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Fiction Proofreading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Simon & Schuster

Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

... best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio ... Prepare indexes (copyediting/coding/proofreading via vendor or in-house coordination), front/back ...

Chargezoom

Content Writer

Salt Lake City, UT

$40K - $60K/yr

... content creation - Assist in proofreading and optimizing content for SEO - Participate in ... fiction -Share professional work done for other companies Good luck. Looking forward to hearing ...

Chargezoom

Content Writer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

... content creation - Assist in proofreading and optimizing content for SEO - Participate in ... fiction -Share professional work done for other companies Good luck. Looking forward to hearing ...

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Fiction Proofreading information

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$13

$27

$43

How much do fiction proofreading jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiction proofreading in the United States is $27.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get hired as a proofreader?

To get hired as a proofreader, you should develop strong language and editing skills, often demonstrated through a relevant degree or certification. Building a portfolio of sample work and gaining experience with editing tools like Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat can improve your chances, and many employers look for attention to detail and familiarity with style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style.

What is a Fiction Proofreading job?

A Fiction Proofreading job involves reviewing and correcting written fiction manuscripts for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency errors. Proofreaders focus on polishing the final draft before publication, ensuring clarity and readability without altering the author's style or storytelling. They check for typographical mistakes, formatting issues, and adherence to style guides. This role is essential in maintaining the professionalism and quality of a book before it reaches readers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fiction Proofreading position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fiction Proofreading, you need a keen eye for detail, excellent command of grammar and punctuation, and familiarity with standard style guides such as Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook. Familiarity with proofreading tools like Microsoft Word's Track Changes and editorial management platforms is often expected, and some employers may value relevant editorial certifications. Strong communication skills, time management, and the ability to provide constructive feedback set top proofreaders apart. These skills ensure manuscripts are polished, error-free, and maintain narrative consistency, supporting authors and publishers in producing high-quality fiction.

What are the typical challenges faced in a Fiction Proofreading role?

Fiction Proofreaders commonly encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in character names, timelines, and plot details, as well as adapting to an author's distinctive voice while correcting grammatical errors. Juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines can also be demanding, requiring excellent organizational skills. Additionally, proofreaders often collaborate closely with editors and authors to clarify ambiguities or suggest improvements, which means flexibility and clear communication are essential. Embracing feedback and remaining attentive to both small errors and larger continuity issues are crucial parts of the role.

How to become a proofreader for fiction?

To become a fiction proofreader, develop strong language and grammar skills, often through a degree in English, journalism, or related fields. Gaining experience with editing tools and building a portfolio by proofreading sample texts or volunteering can help establish credibility; many proofreaders work freelance or for publishing companies.

What qualifications do you need to be a proofreader?

Fiction proofreaders typically need strong language skills, including excellent grammar, spelling, and attention to detail. A bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field is often preferred, and familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word or proofreading software can be beneficial.

Are proofreaders still in demand?

Proofreaders are still in demand, especially in publishing, editing, and content creation industries, as accurate and polished writing remains essential. The role often requires strong language skills and familiarity with editing tools, and remote opportunities are common, making it a viable career option.
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Fiction Proofreading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiction Proofreading job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, 77% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 27% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 72% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,520 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Trade Manuscript Editorial Internship, Fall 2026

Trade Manuscript Editorial Internship, Fall 2026

W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description


Who we are
Founded in 1923, W. W. Norton is the oldest and largest independent and employee-owned publishing house, publishing works of Nobel laureates, master teachers, and Pulitzer Prize winners. For over a century, Norton has been dedicated to achieving a common goal: to bring to readers and students enduring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as high-quality textbooks and digital learning tools.
About the internship
W. W. Norton is looking for interns to participate in our twelve-week internship program. Our internship program provides participants with an engaging, supportive, and hands-on learning experience in publishing that includes educational lunch sessions and networking within the intern class. Your work if you become a Norton intern with the Trade Manuscript Editorial team may include the following:
  • Learning the basics of copyediting and proofreading.
  • Working one-on-one with the managing editor and individual project editors to learn about specific tasks in our production process.
  • Formatting and coding manuscripts to prepare for copyediting and design.
  • Reviewing typeset first pass (1pp) markup vs. clean 2pp (and then 2pp markup vs. clean 3pp).
  • Proofreading indexes and other text that arrives after the 1pp proofreading is complete.
  • Tracking offset 1pp vs. the originating publisher's final printer files.
  • Checking PDFs of blues (printer's proofs).

Experience and Skills
Why you'll be a great fit
We are excited to add interns who bring diverse perspectives to Norton. The ideal candidate is curious, hardworking, and eager to learn more about the different facets of publishing. Here are some skills and qualities we look for in candidates:
  • You are a college junior, senior, recent graduate, or someone looking to make a career change.
  • You are eager to improve your verbal and written communication skills.
  • You enjoy collaborating and working in a group to solve challenges.
  • You have a passion for learning and ideas.
  • You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
  • You have an eye for errors: misspellings, grammar snafus, formatting/design inconsistencies.

Internship details
  • Interns are paid $17 per hour, subject to applicable law, and work a maximum of 20 hours weekly.
  • Internship period is twelve weeks from 9/14/2026-12/4/2026
  • Our workday is 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time; specific work hours are flexible to accommodate an intern's schedule.
  • For interns who reside within commuting distance of the office, this internship will be in-person in our Manhattan offices; those in other locations will work remotely.
  • Eligibility to work with W.W. Norton & Company in the US is required.

If you are interested in applying, please submit your resume and cover letter* to Rebecca Homiski (rhomiski@wwnorton.com) no later than August 14, 2026. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and if enough applications are received, this listing may close early. Once you have submitted your application, please refrain from sending additional follow-up emails, as these will only delay the hiring manager's ability to read the applications received. Final hiring decisions will be made by 9/1/2026, so if you do not hear from us by then, you can assume the internship has been filled by a different applicant. You must follow these submission instructions in order to be considered for the internship.
* Your cover letter should be original and not AI-generated; we are interested in your authentic voice!

Apply