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Contract Fiction Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Nashville Public Radio

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$105 - $180/hr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming ... A well-developed point of view about literature--fiction and nonfiction alike--a willingness to ...

The Atlantic Monthly Group

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming ... A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ...

The Atlantic

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming ... A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ...

The Atlantic

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming ... A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ...

Macmillan

Senior Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Production Editor for Macmillan Adult Trade. This role will production ... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ...

Macmillan

Senior Production Editor

$70K - $75K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Production Editor for Macmillan Adult Trade. This role will production ... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ...

Macmillan Learning

Senior Production Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Description We are looking for a Senior Production Editor for Macmillan Adult Trade. This role will ... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ...

Macmillan Learning

Senior Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Description We are looking for a Senior Production Editor for Macmillan Adult Trade. This role will ... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ...

Macmillan Learning

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

... book reach its sales potential * 3+ years of experience in editorial, including some acquisition experience * Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and ...

The New York Times

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY · On-site

You will define and execute the editorial strategy of the prestigious New York Times Book Review ... fiction works. * Oversee the selection of books to be reviewed, ensuring the Times remains the ...

Macmillan

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

... book reach its sales potential * 3+ years of experience in editorial, including some acquisition experience * Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and ...

Macmillan

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

... book reach its sales potential * 3+ years of experience in editorial, including some acquisition experience * Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and ...

Macmillan Learning

Associate Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

... book reach its sales potential * 3+ years of experience in editorial, including some acquisition experience * Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and ...

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How much do contract fiction book editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract fiction book editor in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract fiction book editor do?

A Contract Fiction Book Editor is a freelance professional hired by authors or publishers to review, edit, and improve works of fiction. Their responsibilities typically include checking for plot consistency, character development, grammar, style, and overall readability. They may provide developmental editing, line editing, or copyediting, depending on the project's needs. Unlike in-house editors, contract editors work on a temporary basis, often juggling multiple projects for different clients. Their goal is to help authors produce polished, compelling books ready for publication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract fiction book editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Fiction Book Editor, you need excellent command of language, deep knowledge of narrative structure, and experience with editing processes, often supported by a degree in English, literature, or a related field. Familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word's Track Changes, Adobe Acrobat, and industry-standard style guides such as The Chicago Manual of Style is essential. Strong communication, time management, and the ability to provide constructive feedback are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality manuscripts, productive author-editor relationships, and timely project completion in a competitive publishing environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract fiction book editors, and how can they be managed?

Contract fiction book editors often juggle multiple projects with varying deadlines, which can make time management a significant challenge. Additionally, they need to adapt to different authors' writing styles and genres, requiring strong communication and flexibility. Building effective relationships with authors while providing constructive feedback is key to a successful editing process. Staying organized, setting clear expectations, and using project management tools can help editors manage their workload and maintain high-quality work.

How much money do contract fiction book editors make?

Contract fiction book editors typically earn between $25 and $75 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Many work freelance, setting their own rates, and may charge per word, page, or project, with annual earnings varying widely based on workload and reputation.

How to become a contract fiction book editor?

To become a contract fiction book editor, develop strong editing skills through a relevant degree or experience, build a portfolio of editing work, and gain familiarity with editing software and style guides. Networking with authors and publishers, and applying to freelance or contract editing opportunities, can also help establish a career in this field.

Is there a demand for contract fiction book editors?

Contract fiction book editors are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for editing services in the publishing industry. Many editors work freelance or on a contract basis, often utilizing editing software and maintaining strong industry connections to find opportunities. Demand can vary based on publishing trends and the volume of new book projects.
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Contract Fiction Book Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Fiction Book Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Associate Editor

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Deseret Book Company
Retail • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 11 rated book shops

Great coworkers

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Deseret Book Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Our company is committed to being trusted voices of light and truth reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Associate Editor
Reports to
Editorial Director
Location
Deseret Book Corporate Office
Salt Lake City, UT
Start Date
Immediately
Position Type
Full Time; Hybrid
The Opportunity
About Shadow Mountain
Shadow Mountain is a national trade imprint of Deseret Book Company, publishing award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers. Our titles regularly appear on the New York Times and national bestseller lists, and our catalog spans mystery and suspense, romance, historical fiction, cookbooks, picture books, and inspirational nonfiction.
Position Summary
Shadow Mountain is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Associate Editor to join our editorial team. This is a hands-on role managing approximately 12-15 titles per year through every stage of the publishing process-from manuscript development through prepress and final printing. The ideal candidate is an exceptional editor at all stages (developmental, line, and copy) with strong project-management instincts, a passion for commercial fiction and nonfiction, and the ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with authors.
Responsibilities include
  • Manage books through the complete production lifecycle. Oversee up to 15 titles per year from conception to consumer, including developmental editing, author revisions, line editing, copyediting, typesetting coordination, cover design coordination, final page corrections, indexing, and blueline approvals. Work with freelance editors as needed for sensitivity reviews, copy editing, or proofreading tasks.
  • Edit manuscripts in Microsoft Word. Perform developmental reads, line editing, copy editing, and source checking to prepare both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for publication.
  • Build and maintain author relationships. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned authors, communicating clearly and often about the publishing process, and working collaboratively to develop new projects that are marketable, unique, and brand-building.
  • Prepare and present editorial pitches. Write pitch documents for editorial, sales, and marketing review-including tag lines, book descriptions, author bios, key selling points, and comp titles-and contribute to acquisition decisions.
  • Build and manage production schedules. Coordinate timelines, communicate project updates and changes to the team, and ensure all assigned titles meet press deadlines.
  • Collaborate with design, typesetting, and art teams. Work with designers on cover concepts and interior images, coordinate with typesetters on interior book design, prepare cover and interior files for Advance Reading Copies, perform prepress checks, and approve bluelines.
  • Write cover copy and marketing materials. Develop book jacket copy for both ARC and final version, and work with the design team to produce polished, consumer-ready materials.
  • Support acquisitions and project development. Review and evaluate submitted manuscripts, participate in slush pile review, and attend local and national writing conferences to take pitches from authors and teach classes as needed.
  • Provide editorial support across teams. Assist sales and marketing teams by proofreading catalogs, marketing materials, and social media posts; prepare metadata worksheets for assigned titles; secure author endorsements; and provide occasional collaborative support for other editors on the team.
  • Stay current with industry trends and the competitive market. Monitor publishing trends, read widely in Shadow Mountain's key categories, and bring market awareness to editorial discussions, pitch development, and author consultations.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field
  • 3-5 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing (or equivalent)
  • Score of 85% or higher on in-house editorial/proofreading test
  • Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Planner, etc.) and Adobe applications
  • Strong command of The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Impeccable attention to detail
  • Experience working directly with authors through the editorial process
  • Familiarity with book production workflows, including typesetting, prepress, and print coordination
  • Knowledge of current publishing trends and the competitive trade market
  • Experience developing, editing, and managing cookbooks a plus
  • Strong understanding of fiction genres and tropes for adult, young adult, and middle-grade readers
  • Able to work independently as well as with various teams
  • Experience with metadata systems (e.g., Firebrand) a plus
  • Experience attending or presenting at writing conferences
  • A portfolio or list of projects you have worked on

BENEFITS
  • Excellent medical, dental, and life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan with company matching funds
  • Company-funded retirement plan
  • Merchandise discount
  • Discounted UTA Eco pass
  • Paid leave and holidays
  • Great work environment

Equal Opportunity
Deseret Book is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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