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Freelance Book Publishing Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC · On-site

$76 - $87/hr

... the book and scholarly publishing industry, and issues that may impact product development ... Supervises and assesses work of freelance vendors.## Qualifications**REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE ...

New

$76 - $87/hr

... the book and scholarly publishing industry, and issues that may impact product development ... Supervises and assesses work of freelance vendors.## Qualifications**REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE ...

New

You'll partner with editorial, managing editorial, manufacturing, design, freelancers, and other ... publisher operating in the 21st century." Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than ...

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Freelance Book Publishing Editor information

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$11

$31

$57

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

As of Aug 21, 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.

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 do I become a freelance book publishing editor?

To become a freelance book publishing editor, develop strong editing skills through education or experience, build a portfolio of editing work, and gain familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word or editing software. Networking with authors and publishers, establishing an online presence, and marketing your services are also important steps to attract clients and grow your freelance editing career.

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. Some may charge flat rates per project or page, with annual earnings varying widely based on workload and reputation.
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What cities are hiring for Freelance Book Publishing Editor jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Book Publishing Editor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Book Publishing Editor jobs?

The most popular types of Book Publishing Editor jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Book Publishing Editor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Book Publishing Editor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Book Publishing Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

$53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME