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Books Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Atlantic Monthly Group

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

This editor will work with a small team responsible for making regular selections of books, under the direction of our Books leadership, announcing those selections to our community of subscribers ...

The Atlantic

Senior Editor

Washington, DC

$105K - $180K/yr

This editor will work with a small team responsible for making regular selections of books, under the direction of our Books leadership, announcing those selections to our community of subscribers ...

AEI

Editorial Associate or Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

This position will be responsible for editing and coordinating the production of reports, books, and other research projects for all research departments. In addition, this person will edit website ...

Fox

Senior Editor, Politics

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

... FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News ... Work directly with Managing Editors & Deputy Managing Editors on newsgathering strategies and ...

Fox

Senior Editor, Homepage & Social Media

Washington, DC · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

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

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Books Editor information

How does a books editor 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.

How to get work as a books editor?

To work as a books editor, develop strong editing and writing skills, typically through a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related fields. Gaining experience via internships, freelance editing, or working in publishing houses can improve job prospects, and familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word or editing software is beneficial.

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 books editors make?

Books editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of publishing. Senior editors or those working for major publishing houses can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Many editors also benefit from freelance opportunities, which can vary widely in income.

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 demand for books editors?

Books editors are in steady demand as publishers seek skilled professionals to improve manuscript quality and ensure marketability. Employment opportunities often require strong editing skills, familiarity with editing software, and a good understanding of publishing standards. The job market can vary based on industry trends and the growth of digital publishing platforms.

What qualifications do I need to be a books editor?

To become a books editor, a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field is typically required. Strong editing skills, attention to detail, excellent communication, and proficiency with editing tools or software are also important qualifications for the role.
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Books Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Books Editor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Editor

The Atlantic Monthly Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive editorial products we offer: a curated, opinionated, lively engagement with literature and people who, like you, love reading.
This editor will work with a small team responsible for making regular selections of books, under the direction of our Books leadership, announcing those selections to our community of subscribers, and guiding subscribers through Book Club offerings across a variety of platforms-including but not limited to written articles, interviews with writers or other scholars, and occasional live (and virtual) events.
The ideal candidate will be expert at cultivating relationships with authors, publishers, and the broader literary world. This role sits at the intersection of editorial judgment, community building, and reader engagement.
The right candidate is a voracious reader, an exacting editor, a thoughtful correspondent, and someone who understands that the best book coverage doesn't stop with a review but also argues, contextualizes, and invites conversation.
The role will at times include night, early-morning, and weekend work.
What You'll Do
  • Select and champion each Book Club title, making and defending choices that reflect The Atlantic's intellectual rigor and editorial ambitions, with a capacious and highly creative view of which books should be read (or reread) in a given moment
  • Commission and edit essays, interviews, and contextual pieces tied to Book Club selections, working closely with The Atlantic's books editors, as well as with Atlantic staff writers and outside contributors.
  • Write a monthly (or bimonthly) editor's note or introduction to accompany each selection
  • Lead live and virtual author conversations and reader events, including Q&As, moderated discussions, and subscriber-only engagements.
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of book prospects, staying close to publishing schedules and building trusted relationships with editors, agents, and publicists.
  • Collaborate closely with the Growth, Product, and Audience teams to shape how the Book Club is presented, packaged, and promoted to subscribers.
  • Represent The Atlantic in the broader literary community-at festivals, book fairs, and industry gatherings-as a credible and independent voice.
  • Contribute ideas and editorial energy to The Atlantic's broader books and culture coverage.

You should have
  • At least five years of editing and writing experience and a deep familiarity with magazine writing, and what makes it distinct
  • A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue for it, and an enthusiastic openness to a wide range of views
  • A deep, well-informed curiosity about what readers are passionately debating, and an instinct to know what they'll want to be debating months from now
  • A track record of having conceived of, built, shipped, and improved upon ambitious projects or products
  • Familiarity with the breadth of publishing and a keen interest in how literary and technological trends affect how and what people are reading
  • Impeccable editorial judgment
  • An obsession with the written word, including having developed your own stylish writerly voice
  • A desire to connect with people-in-person, online, through literature-and the judgment and energy required to represent The Atlantic across a number of platforms
  • Great taste, and the capacity to select books that are worthy of serious attention without tipping into inaccessibility, insularity, or superficiality.
  • A desire to seek out big-name authors as well as hugely talented emerging writers of must-read books before they are widely recognized
  • Energized by the demanding pace of a real-time news organization, with all of the flexibility that requires-as well as the discipline needed to meet recurring deadlines without sacrificing quality.

This position is based in Washington, D.C. or New York City. We will consider remote candidates but have a strong preference for in-person collaboration.
Salary minimum: $105,000 ; Salary maximum: $180,000
About The Atlantic:
The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.
The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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