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Contract Fiction Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Daily Grace Co.

Acquisitions Editor

Spring, TX

You have experience negotiating contracts, managing financial aspects of projects, and ensuring ... Master's preferred * 1-3 years of experience in book publishing, acquisitions, or developmental ...

Sage

Acquisitions Editor

Manage conflict, negotiate contract terms, and be able to navigate difficult conversations with ... Qualifications : Required : • At least 3-4 years of book acquisition, content development ...

Hachette Book Group

Contracts Coordinator

New York, NY · On-site

$55K/yr

Field status queries from editors, agents and other colleagues * Initiate the DocuSign process ... As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all ...

Hachette Book Group

Contracts Coordinator

New York, NY · On-site

$55K/yr

Field status queries from editors, agents and other colleagues * Initiate the DocuSign process ... As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all ...

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Contract Fiction Book Editor information

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

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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 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.
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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 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Project Editor

Center for Responsive Schools

Turners Falls, MA • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Editor provides editorial support for publications and educational programs, including teacher materials, ancillaries, licensed trade books, digital products, catalogs, and marketing collateral. The project editor is responsible for managing projects, often multiple projects simultaneously and usually for the lifetime of the project. Projects may be multi-year and multi-component, or small-scale (for example, new books, reprints, workshop products, articles, new or replacement lessons, lesson components and products, small guides, research reports, and marketing collateral). Finished products will be published in both print and digital formats.
The ideal candidate is a team player, a self-starter, and a lifelong learner. They will have developmental-level editing skills, excellent command of editorial processes and styles, and show evidence of ability to project manage in multiphase projects with multiple components.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning, coordinating and managing a variety of publications projections
  • Project manages a variety of titles from a range of publishing areas from proposal or receipt of manuscript through to print-ready files, including the preparation of digital assets while keeping to schedule and deliverable timeline specifications.
  • Manages timelines to ensure that projects stay on schedule.
  • Coordinates production review processes (all stages of page proof review).
  • Ensures smooth running of projects from manuscript to final print and digital files, in conjunction with the Chief Publications Officer.
  • Establishes excellent relations with authors, illustrators and other external clients, keeping them fully informed of progress, ensuring project expectations are adhered to as the project develops.
  • Develops and maintains good relationships with all in-house staff, knowing where each project is in the system at any given time, ensuring that work is placed appropriately in-house, completing all handover to production forms fully and accurately.
  • Liaises with Programs and production staff regarding completion dates for project deliverables,
  • Collaborates with Chief Publications Officer as requested to develop schedules for projects, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and keeps the Chief and/or Senior Editor informed of any schedule changes.

Editing and Writing
  • Performs manuscript editing tasks, from substantive developmental editing of content to copy editing for consistency and style, and ensures that all materials developed adhere to the style guides/sheets.
  • Partners with copy editors, proofreaders, translators, fact checkers, and other freelance/contract staff as needed.
  • Quality checks all in-house work before it is sent out for internal or external review, checks all outsourced work to ensure that it adheres to the guidelines given and meets the expected standards; gives each project a final check to ensure that CPM standards have been maintained.
  • Undertakes in-house writing, copy-editing, and proofreading on projects as required; organizing clients', authors and proofreaders' mark-ups.
  • Familiar with the purpose of a variety of style guides and able to edit work following the publications department's chosen style guide.

General administration
  • Ensures all correspondence files are up to date and complete.
  • Archives and keeps full proof records until a project is completed and closed.
  • Collaborates with Production Coordinator to record all details relevant to the history of a project.
  • Prepares text of completed projects for website, marketing sales or other as required.
  • Assists with general publications tasks as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in communication, English or journalism or closely related field, background in education a plus.
  • At least 3 years of experience in writing and editing, preferably in book publishing and preferably in an office setting.
  • Strong organizational skills and file management abilities.
  • Receptive to direction, feedback, and editing from people with varying roles and backgrounds.
  • Deadline-oriented with the ability to prioritize work to meet project due dates.
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time.
  • Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, strong oral and written communication.
  • High accountability for performance, able to receive and apply feedback.
  • Disposition is consistently professional, cooperative, and collegial as evidenced by workplace maturity, composure, perspective, transparency, reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness.
  • Caring for and, committed to the vision, mission, and welfare of CRS.
  • Respects and values diversity; represents CRS positively and professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, and the community at large in both real and virtual interactions.
  • Able to work and thrive in an open-suite, highly collaborative environment.
  • Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Able to use a computer or phone for up to 8 hours per day, with breaks and lunch.
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. on occasion.
  • Must be able to show proof of COVID-19 primary vaccinations or submit a medical or religious exemption.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder's supervisor, may also be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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