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Fiction Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mary Stone Publishing

Crime Fiction Co-Writer

KY · Remote

$23.56 - $27.40/hr

Bring Crime Fiction to Life As a cowriter for Mary Stone Publishing, you will collaborate closely with your assigned Developmental Editor (DE) and other team members using our online platform. You'll ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Experience editing fiction and/or narrative nonfiction, with strong developmental editing and line editing skills. * Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Experience editing fiction and/or narrative nonfiction, with strong developmental editing and line editing skills. * Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

Experience editing fiction and/or narrative nonfiction, with strong developmental editing and line editing skills. * Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ...

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 ... Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ...

Macmillan

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. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to acquire ...

Macmillan

Senior Production Editor

$70K - $75K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Production Editor for Macmillan Adult Trade. This role will production ... Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ...

Sourcebooks

Associate Editor - Romance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

If you are a passionate, hands-on editor with experience in shaping commercially successful fiction--and you love romance--this is an incredible opportunity to work closely with bestselling and ...

New

Macmillan

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. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to acquire ...

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 ... Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ...

Macmillan Learning

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 fiction. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities ...

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 ... Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ...

Wisconsin

Assistant Editor

Stevens Point, WI · On-site

$24.97/hr

Experience in editing fiction, poetry, and prose, published media, or related. * Expertise in word processing software Preferred Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in English, Literature, Rhetoric ...

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Fiction Editor information

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How much do fiction editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiction 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 does a fiction editor do?

A fiction editor is responsible for reviewing and improving works of fiction, such as novels and short stories, before they are published. Their tasks include assessing plot structure, character development, pacing, and overall storytelling to ensure the manuscript is engaging and cohesive. Fiction editors also check for grammar, style, and consistency, and may provide feedback to authors to help refine their work. They play a crucial role in shaping a story to meet both the author’s vision and the expectations of readers.

What does a fiction editor do?

As a fiction editor, you may work in-house at a publishing company or on a freelance basis. Your duties include reading and evaluating a manuscript for possible publication. You edit work, which may include correcting grammar and spelling, and give feedback to authors. Your responsibilities may include creating an original cover copy for titles and working directly with the marketing department before publishing a fiction work. Depending on your employer, you may research information and make recommendations to senior staff members. Your job tasks are often dependent on your experience as an editor or the size of the company in which you work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fiction editor?

To thrive as a Fiction Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, narrative structure, and literary analysis, often supported by a degree in English, literature, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and platforms such as Track Changes or editorial management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to give constructive feedback set standout editors apart. These skills ensure manuscripts are polished, coherent, and engaging, facilitating successful publication and author-editor collaboration.

What are some common challenges a fiction editor faces when working with authors on manuscript revisions?

A Fiction Editor often navigates the delicate balance between preserving an author's unique voice and ensuring the manuscript meets industry standards for storytelling, pacing, and character development. One common challenge is providing constructive feedback that encourages authors while addressing areas needing improvement. Additionally, editors may need to manage tight deadlines and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including authors, agents, and publishing teams, to keep projects on track. Strong communication and empathy are essential for fostering productive partnerships and bringing out the best in each manuscript.

What is the difference between Fiction Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectFiction EditorCopy Editor
Primary FocusDeveloping and shaping fiction manuscripts, improving story structure, character development, and styleCorrecting grammar, punctuation, spelling, and ensuring clarity and consistency in the text
Required SkillsStrong storytelling, literary analysis, editing for narrative flowAttention to detail, grammar expertise, style guides knowledge
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, literary agencies, freelancePublishing, media, corporate editing
Common UsageAssessing creative content, manuscript developmentPolishing final drafts, ensuring technical accuracy

Fiction Editors focus on shaping and improving the storytelling aspects of manuscripts, working closely with authors to develop compelling narratives. Copy Editors concentrate on correcting language errors and ensuring clarity. Both roles require editing skills but serve different stages of the publishing process.

How much do fiction editors make?

Fiction editors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Senior or specialized editors can earn higher salaries, especially in large publishing houses or with extensive industry experience.
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Fiction Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiction Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Senior Acquisitions Editor, Fiction Books

Tyndale House Ministries

Carol Stream, IL • On-site

$58K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of fiction authors from proposal through publication, coordinating with editorial, design, manufacturing, and marketing teams.

  • Build and maintain relationships with authors and agents, negotiate deal points, and communicate deadlines and manuscript feedback.

  • Evaluate manuscript proposals for content quality and marketability, and make acquisition recommendations to the Publisher.

Job description

Description:

For more than 60 years, Tyndale has helped readers discover the life-giving truths of God’s Word. Today we’re one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. Though our business has grown, our mission remains the same: to open God’s Word to as many as possible in language they can relate to and understand.


As part of the Fiction Team, you'll work closely with editorial, design, and marketing colleagues who care as much about story craft as they do about serving readers well — and about doing that work with excellence, creativity, and mutual trust.


As Senior Acquisitions Editor, you'll help shape which fiction voices and stories Tyndale brings to readers next. Reporting directly to the Publisher, you'll manage a portfolio of authors from proposal through publication, negotiate deal terms, and bring both editorial instinct and market insight to every recommendation you make. This is a role for someone who thrives on relationship-building, has strong negotiation instincts, and wants their storytelling judgment to shape what gets published.


What You'll Do

  • Own end-to-end project management for assigned fiction titles, coordinating across Editorial, Design, Manufacturing, and Marketing from concept through release
  • Build and manage relationships with authors and agents, negotiating deal points and guiding communication on deadlines and manuscript feedback
  • Evaluate manuscript proposals for content quality and marketability, making acquisition recommendations to the Publisher and team — including declining projects with care when needed
  • Research CBA/ABA publishing trends, bookstore merchandising, and reader demographics to inform which fiction stories and authors Tyndale invests in next
  • Guide manuscripts from acceptance through development, working directly with authors to strengthen content and prepare back-cover copy and sales materials
  • Represent assigned titles at Product Development, sales, and marketing hand-off meetings, and attend industry events and writers' conferences to build relationships with prospective authors and agents


Skills and Qualifications Needed

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communications, English, Marketing, or Business
  • Previous publishing experience desired
  • Knowledge of and appreciation for CBA fiction and content
  • Experience with spreadsheets and word processing software desired
  • Self-motivated and able to take initiative, managing multiple projects independently in a fast-paced creative environment
  • Strong negotiation, leadership, and problem-solving instincts
  • Fast reader with strong writing skills
  • High emotional intelligence and diplomatic communication style
  • Personal alignment with and adherence to the Bible as God's Word, and agreement with our Statement of Faith 

After an initial training period, this role is open to a hybrid work schedule, which means you'll be given the flexibility to split time between working from home and in the office.


We want to hear more about you and why you are interested in Tyndale and this role, so we highly recommend including a cover letter.


Tyndale has been repeatedly certified as a Best Christian Workplace. Learn more about us and what we believe at www.tyndale.com/our-mission.


The hiring range for this position is $58,000 to $70,000 annually. Actual offers will take into consideration the candidate’s education, experience, industry knowledge, technical skills, and other relevant factors. A summary of Tyndale’s comprehensive benefits is: https://www.tyndale.com/careers/.


Requirements: