1

Fiction Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This editor will work with a small team responsible for making regular selections of books, under ... A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ...

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Books editor will help us sharpen how we connect readers to the expertise, recommendations and ... fiction works. * Oversee the selection of books to be reviewed, ensuring the Times remains the ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We ... Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We ... Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working closely with authors/agents with an eye to author care * Background knowledge of the publishing ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working closely with authors/agents with an eye to author care * Background knowledge of the publishing ...

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We ... Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for ...

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Books editor will help us sharpen how we connect readers to the expertise, recommendations and ... fiction works. * Oversee the selection of books to be reviewed, ensuring the Times remains the ...

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY

$65K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Editor, Basic Venture

New York, NY

$65K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Publicist/Senior Publicist

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pitch book clubs and festivals for genre fiction leads * Managing pitching and coordinating for 5-10 author events per year * Cultivate and maintain relationships with reviewers, editors, freelancers ...

Publicist/Senior Publicist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pitch book clubs and festivals for genre fiction leads * Managing pitching and coordinating for 5-10 author events per year * Cultivate and maintain relationships with reviewers, editors, freelancers ...

Showing results 21-40

Fiction Editor information

See salary details

$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do fiction editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Fiction Editor jobs?

Cities with the most Fiction Editor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Fiction Editor jobs?

The most popular types of Fiction Editor jobs are:

What states have the most Fiction Editor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fiction Editor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Fiction Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$105K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive editorial products we offer: a curated, opinionated, lively engagement with literature and people who, like you, love reading.

This editor will work with a small team responsible for making regular selections of books, under the direction of our Books leadership, announcing those selections to our community of subscribers, and guiding subscribers through Book Club offerings across a variety of platforms-including but not limited to written articles, interviews with writers or other scholars, and occasional live (and virtual) events.

The ideal candidate will be expert at cultivating relationships with authors, publishers, and the broader literary world. This role sits at the intersection of editorial judgment, community building, and reader engagement.

The right candidate is a voracious reader, an exacting editor, a thoughtful correspondent, and someone who understands that the best book coverage doesn't stop with a review but also argues, contextualizes, and invites conversation.

The role will at times include night, early-morning, and weekend work.

What You'll Do
  • Select and champion each Book Club title, making and defending choices that reflect The Atlantic's intellectual rigor and editorial ambitions, with a capacious and highly creative view of which books should be read (or reread) in a given moment

  • Commission and edit essays, interviews, and contextual pieces tied to Book Club selections, working closely with The Atlantic's books editors, as well as with Atlantic staff writers and outside contributors.

  • Write a monthly (or bimonthly) editor's note or introduction to accompany each selection

  • Lead live and virtual author conversations and reader events, including Q&As, moderated discussions, and subscriber-only engagements.

  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of book prospects, staying close to publishing schedules and building trusted relationships with editors, agents, and publicists.

  • Collaborate closely with the Growth, Product, and Audience teams to shape how the Book Club is presented, packaged, and promoted to subscribers.

  • Represent The Atlantic in the broader literary community-at festivals, book fairs, and industry gatherings-as a credible and independent voice.

  • Contribute ideas and editorial energy to The Atlantic's broader books and culture coverage.

You should have
  • At least five years of editing and writing experience and a deep familiarity with magazine writing, and what makes it distinct

  • A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue for it, and an enthusiastic openness to a wide range of views

  • A deep, well-informed curiosity about what readers are passionately debating, and an instinct to know what they'll want to be debating months from now

  • A track record of having conceived of, built, shipped, and improved upon ambitious projects or products

  • Familiarity with the breadth of publishing and a keen interest in how literary and technological trends affect how and what people are reading

  • Impeccable editorial judgment

  • An obsession with the written word, including having developed your own stylish writerly voice

  • A desire to connect with people-in-person, online, through literature-and the judgment and energy required to represent The Atlantic across a number of platforms

  • Great taste, and the capacity to select books that are worthy of serious attention without tipping into inaccessibility, insularity, or superficiality.

  • A desire to seek out big-name authors as well as hugely talented emerging writers of must-read books before they are widely recognized

  • Energized by the demanding pace of a real-time news organization, with all of the flexibility that requires-as well as the discipline needed to meet recurring deadlines without sacrificing quality.

This position is based in Washington, D.C. or New York City. We will consider remote candidates but have a strong preference for in-person collaboration.

Salary minimum: $105,000 ; Salary maximum: $180,000

About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

_____________

The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer.The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encouragesmembers of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women,LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities.We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. TheAtlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.