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Freelance Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sourcebooks LLC

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Scholastic

Assistant Production Editor

New York, NY

Oversees freelancers, for copyediting and proofreading of cover copy, typeset text, and covers ... RESPONSIBILITIES Manage book production for all conversion titles (previously printed hardcovers ...

Sage

Acquisitions Editor

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 ...

Hachette Book Group

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

... department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe ... Organize and prepare map projects for junior employees and freelancers. * Cross-Departmental ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

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 ...

Hachette Book Group

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

... department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe ... Organize and prepare map projects for junior employees and freelancers. * Cross-Departmental ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

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 ...

Fox

Freelance Producer, FOX Nation

New York, NY · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Book guests and conduct both on and off-camera interviews * Collaborate with staff and freelance field crews to shoot interviews and additional footage * Work with editors to turn the raw footage ...

Hachette-Livre

Senior Cartographer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... department, and book editors to produce maps for print travel guides. You will use Adobe ... Organize and prepare map projects for junior employees and freelancers. * Cross-Departmental ...

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Freelance Book Editor information

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How much do freelance book editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance book editor?

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 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.
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Freelance Book Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Book Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Production Editor

Sourcebooks LLC

Naperville, IL • On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Help bring extraordinary books to life.
If you're an experienced publishing professional who thrives on managing complex projects, solving challenging production puzzles, and collaborating across departments to deliver exceptional books, we'd love to meet you.
Sourcebooks is seeking a Senior Production Editor to join our Adult Publishing Operations team. This is more than a production role-it's an opportunity to serve as a strategic leader who drives quality, mentors teammates, improves workflows, and helps shape how books move from manuscript to finished product.
You'll manage a diverse list of frontlist and backlist titles for high-profile authors while partnering with Editorial, Design, Managing Editorial, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and freelance editorial partners to ensure every project meets our standards for quality, accuracy, and schedule.
Whether you're navigating a complex production schedule, mentoring newer team members, or identifying smarter ways to work, you'll play an essential role in helping our books-and our people-succeed.
This an exempt, salaried position with a pay range of $62,000-$66,500. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate's qualifications.
The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
What you'll do:
  • Lead the editorial production of complex and high-profile publishing projects from manuscript through final files.
  • Manage production schedules, priorities, and critical milestones to ensure books are delivered on time and at the highest quality.
  • Coordinate copyediting, proofreading, page review, corrections, approvals, and final production readiness.
  • Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while maintaining quality standards.
  • Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines.
  • Collaborate closely with Editorial, Design, Managing Editorial, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and other stakeholders to resolve production challenges and keep projects moving forward.
  • Perform final quality assurance reviews before files are released to manufacturing and digital distribution.
  • Identify opportunities to improve workflows, streamline processes, and enhance operational efficiency across the department.
  • Mentor Production Editors by sharing best practices, providing guidance, and supporting onboarding and training efforts.
  • Contribute to cross-functional planning discussions and help develop scalable publishing operations.

What you bring:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and publishing experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in publishing operations, production editorial, or a related publishing discipline.
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple complex publishing projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines.
  • Deep understanding of editorial production workflows, including copyediting, proofreading, page composition, quality assurance, and manufacturing readiness.
  • Exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external vendors.
  • Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to team development.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat; experience with publishing workflow and project management systems is preferred.
  • Familiarity with Smartsheet and Basecamp a plus.
  • A continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for learning new technologies, workflows, and publishing best practices.
Why Sourcebooks?
Sourcebooks is a thriving entrepreneurial publisher driven by our mission to change lives through books. The fifth-largest publisher in the U.S. by print units sold, we bring extraordinary authors to readers in dynamic, data-driven ways, leading to hundreds of national and international bestsellers. Our insight-driven approach has earned us recognition from Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company, a Best Workplace for Innovators, a Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek, a Best Workplace by Inc., and Publishers Weekly's nod as "the most successful self-made publisher operating in the 21st century." Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!
Ready to Apply:
Please submit your resume, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity - we're looking for someone who's as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription Drug Insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, and generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

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