ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Copy Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stand Together

Editor in Chief

Arlington, VA · On-site

As Editor in Chief, you'll shape how Stand Together tells its story across this diverse portfolio ... Streamline copy-approval workflows to improve clarity, speed, and collaboration. What You Will ...

Rotary International

Editor

Evanston, IL · Hybrid

$81K - $90K/yr

Additionally, the magazine's copy chief is responsible for developing, updating, and enforcing guidelines on standards and ethics in the magazine's reporting, editing, and design. You will ...

New

ICF

Editor in Chief (Alexandria, VA)

Alexandria, VA

The Editor in Chief will lead editorial oversight activities across a broad portfolio of ... Review and edit communications products including articles, reports, web content, social media copy ...

dub

Video Editor/Graphics Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... dub's innovative copy-trading platform gives fund managers, financial experts, and regular ... CEO/Founders of Uber, Airbnb, Robinhood, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and TIAA. About the role We ...

Blackbird Labs,Inc

Content Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... copy appears, from ghostwriting communications of our CEO to in-app messaging. * Own "The ... Work closely with the social editor to ensure all content has best in class captions that reflect ...

FedWriters, Inc.

Technical Editor/Writer I

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Supporting social media content, web copy, exhibits, and multimedia productions - because good ... Familiarity with DoD, DIA, CIO, and Information Assurance (IA) regulations, instructions, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsChief Copy Editor Jobs

Chief Copy Editor information

See salary details

$47K

$109.9K

$172.5K

How much do chief copy editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief copy editor in the United States is $109,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Chief Copy Editor, you need expert-level proficiency in grammar, style, and editorial standards, often backed by a degree in journalism, communications, or English. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word Track Changes, and content management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure consistently high editorial quality, streamlined workflows, and cohesive collaboration across editorial teams.

What is the difference between Chief Copy Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectChief Copy EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsBachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or related field; experience in editing; strong leadership skillsBachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or related field; strong editing skills
Work EnvironmentOversees editing teams, manages editorial standards, reviews content for qualityPerforms editing, proofreading, and content review tasks
Industry UsageUsed in publishing houses, media companies, and large organizationsCommon across publishing, media, and online content platforms

The main difference between a Chief Copy Editor and a Copy Editor is the level of responsibility. The Chief Copy Editor oversees the entire editing process, manages teams, and ensures consistency, while the Copy Editor focuses on editing individual pieces of content. Both roles require strong editing skills and relevant credentials, but the Chief Copy Editor holds a leadership position with broader responsibilities.

How does a Chief Copy Editor typically collaborate with writers and other editorial staff to maintain quality standards?

A Chief Copy Editor works closely with writers, editors, and sometimes designers to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy across all published content. They often provide feedback, set editorial guidelines, and may even conduct training sessions to uphold quality standards. Regular meetings and collaborative editing sessions are common, allowing for open communication and alignment on style and tone. This role requires balancing oversight with support, helping team members grow while guaranteeing that the publication's voice remains strong and unified.

What does a Chief Copy Editor do?

A Chief Copy Editor oversees the editing team and ensures the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of all written content before publication. They review and revise materials for grammar, punctuation, style, and factual correctness, often enforcing the publication's specific editorial guidelines. Additionally, Chief Copy Editors may train and mentor junior editors, coordinate workflows, and collaborate closely with writers, designers, and other departments to maintain high editorial standards.
More about Chief Copy Editor jobs
What job categories do people searching Chief Copy Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Copy Editor jobs are:
Chief Copy Editor jobs near you
Editor in Chief, Basic Books Group

Editor in Chief, Basic Books Group

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
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. The group includes Basic Books, Seal Press, PublicAffairs, Bold Type Books, Basic Venture, and Basic Liberty. We are seeking an Editor in Chief to lead the Group's editorial department and to oversee its overall editorial strategy. The Editor in Chief will guide editors through the acquisition process; recruit, supervise, and develop editorial staff; and acquire 8-10 new books per year. The successful candidate will have a proven record of editorial leadership, a strong background in working with top experts, a passion for bringing a diverse range of serious ideas to a wide audience of readers and consumers, and an eagerness to advocate for the Basic Books Group with agents and authors. This position reports to the President and Publisher, Basic Books Group.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and oversee the overall editorial strategy for the Basic Books Group across its six imprints.
  • Guide editors through the acquisitions process and advocate for project acquisition.
  • Recruit and develop Basic Books Group editorial staff and supervise an editorial department of 12-14 people, including 5-7 direct reports.
  • Commission and/or acquire 8-10 books annually, with a focus on lead titles; successfully negotiate deals; and manage all aspects of their publication.
  • Manage day-to-day editorial operations; ensure timely transmittal of manuscripts; edit fact sheets and descriptive copy; and coordinate preparation for presentations to the sales department.
  • Participate in inventory and first print decisions and budgeting meetings.
  • Collaborate with department heads in publicity, marketing, art, and production to ensure organized publication plans for books and on larger projects.
  • Identify candidates for paperback conversions and backlist reissues.
  • Represent Basic Books Group at academic conferences and industry events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • 10+ years' editorial or equivalent experience, with a record of successfully and strategically publishing serious non-fiction titles.
  • Broad knowledge of, and genuine interest in, nonfiction subject areas and publishing categories.
  • Strong contacts among academics, journalists, writers, and literary agents.
  • Thirst for knowledge about consumers and the market for serious non-fiction.
  • Experience managing and mentoring staff effectively in a publishing setting.
  • Results-driven, goal-focused, and able to take ownership of and make timely decisions.
  • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and to work cross-functionally with other groups, companies, and organizations on shared long-term projects.
  • High level of professionalism and excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent conceptual and line-editing abilities.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and an 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 range for this position is $150,000-$190,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
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, 2 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.

Apply