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Freelance Book Publishing Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deseret Book Company

Associate Editor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... Book Company, publishing award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults, young adults, and middle ... Work with freelance editors as needed for sensitivity reviews, copy editing, or proofreading tasks.

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 · 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 ...

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How much do freelance book publishing editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance book publishing 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.

How much do freelance book publishing editors get paid?

Freelance book publishing editors typically earn between $25 and $75 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Many work on a per-project basis, with rates varying based on editing type, such as developmental, copyediting, or proofreading, and may charge additional fees for rush jobs or extensive revisions.

What is the difference between Freelance Book Publishing Editor vs Freelance Copy Editor?

AspectFreelance Book Publishing EditorFreelance Copy Editor
CredentialsExperience in publishing, editing, and sometimes a degree in English or related fieldStrong language skills, editing experience, often certifications in editing or proofreading
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with authors, publishers, and literary agents; project-basedWorks independently on manuscripts, focusing on grammar, style, and clarity
Industry UsageCommon in publishing houses, literary agencies, and freelance marketsUsed across publishing, marketing, and corporate sectors for editing tasks

Freelance Book Publishing Editors focus on overseeing the entire editing process of a book, including developmental editing, while Freelance Copy Editors concentrate on refining language, grammar, and style. Both roles require strong editing skills and industry knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How to start a freelance book publishing editor?

To start as a freelance book publishing editor, develop strong editing skills through education or experience, build a portfolio of editing samples, and create an online presence or website to attract clients. Networking with authors and publishers, and gaining familiarity with editing tools like track changes and style guides, can also help establish your freelance career.

Is there a demand for freelance book publishing editors?

There is consistent demand for freelance book publishing editors as publishers and authors seek flexible editing services for manuscripts, especially with the growth of self-publishing. Editors with strong language skills, familiarity with editing tools, and industry knowledge are often sought after in the publishing industry.
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Freelance Book Publishing Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Book Publishing Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Editor - W Publishing (Hybrid)

HarperCollins Publishers

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
The mission of W Publishing is to publish great books from Christian authors that inform, inspire, and lead to changes that matter-in this life and the next. Our authors include John Bevere, Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, Savannah Guthrie, Lisa Harper, Anne Wilson, and many more.
This position will oversee front-list titles from transmittal of final manuscript to bound books. Working closely with acquiring editors, content designers, art directors, and production managers, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and be responsible for keeping books on track as they move through the production process.
The ideal candidate will not only be an organized, detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills, but will also be an avid book reader who shares W Publishing's mission to create meaningful, powerful content in partnership with today's most vital voices in the areas of Christian spiritual growth and practical living.
Our preference is to fill this position in Nashville, TN or Grand Rapids, MI but we are also open to qualified candidates that are located outside of these areas. Travel may be required based on the need of the business.
Responsibilities
  • Handles the production editorial process from manuscript to bound book for 10-15 front-list titles a year, utilizing electronic workflow.
  • Assesses manuscripts for copyediting and the styling of all design elements, using proprietary Microsoft Word styles for design and composition.
  • Coordinates with the design teams and freelance editors, collates corrections from freelancers and authors, verifies that corrections have been made, and ensures timely delivery of final files to the printer.
  • Maintains excellent communication and develops excellent working relationships with colleagues, including acquisitions editors, marketing and publicity staff, salespeople, production staff, designers, typesetters, and freelancers.
  • Works with authors and agents to obtain approval for text design, copyediting, and final cover files and to secure permissions and releases as needed.
  • Assists with various editions of assigned projects, including special editions, international editions, trade paper conversions, and derivative products.
  • Facilitates creation of cover copy and catalog copy, writing and proofreading as needed, and assists with the catalog and consumer description process across functions and stakeholders.
  • Copyedits flap and cover copy and proofreads and checks all stages of jacket/cover proofs.
  • Delivers editorial support for internal documents related to book proposals, sales conference materials, marketing materials, and other important documents as needed.
  • Inputs and updates reprint corrections.
  • Attends and contributes to production and other related meetings.

Qualifications
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and the Chicago Manual of Style; familiarity with the Bible and evangelical Christianity preferred, including broad trends within the world of Christian nonfiction publishing.
Work Experience: Minimum 3 years' editorial experience, preferably in trade book publishing.
Education: Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related field. Other majors are welcome when combined with relevant experience.
Industry Knowledge: Keeps up with trends in the publishing industry by reading trade magazines, such as Publisher's Weekly preferred; working knowledge of popular Christian books and authors a plus.
Skills:
  • Solid copyediting and proofreading skills; knowledge of industry standards.
  • Able to shepherd multiple projects and manage competing priorities at once while maintaining high standards of quality and hitting deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strategic and always able to understand the bigger picture.
  • Enjoy working independently and as a member of a collaborative team.
  • Detail oriented; eagle-eyed at catching errors.
  • Able to learn new systems quickly, such as HarperCollins' proprietary software for managing manuscripts.
  • A personal drive for excellence.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.
HarperCollins Christian Publishing is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at TalentManagement@harpercollins.com. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.

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