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Fiction Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... 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 · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... 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

... 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 ...

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

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 ...

This editor will be assigned to the Books desk, and will focus on assigning a variety of idea ... An obsession with literature, and a keen interest in the ideas driving both fiction and nonfiction

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 ...

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Fiction Editor information

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$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do fiction editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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, and why are they important?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 30% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 69% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
ASSISTANT EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Chronicle Books

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

Chronicle Books is looking for a creative and savvy Assistant Editor to join the Art & Entertainment publishing group. From Grumpy Cat to Dolly Parton, the Art & Entertainment team acquires and publishes pop culture books, formats, and calendars across a wide range of non-fiction categories. Our titles are contagious, thoughtfully designed, funny, and commercial. We need a quick-thinking, pop-culture and trend-loving editor who has many creative ideas, an interest in growing publishing relationships, and a clear vision for what makes a book irresistible.


Under supervision of the Publishing Director, this Assistant Editor will be responsible for providing editorial and project management support on a wide range of commercial books and formats, with a focus on key licensing relationships. In addition, they will independently acquire or be the project editor for 6-8 books, calendars, and formats a year. They will forward the goal of creating a distinctive, innovative, and profitable list by generating ideas, conducting consumer research, and adding value whenever possible, and will build industry relationships and cultivate authors and other makers. They will focus on key entertainment publishing categories like licensing, humor, brand- and trend-driven, pets, and more.


Key Responsibilities: Duties will also include evaluating, tracking and inputting corrections to manuscripts, maintaining title schedules as well as generating title memo copy for tipsheets, and communicating with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and literary agents. Researching, evaluating and responding to proposals while tracking licensor approvals will also be part of this position. The Assistant Editor will present proposals to publishing group meeting, generate P&Ls and deal sheets, lead creative meetings while also making offers, monitoring marketplace trends and working alongside department group members.


The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Hiring Salary Range: $27.41 – $31.50/hr. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the expected salary for this position and will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, an applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is eligible for our profit share plan.


Benefits: Chronicle Books offers a full suite of benefits, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, a profit share plan, three weeks of paid vacation to start, two weeks of sick time per year, and company holidays, including a paid winter break between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, paid family, maternity, and paternity leave, commuter benefits, long-term disability insurance, annual tuition assistance, annual wellness stipend, and more.


Schedule: Employees at Chronicle Books will follow a regular hybrid schedule in our San Francisco office of at least three (3) in-office days per week and up to five (5) in-office days per week, depending on project and business needs. Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all the activities required of the employee.


To Apply: Please follow the link to submit a resume and cover letter via our career site. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We look for candidates who will add to our culture and support the company’s vision of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply.


About Us: Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists, writers, and business partners who represent the diversity of our world and to fostering an inclusive company culture that respects and promotes diverse backgrounds and points of view. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com.

Requirements:

Applicants will need a minimum of three years’ publishing experience with proven project management skills. They will also need to possess an interest in licensing, a demonstrated skill in copywriting/written communications, and the skills to represent the publishing director and executive editor in meetings. They will need an ability to successfully manage details and tasks simultaneously, a strong attention to detail, self-motivation and the skills to work independently as well as in a collaborative group.