Freelance Educational Publishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teacher Created Materials is a nearly 50-year-old, award-winning publisher dedicated to making teaching more effective and learning more fun. We create PreK–12 educational programs across content areas, as well as engaging trade books, digital products, professional development titles, and professional learning services.

Our resources are made for teachers by teachers and are designed to support students, educators, caregivers, and families wherever learning takes place. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Teacher Created Materials continues to grow through strong partnerships with schools, educators, and trade channels. We are passionate about developing innovative, imaginative, and research-informed materials that are recognized for their effectiveness and embraced by educators worldwide.

We foster a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven workplace where curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning thrive.

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off plus Company Holidays
• Generous 401(k) with company match
• Childcare and wellness programs
• Professional growth opportunities
• And more!

• Huntington Beach office, Minneapolis office, or remote

Teacher Created Materials is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and highly organized publishing professional to help grow our professional and educational publishing lines under our Shell Education and Free Spirit Publishing imprints.

The Content Acquisition & Development Manager will identify and recruit high-profile education authors, thought leaders, presenters, and practitioners while managing the editorial development of projects from concept through production.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced publishing environment and enjoys balancing relationship-building, content development, editorial leadership, and project management. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and collaborative leader who can manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while working closely with authors, freelancers, and cross-functional internal teams.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated publishing professional who is eager to grow into a larger leadership role within educational publishing.

• Identify, recruit, and cultivate relationships with high-level education authors, presenters, consultants, and thought leaders.
• Research emerging trends, educator needs, and market opportunities to develop compelling publishing concepts and proposals.
• Evaluate manuscript submissions, proposals, and new product ideas for alignment with publishing goals and audience needs.
• Represent Teacher Created Materials at conferences, industry events, and networking opportunities to build relationships and identify new author talent.
• Collaborate with the Publisher to shape and expand the publishing pipeline and long-term content strategy.

• Lead editorial development of assigned projects from acquisition through final production.
• Perform developmental and substantive editing to ensure content quality, accuracy, clarity, instructional effectiveness, and audience engagement.
• Guide authors through manuscript development, revisions, and feedback cycles while maintaining positive, collaborative relationships.
• Ensure projects align with brand standards, publishing goals, schedules, and market expectations.
• Partner with creative, production, marketing, and sales teams to support successful product launches.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate and oversee external editors, writers, freelancers, and project contributors.
• Build and maintain detailed project timelines and ensure deliverables remain on track.
• Troubleshoot workflow challenges and proactively resolve scheduling or production issues.
• Maintain organized project documentation, editorial records, permissions, and communication archives.
• Assist in refining and improving editorial workflows, systems, and best practices.

• Stay informed about educational trends, professional learning topics, classroom needs, and competitor publishing initiatives.
• Contribute ideas for new publishing opportunities, series concepts, and product formats.
• Support sales and marketing teams by reviewing copy, contributing launch information, and helping position products effectively.

• 5+ years of experience in publishing, editorial development, acquisitions, or educational content development.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, Publishing, Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage publishing or editorial projects from concept through production.
• Strong developmental editing and editorial feedback skills.
• Experience building relationships with authors, presenters, consultants, or subject matter experts.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Passion for education, professional learning, and impactful publishing.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for conferences and author meetings.

• Existing network within the education conference, professional development, or author-presenter community.
• Experience managing freelance editorial teams or external contributors.

• Extended periods of sitting and computer work.
• Ability to travel occasionally for conferences and events.

• General office or home office environment

Teacher Created Materials (TCM) is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or status as a protected veteran. This policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action applies to all levels of employment and to all employment practices, including (but not limited to) compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, educational, training, recreational, and social activities.