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Books Editor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Books Editor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$33

$61

How much do books editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Books Editor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,704 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Exec Assistant of Zidell Foundations

ZIDELL MARINE CORPORATION

Portland, OR • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Zidell Family Philanthropy is the umbrella organization that manages and supports three distinct private family foundations: the Jay & Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation, the Jason E. Zidell Foundation and the Zidell Family Foundation. Together, these foundations invest in organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities, expand opportunity and improve lives throughout Oregon and beyond. Because we are a small team, every role has the opportunity to make a visible contribution.

Great benefits offered including:

  • Competitive pay with annual review
  • Three (3) weeks of vacation accrued annually
  • One (1) annual paid Personal Holiday
  • Eleven (11) paid Holidays annually
  • Two (2) weeks of sick time accrued annually
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision options the first of the month after date of hire
  • 401(k) with a match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid leave and Long-Term Disability benefits at no cost
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company sponsored Wellness Program
  • Annual employee events including company picnic, golf tournament, holiday celebrations, and much more
  • Free on-site parking

Summary: 

This position will ensure the smooth functioning of the administration and support the executive director’s ability to effectively lead the organization. Responsibilities include working with the executive director to provide administrative support for office operations, meetings, and the work of staff and board members.  This position is part of a highly collaborative team that values learning, curiosity, flexibility, and mirroring the foundations trust-based model of philanthropy in the way in which the team operates internally.  

Essential functions:

  • Oversee the Foundations grant database (Foundant). Includes creating and editing Foundation correspondence templates; managing the disbursement of each grant through its lifecycle (from entry through the remainder of the grant period); and tracking grant requirements and payments. 
  • Primarily responsible for thoroughly vetting new grantees for compliance and reputation and annually conduct a comprehensive due diligence evaluation for existing grantees prior to awarding any new grants.  
  • Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of discretion, solid judgment and confidentiality when handling sensitive information related to the Zidell family, board members, grantees, and foundation operations. 
  • Manage the Foundations record-keeping efforts: ensure key documents are scanned, filed electronically, and saved in the grants database.  Includes maintaining up-to-date contact information for grantees. 
  • Liaise with grantees and the broader nonprofit community.  Includes preparing correspondence as well as managing the distribution and collection of applications and reports. 
  • Help prepare materials for grantmaking meetings including report summaries, charts, grant recommendations, prepare PowerPoint slide decks and other digital presentations. 
  • Annual Board Meetings support including collect the agenda, take notes, prepare minutes, collect signed conflict of disclosures for minutes, collate and combine minutes, agenda, reports, and other meeting items. 
  • Maintain digital and hard copy Foundation Corporate books including minutes, bylaws and other entity updates, conflicts of disclosures and resolutions. 
  • Assist with the evaluation of grant applications and progress reports. 
  • Serve as lead staff for special projects assigned by the director including design social media campaigns, maintain website and capacity building. 
  • Interest in attending deeper learning opportunities and attend conferences. 
  • Self-starter who is thorough and can work independently but enjoys being part of a team and can think strategically. 
  • Coordinate and manage projects and logistics. 
  • Ability to be a relationship-builder, continuous learner, and problem-solving. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

Work environment:

  • Office environment.
  • Public facing position will require a professional, polished approach to all aspects of the work.
  • Optional home office.

Physical demands:

  • Capable of bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting 10lbs, reaching overhead, sitting long periods of time in an office environment.
  • Able to key into a computer at average speeds, file and communicate by writing and by telephone.
  • Walking and standing.

Required education and experience:

  • 3 to 5 years of professional work experience in an executive support or related position.
  • Anticipate needs and act accordingly.
  • Possess a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
  • Provide a high degree of customer service for both internal and external individuals.
  • Excellent grammar and composition skills required.
  • High level of proficiency in Microsoft suite.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; project management.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgement and able to work independently.

Preferred education and experience:

  • 3 to 5 years previous experience in non-profit sector work, with leadership experience preferred.
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred