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Freelance Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Identify, source and build a pool of freelancers with relevant skills for the diverse titles ... General knowledge of book conceptualization and development practices, editing standards, and ...

Managing Editor Department: Baker Academic and Brazos Press Editorial Location: Onsite only, Baker ... Authors, freelancers Baker Publishing Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a company that ...

Managing Editor Department: Baker Academic and Brazos Press Editorial Location: Onsite only, Baker ... Authors, freelancers Baker Publishing Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a company that ...

Managing Editor Department: Baker Academic and Brazos Press Editorial Location: Onsite only, Baker ... Authors, freelancers Baker Publishing Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a company that ...

Collaborate with the content development team and freelancers to set strategy on market research ... Qualifications : Required : • At least 3-4 years of book acquisition, content development ...

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Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and error-free copy ... Book and conduct interviews of your own sources and on-camera guests * Utilize advanced video ...

Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and error-free copy ... Book and conduct interviews of your own sources and on-camera guests * Utilize advanced video ...

With one eye on the book release schedule and another on a very busy news cycle, you'll be refining ... Working with both staff and freelance writers, and brainstorming constantly with the Books team and ...

Execute designs based on established style guides and brand book. * Understand site structure and ... film editing is a plus. * Experience with Jira and Monday would be a plus. * Must be highly ...

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Freelance Book Editor information

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How much do freelance book editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Freelance Book Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Project Editor

Center for Responsive Schools

Turners Falls, MA • On-site

$53K/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Editor provides editorial support for publications and educational programs, including teacher materials, ancillaries, licensed trade books, digital products, catalogs, and marketing collateral. The project editor is responsible for managing projects, often multiple projects simultaneously and usually for the lifetime of the project. Projects may be multi-year and multi-component, or small-scale (for example, new books, reprints, workshop products, articles, new or replacement lessons, lesson components and products, small guides, research reports, and marketing collateral). Finished products will be published in both print and digital formats.

The ideal candidate is a team player, a self-starter, and a lifelong learner. They will have developmental-level editing skills, excellent command of editorial processes and styles, and show evidence of ability to project manage in multiphase projects with multiple components.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, coordinating and managing a variety of publications projections

  • Project manages a variety of titles from a range of publishing areas from proposal or receipt of manuscript through to print-ready files, including the preparation of digital assets while keeping to schedule and deliverable timeline specifications.
  • Manages timelines to ensure that projects stay on schedule.
  • Coordinates production review processes (all stages of page proof review).
  • Ensures smooth running of projects from manuscript to final print and digital files, in conjunction with the Chief Publications Officer.
  • Establishes excellent relations with authors, illustrators and other external clients, keeping them fully informed of progress, ensuring project expectations are adhered to as the project develops.
  • Develops and maintains good relationships with all in-house staff, knowing where each project is in the system at any given time, ensuring that work is placed appropriately in-house, completing all handover to production forms fully and accurately.
  • Liaises with Programs and production staff regarding completion dates for project deliverables,
  • Collaborates with Chief Publications Officer as requested to develop schedules for projects, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and keeps the Chief and/or Senior Editor informed of any schedule changes.

Editing and Writing

  • Performs manuscript editing tasks, from substantive developmental editing of content to copy editing for consistency and style, and ensures that all materials developed adhere to the style guides/sheets.
  • Partners with copy editors, proofreaders, translators, fact checkers, and other freelance/contract staff as needed.
  • Quality checks all in-house work before it is sent out for internal or external review, checks all outsourced work to ensure that it adheres to the guidelines given and meets the expected standards; gives each project a final check to ensure that CPM standards have been maintained.
  • Undertakes in-house writing, copy-editing, and proofreading on projects as required; organizing clients', authors and proofreaders' mark-ups.
  • Familiar with the purpose of a variety of style guides and able to edit work following the publications department's chosen style guide.

General administration

  • Ensures all correspondence files are up to date and complete.
  • Archives and keeps full proof records until a project is completed and closed.
  • Collaborates with Production Coordinator to record all details relevant to the history of a project.
  • Prepares text of completed projects for website, marketing sales or other as required.
  • Assists with general publications tasks as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor's degree in communication, English or journalism or closely related field, background in education a plus.
  • At least 3 years of experience in writing and editing, preferably in book publishing and preferably in an office setting.
  • Strong organizational skills and file management abilities.
  • Receptive to direction, feedback, and editing from people with varying roles and backgrounds.
  • Deadline-oriented with the ability to prioritize work to meet project due dates.
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time.
  • Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, strong oral and written communication.
  • High accountability for performance, able to receive and apply feedback.
  • Disposition is consistently professional, cooperative, and collegial as evidenced by workplace maturity, composure, perspective, transparency, reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness.
  • Caring for and, committed to the vision, mission, and welfare of CRS.
  • Respects and values diversity; represents CRS positively and professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, and the community at large in both real and virtual interactions.
  • Able to work and thrive in an open-suite, highly collaborative environment.
  • Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to use a computer or phone for up to 8 hours per day, with breaks and lunch.
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. on occasion.
  • Must be able to show proof of COVID-19 primary vaccinations or submit a medical or religious exemption.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder's supervisor, may also be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.