ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crossway

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Book Department Editor Reports to : Vice President of Editorial and Director of Editorial, Book ... Engaging and reviewing the work of freelance proofreaders and indexers * Working through projects ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

The Production Editor will work closely with the editorial, design, and production teams, and will ... freelancers a plus * Children's publishing experience a plus. As a leading book publisher, we ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

The Production Editor will work closely with the editorial, design, and production teams, and will ... freelancers a plus * Children's publishing experience a plus. As a leading book publisher, we ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

The Production Editor will work closely with the editorial, design, and production teams, and will ... freelancers a plus * Children's publishing experience a plus. As a leading book publisher, we ...

SFMOMA

Senior Editor, Publications

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Plan and project-manage select book-length publications (both analog and digital) to successfully ... Solicit bids and prepare contracts for freelance contributors. * Develop and maintain schedules.

Scholastic Corporation

Editor

New York, NY · On-site

... freelancers; drafting of copy and metadata; and maintenance of reprints/backlist. * Collaborate ... Work inter-divisionally with Scholastic Reading Events (Book Clubs and Book Fairs) to maximize ...

Scholastic

Editor

New York, NY · Hybrid

... freelancers; drafting of copy and metadata; and maintenance of reprints/backlist. * Collaborate ... Work inter-divisionally with Scholastic Reading Events (Book Clubs and Book Fairs) to maximize ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFreelance Book Editor Jobs

Freelance Book Editor information

See salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do freelance book editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance book editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance book editor do?

A freelance book editor reviews and improves manuscripts for authors, publishers, or self-publishing writers. Their tasks may include developmental editing (structural feedback), copy editing (grammar, style, and consistency), and proofreading (final error checking). They work independently, often managing multiple clients and projects, and may specialize in particular genres or editing stages. Freelance book editors help authors polish their work and prepare manuscripts for publication, ensuring clarity, coherence, and market readiness.

What Does a Freelance Book Editor Do?

As a freelance book editor, your job is to help your client draft, edit, and proofread a manuscript for a book. Freelance book editors usually contract directly with authors and publishing houses, and many editors work on several projects at the same time. You can work with any genre of content, but many editors specialize in fields like healthcare, finance, fiction, or children's books. In this role, you may interview authors, proactively offer editorial suggestions, manage the length of the text, rewrite and restructure content, ensure a consistent structure, identify gaps in content, and ensure that the author completes all manuscripts on time.

What are some common challenges freelance book editors face when working with new authors?

Freelance book editors often encounter challenges such as managing differing expectations about the editing process and providing constructive feedback to first-time authors. Establishing clear communication and outlining the scope of work early on is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, new authors may be unfamiliar with industry standards or hesitant about revisions, so editors must balance professionalism with empathy while guiding authors through the editing journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Book Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Book Editor, you need expertise in grammar, punctuation, and narrative structure, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style is essential. Strong communication, time management, and attention to detail help editors stand out when collaborating with authors and managing multiple projects. These skills ensure the delivery of polished manuscripts, client satisfaction, and a successful freelance editing career.
More about Freelance Book Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Book Editor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Book Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Editor jobs? The most popular types of Book Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Book Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Book Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Book Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Book Editor jobs are:
Freelance Book Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Book Editor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Editor, Academic Books

Editor, Academic Books

Crossway

Wheaton, IL • On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Title: Book Department Editor
Reports to: Vice President of Editorial and Director of Editorial, Book Department
General Description of Responsibilities:
The academic book editor will serve Crossway's publishing ministry by copyediting book manuscripts and managing the editorial process for those book projects through the editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing stages. He or she will strive to ensure excellence of content, beauty of expression, and theological faithfulness. The editor will work under and closely with the vice president of Editorial and the director of Editorial, and will collaborate with the rest of the Book Department team (including Editorial and Acquisitions colleagues), the Production team, and other Crossway colleagues as needed.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Copyediting eight to twelve books per calendar year for content, style, and doctrine, with a focus on books toward the academic end of the spectrum but also including some trade books
  • Managing book projects through the editing, typesetting, proofreading, and indexing phases, concluding with handoff to the Manufacturing Department
  • Interacting with typesetters to provide all that they need to do their jobs effectively
  • Engaging and reviewing the work of freelance proofreaders and indexers
  • Working through projects in an efficient, timely manner
  • Meeting regularly with supervisor and others to discuss project issues
  • Handling other editorial needs that arise

Position Requirements:
  • Undergraduate degree in English, Bible, theology, history, philosophy, or a closely related field
  • Master's or doctoral degree in historical theology, church history, systematic theology, biblical and theological studies, or Old or New Testament
  • Familiarity with biblical languages; familiarity with Latin also helpful
  • Demonstrated copyediting experience for a publishing house or in another professional context, including copyediting of multiple book-length academic manuscripts
  • A thorough knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style (including but not limited to its citation style)
  • Attention to detail, ability to focus for long periods, ability to communicate clearly, and strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Adherence to a robust evangelical theology in the historic stream of the Reformation-that is, broadly Reformed in line with the doctrinal DNA of Crossway's publishing ministry-and willingness to affirm Crossway's Statement of Faith, Statement of Classic Reformation Orthodoxy, and statements on Human Sexuality and Complementarity

Publishing Ministry Commitment:
Commitment to the Crossway publishing ministry and vision, as summarized in the following statement of purpose: By God's grace: (a) to bring men, women, and children to Christ as their Lord and Savior; (b) to help individual Christians and the church grow in knowledge and understanding of the Bible and the Christian life; (c) to bear witness to God's Truth, Beauty, and Righteousness, and the Lordship of Christ in every area of life; and (d) to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in every way.
Personal Qualities:
A love for God's Word and His church. Committed to an evangelical, historic Reformation understanding of the Bible, the gospel, and Christian doctrine. A genuine faith in Jesus Christ as one's Lord and Savior, and active participation in a local church. Pleasing personal demeanor with a willing, servant's heart. Creative, energetic, organized, timely, excellence in execution.
Benefit Program:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for full time employees after 30 days of employment with employer contribution to costs
  • Three medical plan options available with monthly premium costs for a family from $125-$300
  • Life, long term, and short term disability insurance for full time employees paid by company
  • Additional voluntary life insurance offerings paid by employee
  • Paid vacation and illness days for full time employees (part time employees PTO accrual based on hours worked.)
  • 11 paid holiday for full time employees (part time employees holiday pay dependent on schedule)
  • Participation in retirement plan including 25% company match of up to $1,500 for full time and part time employees (temporary employees not eligible.)

Salary:
Salary range is $65,000 to $95,000. This range reflects the full scope of potential compensation for this role. Most candidates can expect to fall at the midpoint of the range, with placement determined by experience, skills, and demonstrated ability for the position. Salary also will be commensurate with current standards for comparable positions and responsibilities within publishing and other leading not-for-profit ministries.
Other:
  • This is a full-time position.
  • On-site work preferred, but remote work negotiable.

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.

Apply