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Books Editor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Books Editor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$33

$61

How much do books editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for books editor in Portland, OR is $33.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.69 and $42.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 based on workload and reputation.

How to get work as a books editor?

To work as a books editor, develop strong editing and writing skills, often 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.

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 depend on experience, industry connections, and proficiency with editing tools, with demand remaining relatively stable in publishing and media industries.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Books Editor jobs in Portland, OR?

For Books Editor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Books Editor jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Books Editor jobs in Portland, OR are:

Books Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Books Editor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,704 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Editorial Assistant, Timber Press

Hachette Book Group

Portland, OR • Hybrid

$48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Hachette Book Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 19 rated publishing

Job description

SUMMARY:

Timber Press publishes nonfiction books, illustrated and narrative, in the categories of gardening, nature, science, craft, and lifestyle. We are seeking an Editorial Assistant to support our Executive Editor and Senior Editor. This is an entry-level role in our editorial department, but one with opportunities for learning and growth. This is a hybrid position, with three required days in the office, that is based in Portland, Oregon.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Interact professionally with authors and their literary agents, as well as internal departments, including design, publicity, marketing, production, and sales
  • Enter, maintain, and track metadata and other key title information in our central management system throughout the life of a book
  • Assist in manuscript reviews and production handover preparation, image program and art log reviews and creation, and other book-related company tasks for projects acquired and assigned by the senior editorial staff
  • Assist with onboarding new authors and executed contracts
  • Process and track payment requests and invoices
  • Support authors, editors, and design with photo research and procurement for specific books, including assistance with photo licensure and permissions
  • Draft independent contractor and commissioned art agreements for specific books
  • Draft descriptive copy and fact sheets
  • Attend editorial meetings, as well as marketing and sales meetings as required
  • Manage the editorial inbox, including unsolicited proposals
  • Research book sales using internal and external databases
  • Assist in ongoing departmental projects, such as book prize submissions, maintenance of rights lists, and metadata optimization for backlist books
  • Manage and order all complimentary copies of books
  • Apply titles for Cataloging in Publication records through the Library of Congress
  • Perform other administrative duties


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
The successful candidate will:

  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in addition to solid computer skills
  • Deliver timely, accurate work and demonstrate good follow-up and follow-through
  • Have demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team setting and with colleagues at every level of seniority
  • Be passionate about nonfiction books and curious and open-minded about a range of nonfiction subject areas
  • Be self-directed and able to work independently
  • Be highly organized, capable of multi-tasking, and detail oriented
  • Demonstrate imagination, creativity, and original thinking
  • Be proficient with email, calendar management, and file management tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Demonstrate understanding of and appreciation for the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion


As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The compensation for this position is $48,300. The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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