and deadlines while acting as a liaison between the author and the publishing team. Collaboration is key to producing a polished final product that aligns with both the author's vision and the publisher's standards.

Does JK Rowling use an editor?

As a successful author, JK Rowling works with professional editors to refine her manuscripts before publication. Editors help improve clarity, structure, and consistency, which is a common practice in the publishing industry for authors at her level.

What does a Books Editor do?

A Books Editor is responsible for reviewing, selecting, and refining manuscripts for publication. They work closely with authors to improve the content, structure, and style of a book, ensuring it meets the publisher's standards and appeals to the target audience. Books Editors also coordinate with other publishing professionals, such as proofreaders, designers, and marketing teams, to guide a book through the entire publishing process. Their role is crucial in shaping the final version of a manuscript before it goes to print.

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

To excel as a Books Editor, you need a strong command of language, editorial judgment, and a background in literature, journalism, or publishing—often with a relevant degree. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word, and content management systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with authors and other stakeholders distinguish top editors. These skills ensure manuscripts are polished, cohesive, and meet both publisher standards and reader expectations.

How much money do book editors make?

Book editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced editors or those working in specialized fields earning higher. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and whether they work freelance or for a publishing company.

What is the difference between Books Editor vs Books Writer?

AspectBooks EditorBooks Writer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in English, Literature, or related field; editing experienceUsually a bachelor's degree in English, Literature, or creative writing; strong writing portfolio
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, editing firms, freelance editingIndependent, publishing companies, freelance writing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by publishers to refine manuscripts before publicationUsed by publishers, authors, or freelancers to create original content
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding editing roles, responsibilities, and skillsUnderstanding writing roles, skills, and career paths

The main difference between a Books Editor and a Books Writer lies in their roles: editors focus on refining and improving manuscripts, ensuring clarity, consistency, and quality, while writers create original content from scratch. Both roles require strong language skills and relevant education, but their day-to-day tasks and career paths differ significantly.

Is there a high demand for book editors?

Book editors are in steady demand as publishers and authors seek skilled professionals to improve manuscript quality. Employment opportunities can vary based on industry trends, with digital publishing and self-publishing increasing the need for editing services. Strong editing skills and familiarity with editing tools are important for success in this field.

How can I 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, writing, and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions and becoming proficient with editing software can improve job prospects. Building a portfolio of editing work and networking within the publishing industry are also important steps.
What are popular job titles related to Books Editor jobs in California? For Books Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Books Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Books Editor job openings:
Infographic showing various Books Editor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Chronicle Books

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 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.Â