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Children'S Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... book irresistible. Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be ... wellness, children's books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... book irresistible. Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be ... wellness, children's books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... book irresistible. Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be ... wellness, children's books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of ...

S. Springboard Collaborative closes the opportunity gap by closing the gap between home and school ... We envision a world in which educators and families work together to help children unlock their ...

Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science fiction ... for children and adults in all categories and formats. U.S. publishers include Celadon Books ...

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Description Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science ... for children and adults in all categories and formats. U.S. publishers include Celadon Books ...

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science fiction ... for children and adults in all categories and formats. U.S. publishers include Celadon Books ...

Showing results 41-60

Children S Book Editor information

See salary details

$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do children's book editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for children's book editor in the United States is $59,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a children's book editor?

To thrive as a Children's Book Editor, you need strong editorial skills, a keen understanding of children's literature, and typically a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word, as well as knowledge of publishing platforms and style guides, is important. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help an editor collaborate with authors and tailor content for young audiences. These skills ensure engaging, age-appropriate, and polished books that resonate with children and meet publishing standards.

How to become a children's book editor?

To become a children's book editor, typically a bachelor's degree in English, literature, or a related field is required, along with strong editing skills and knowledge of children's literature. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions helps build relevant skills. Familiarity with publishing software and a good understanding of age-appropriate content are also beneficial.

What are some common challenges faced by a children's book editor when working with authors and illustrators?

Children's Book Editors often navigate the unique challenge of balancing creative vision with market suitability. They work closely with authors to refine stories for age-appropriateness, clarity, and engagement, while also collaborating with illustrators to ensure visuals complement the narrative. Communication and negotiation skills are essential, as editors must provide constructive feedback while respecting each contributor's artistic input. Additionally, aligning all parties on deadlines and project goals can be demanding but is crucial for a successful publication process.

What does a children's book editor do?

A children's book editor is responsible for reviewing, revising, and improving manuscripts intended for young readers. They work closely with authors to refine storylines, characters, and language to ensure the book is age-appropriate and engaging. Additionally, they may coordinate with illustrators and oversee the production process to ensure the final book meets quality standards and publisher guidelines. Their goal is to help create books that are both entertaining and educational for children.

How much does a children's book editor make?

Children's book editors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the publisher. Entry-level editors may start lower, while experienced editors or those working for major publishers can earn higher salaries. Many editors also benefit from bonuses and benefits related to their role in the publishing process.

What is the difference between Children's Book Editor vs Children's Book Writer?

AspectChildren's Book EditorChildren's Book Writer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in English, Literature, or Publishing; editing experienceCreative writing background; often a degree in English or Creative Writing
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, editing teams, freelance editingHome or studio, freelance or contracted work
Industry UsageInvolved in editing, revising, and preparing manuscripts for publicationCreates original stories and manuscripts for children

The main difference is that Children's Book Editors focus on refining and preparing existing manuscripts for publication, while Children's Book Writers create original stories. Both roles require strong language skills and familiarity with children's literature, but editors are more involved in the revision process, whereas writers focus on storytelling and originality.

More about Children S Book Editor jobs
What job categories do people searching Children'S Book Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Children'S Book Editor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Children'S Book Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Senior Designer, Workman Publishing, Children's

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 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
Workman Publishing's children's department is seeking a creative and collaborative Senior Designerto join our dynamic team. This role will focus on developing innovative nonfiction trade and curriculum books for children across a wide range of formats-including board books, novelty, middle grade, graphic novels, activity books, and workbooks.
As a Senior Designer, you'll play a critical role in shaping our list by creating standout designs for both original IP and brand extensions of beloved backlist titles. You will partner closely with editors, art directors, illustrators, and production teams to bring high-quality, visually engaging books to market.

Key responsibilities:
  • Design innovative, eye-catching covers
  • Ideate and develop full interior layouts for new projects
  • Develop brands and logo designs
  • Partner with the design staff, editors, and publisher to manage multiple book projects from start to finish
  • Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers
  • Prepare cover mechanicals, from initial layout to final production (working with production mangers on materials and setup; prepress, color correction, and file setup; reviewing, correcting, and approving proofs; and providing final files for print)
  • Prepare galley covers, following a similar process
  • Work with colleagues in the marketing department to create original promotional materials, including social media assets
    Qualifications:
  • At least 5-7 years of design experience, primarily focused in book publishing
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating an eye for design, typography, and color, as well as sharp conceptual thinking and visual storytelling
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate on creative projects, present work, and discuss feedback in group settings
  • Experience in developing and designing series branding
  • Creativity, originality, willingness to experiment, learn, grow and share knowledge with the design and editorial teams
  • Understanding of the commercial market and design trends, branded series and commercial book covers
  • Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
  • Experience with prepress production, preparing files for 4-color printing using a PDF workflow
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work quickly and independently to meet deadlines
Join us at Workman Kids, where we're growing our list with bold ideas, smart design, and a commitment to innovation that honors our Workman roots. If you're excited by the opportunity to design books that spark imagination and curiosity in young readers, we'd love to hear from you.
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 $70,000-$75,000. 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, 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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