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Books Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Concordia Publishing House

As an Associate Copy Editor at Concordia Publishing House, you'll serve as a vital qualitycontrol partner in the creation of books and resources that support the Church's mission. Your careful edits ...

Scholastic

Editor

New York, NY · Hybrid

THE OPPORTUNITY Editor, 0-8 Publishing, will identify, acquire, and develop high-quality and commercial board books, novelty books, and select picture books for the Children's Book Group, under the ...

Amazon

Editor

Newark, NJ · On-site

The Editor is expected to define the goals and strategy of the program, ensuring that they ladder ... books, authors, and publishing industry, both recent releases and backlist titles Amazon is an ...

Hachette Book Group

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editor to acquire in ...

Concordia Publishing House

How to access and utilize reference materials (books, Internet, etc. Skilled in * Writing and editing for clarity * Exegetical writing * Critical analysis * Researching facts and data via reference ...

LSU AgCenter

Production Editor

Johnston, RI

Professional Experienced production editor oversees the copyediting and publication process for scholarly and trade books published by the Press. Duties includeworking with freelance contractors ...

Macmillan

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to ... Work closely with authors during editing process and every stage of publishing thereafter ...

Scholastic

Associate Editor

New York, NY

The Associate Editor will assist in creating engaging, age-appropriate articles and teaching ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Scholastic Corporation

Associate Editor

New York, NY · On-site

The Associate Editor will assist in creating engaging, age-appropriate articles and teaching ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Advisors Excel

Books Program Intern

Topeka, KS · On-site

$27K - $32K/yr

Books Program Intern Department: AE Media Solutions Reporting to: Books Program Director Location ... Weigh in with well-thought-out discussion points about design templates, editing and style guides

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How much do books editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for books editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Is there a demand for book editors?

There is steady demand for book editors, especially those with strong editing skills and familiarity with digital publishing tools. The need for editors spans across traditional publishing, self-publishing, and digital media, with opportunities available for freelance and in-house roles.

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.

How much to edit a $50,000 Word book?

For a books editor, editing a 50,000-word manuscript typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the level of editing required and the editor's experience. Rates are often calculated per word, per hour, or per project, with copy editing generally costing less than developmental editing. It's common to negotiate a fee based on the scope and complexity of the work.

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 do I become a book editor?

To become a book editor, typically a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field is required, along with strong writing, editing, and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships, freelance editing, or working in publishing helps build expertise, and proficiency with editing tools like Microsoft Word or editing software is beneficial.
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Special Projects Editor, Entertainment

Special Projects Editor, Entertainment

gannett

New York, NY • On-site

$122K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 65 rated media

Job description

Special Projects Editor, Entertainment

Location: New York 
Reports to: Executive Editor, Entertainment

Overview

USA TODAY is seeking a Special Projects Editor to create distinctive and culturally resonant entertainment journalism that cuts through the industry noise. This editor will conceive, launch, and lead tentpole coverage and signature franchises that deepen audience loyalty, grow subscriptions, and position USA TODAY as a destination for ambitious entertainment storytelling.

This is a role for an editor who thrives at the intersection of big ideas and sharp execution—someone who can spot white space, build franchises, and guide work across multiple content areas and departments. The ideal candidate is an ambidextrous editor: equally comfortable setting long-term strategy and rolling up their sleeves to shape stories, teams, and formats.

The Special Projects Editor will also collaborate across the newsroom, including supporting initiatives with USA TODAY Play and contributing to podcasts, books, and other emerging opportunities. This role will use AI thoughtfully and creatively for things like prototyping ideas or keep workflows efficient. 

What You’ll Do

Lead tentpole and franchise development

  • Conceive, launch, and oversee major entertainment tentpoles and recurring franchises that are distinctive and audience-driven.
  • Identify cultural moments, trends, and narrative opportunities that can evolve into long-running, high-impact projects.
  • Ensure projects are editorially rigorous, visually compelling, and designed to travel across platforms.

Set strategy and editorial vision

  • Develop clear editorial strategies for special projects, aligning journalism, audience goals, and business priorities.
  • Translate big-picture ideas into executable plans, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Serve as a thought partner to senior leadership on innovation, growth, and long-term entertainment strategy.

Edit across content areas

  • Act as an ambidextrous editor who can span multiple entertainment verticals (TV, film, music, celebrity, culture, creators, etc.).
  • Assign, edit, and shape stories with a strong sense of voice, narrative, and audience relevance.
  • Maintain high standards for reporting, storytelling, and ethics across all projects.

Collaborate across the newsroom

  • Work closely with reporters, editors, visuals, video, audio, audience, and product partners to execute cohesive, multi-platform projects.
  • Support and help develop projects tied to USA TODAY Play, as well as podcasts, USA TODAY books, and other newsroom initiatives.
  • Coordinate with USA TODAY Network partners when appropriate to scale impact.

Innovate with AI and new tools

  • Use AI creatively and responsibly to brainstorm, prototype, and evolve new editorial ideas and workflows.
  • Experiment with formats, packaging, and storytelling approaches that enhance reach and engagement without compromising journalistic integrity.
What You’ll Bring
  • Significant experience as an editor in entertainment, culture, or a related field, with a track record of leading ambitious editorial projects.
  • Proven ability to develop original tentpole ideas, and shepherd complex projects from concept to execution.
  • Comfort editing across multiple subject areas and storytelling formats.
  • Strong editorial judgment, storytelling instincts, and cultural fluency.
  • Collaborative leadership style with experience working across disciplines and teams.
  • Curiosity and creativity around AI and emerging tools, paired with sound editorial ethics.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and project-management skills.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: 

  1. Your resume – one to two pages.
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. 

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $59,400 and $122,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. 

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