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Fiction Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

Sourcebooks

Editor - Bloom Books/Bloom YA

Naperville, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The Editor, Bloom Books and Bloom YA will acquire, edit, and manage both adult fiction and young adult authors. Bloom Books has experienced mind-blowing growth in the last two years with our adult ...

Naughty Dog

Cinematics Editor

Santa Monica, CA

We are looking for an Editor to assist the editorial team with cinematics for our upcoming title ... Post-production experience with live-action-either fiction or documentary * Experience working at a ...

Church Pension Group

Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

Experienced in trade non-fiction acquisitions * Excellent communication skills-written, oral, editing, and presentation * Must have market awareness * Must have the ability to travel as needed ...

Church Pension Group

Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

Experienced in trade non-fiction acquisitions * Excellent communication skills-written, oral, editing, and presentation * Must have market awareness * Must have the ability to travel as needed ...

Naughty Dog

Cinematics Editor

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$36.25 - $54.32/hr

Experience editing motion capture footage ... Post-production experience with live-action-either fiction or documentary * Experience working at a ...

Macmillan

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 ...

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How much do fiction editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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.

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Fiction Editor jobs near you
Senior Editor, TOR

Senior Editor, TOR

Macmillan

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job 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 to acquire and work across all TPG imprints, including Tor, Nightfire, Bramble and Tordotcom Publishing.
We are actively seeking job applicants who reflect a broad representation of differences, including race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical ability, neurodiversity, age, veteran, family and economic status and background, geographical background and status, and perspective. We believe that the best companies reflect the incredible diversity in viewpoints, backgrounds, and identities of the world in their staffs, and are committed to inclusive hiring across departments and levels.
What you'll do:
  • Acquire and edit approximately 10 - 15 original adult SFF titles a year. Be familiar with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic fantasies.
  • Be part of a collaborative team and be involved in every part of the publishing process, including contributing to marketing and publicity campaigns as needed, coordinating with art and design teams, facilitating production with managing ed and authors, etc.
  • Be a leader and positive influence within the Tor Publishing Group and Macmillan teams.
  • Work closely with authors during editing process and every stage of publishing thereafter, including close collaboration on discussions of positioning, cover, marketing, timelines, and other publishing needs.
  • Read and evaluate submissions from industry contacts, and provide second-reads for publisher and teammates.
  • Brief the cover designer on look, tone, and content of your titles; ensure the cover conveys specific positioning; negotiate all jacket concerns between designer, literary agent, and author.
  • Present selected titles to the national account reps each season at launch meetings.
  • Determine key selling points for all launches and convey them to the sales force, publicity, and marketing teams.
  • Create sharp, persuasive, tailored pitches for every stage of the publishing process, including acquisitions pitch, galley copy, presentation to the sales force, for blurb mailings, etc.
  • Actively seek to expand and nurture new and existing relationships with agents and agencies throughout the industry.

What you'll bring:
  • Extensive knowledge of publishing workflow
  • Familiarity with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic fantasies
  • Managerial experience preferred
  • Excellent literary agent contacts
  • Strong editing skills
  • Ability to write galley, catalog, flap/cover copy
  • Public speaking: ability to present titles to sales force

Ideal Experience:
  • 5+ years publishing or equivalent experience

This role will have an annual salary of $80,000-$90,000.
Macmillan Publishers is the U.S. trade company that is part of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned group of media companies headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Holtzbrinck Publishing Group's publishing companies include prominent imprints around the world that publish a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.
U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, The St. Martin's Publishing Group, and Tor Publishing Group. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, companies in the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group publish under the Pan Macmillan name. The German publishing company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.
Macmillan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, consistently striving to foster a culture where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. Qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, physical ability, neurodiversity, genetic information, protected veteran status, family and economic status, and background or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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