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Freelance Fiction Book 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.

Macmillan

Senior Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ... Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all ...

Macmillan

Senior Production Editor

$70K - $75K/yr

... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ... Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all ...

Macmillan Learning

Senior Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ... Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all ...

Macmillan Learning

Senior Production Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback ... Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all ...

Crossway

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Book Department Editor Reports to : Vice President of Editorial and Director of Editorial, Book ... Engaging and reviewing the work of freelance proofreaders and indexers * Working through projects ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA · On-site

... fiction, graphic novels, adult nonfiction and activity books, and select licensed publishing ... Cultivate strong relationships with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

... fiction, graphic novels, adult nonfiction and activity books, and select licensed publishing ... Cultivate strong relationships with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

... fiction, graphic novels, adult nonfiction and activity books, and select licensed publishing ... Cultivate strong relationships with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support ...

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 ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development ...

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Freelance Fiction Book Editor information

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$35.5K

$64K

$107K

How much do freelance fiction book editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance fiction book editor in the United States is $64,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance fiction book editor do?

A Freelance Fiction Book Editor works with authors to improve the quality of fiction manuscripts before publication. Their responsibilities include correcting grammar and punctuation, refining plot structure, enhancing character development, and ensuring consistency in style and tone. They may offer developmental editing (big-picture feedback), line editing (sentence-level improvements), or copyediting (grammar and mechanics). Freelance editors work independently, often managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously. Their goal is to help authors produce polished, engaging, and market-ready books.

How does a freelance fiction book editor typically collaborate with authors throughout the editing process?

Freelance fiction book editors usually work closely with authors via email, video calls, or shared documents to provide feedback and guidance. The process often involves multiple rounds of edits, starting with developmental feedback on plot, character, and pacing, followed by line and copyediting for language and consistency. Clear communication and flexibility are key, as editors must respect the author's vision while offering constructive suggestions. Regular check-ins and transparent timelines help ensure a smooth workflow and a successful partnership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance fiction book editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Fiction Book Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, narrative structure, and genre conventions, often supported by a relevant degree or substantial editing experience. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word (Track Changes), style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), and project management platforms is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to provide constructive feedback help build trust and rapport with authors. These skills ensure manuscripts are polished, market-ready, and meet both industry standards and client expectations.

What is the difference between Freelance Fiction Book Editor vs Freelance Non-Fiction Book Editor?

AspectFreelance Fiction Book EditorFreelance Non-Fiction Book Editor
CredentialsTypically requires editing certifications, writing experience, and familiarity with storytellingRequires editing certifications, subject matter expertise, and research skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, collaborating with authors and publishersRemote, project-based, working with authors, publishers, and academic or professional content
Industry UsageUsed mainly in publishing fiction novels, short stories, and literary worksUsed mainly in publishing textbooks, memoirs, and professional or academic books

While both roles involve editing skills and work in publishing, Freelance Fiction Book Editors focus on storytelling, character development, and narrative flow, whereas Freelance Non-Fiction Book Editors emphasize accuracy, clarity, and factual integrity. Understanding these differences helps authors and publishers choose the right editor for their project.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Fiction Book Editor jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Fiction Book Editor job openings:

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

The most popular types of Fiction Book Editor jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Fiction Book Editor jobs?

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

Freelance Fiction Book Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Fiction Book Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,031 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Associate Editor

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Deseret Book Company
Retail • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 11 rated book shops

Great coworkers

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Deseret Book Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Our company is committed to being trusted voices of light and truth reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Associate Editor
Reports to
Editorial Director
Location
Deseret Book Corporate Office
Salt Lake City, UT
Start Date
Immediately
Position Type
Full Time; Hybrid
The Opportunity
About Shadow Mountain
Shadow Mountain is a national trade imprint of Deseret Book Company, publishing award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers. Our titles regularly appear on the New York Times and national bestseller lists, and our catalog spans mystery and suspense, romance, historical fiction, cookbooks, picture books, and inspirational nonfiction.
Position Summary
Shadow Mountain is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Associate Editor to join our editorial team. This is a hands-on role managing approximately 12-15 titles per year through every stage of the publishing process-from manuscript development through prepress and final printing. The ideal candidate is an exceptional editor at all stages (developmental, line, and copy) with strong project-management instincts, a passion for commercial fiction and nonfiction, and the ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with authors.
Responsibilities include
  • Manage books through the complete production lifecycle. Oversee up to 15 titles per year from conception to consumer, including developmental editing, author revisions, line editing, copyediting, typesetting coordination, cover design coordination, final page corrections, indexing, and blueline approvals. Work with freelance editors as needed for sensitivity reviews, copy editing, or proofreading tasks.
  • Edit manuscripts in Microsoft Word. Perform developmental reads, line editing, copy editing, and source checking to prepare both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for publication.
  • Build and maintain author relationships. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned authors, communicating clearly and often about the publishing process, and working collaboratively to develop new projects that are marketable, unique, and brand-building.
  • Prepare and present editorial pitches. Write pitch documents for editorial, sales, and marketing review-including tag lines, book descriptions, author bios, key selling points, and comp titles-and contribute to acquisition decisions.
  • Build and manage production schedules. Coordinate timelines, communicate project updates and changes to the team, and ensure all assigned titles meet press deadlines.
  • Collaborate with design, typesetting, and art teams. Work with designers on cover concepts and interior images, coordinate with typesetters on interior book design, prepare cover and interior files for Advance Reading Copies, perform prepress checks, and approve bluelines.
  • Write cover copy and marketing materials. Develop book jacket copy for both ARC and final version, and work with the design team to produce polished, consumer-ready materials.
  • Support acquisitions and project development. Review and evaluate submitted manuscripts, participate in slush pile review, and attend local and national writing conferences to take pitches from authors and teach classes as needed.
  • Provide editorial support across teams. Assist sales and marketing teams by proofreading catalogs, marketing materials, and social media posts; prepare metadata worksheets for assigned titles; secure author endorsements; and provide occasional collaborative support for other editors on the team.
  • Stay current with industry trends and the competitive market. Monitor publishing trends, read widely in Shadow Mountain's key categories, and bring market awareness to editorial discussions, pitch development, and author consultations.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field
  • 3-5 years of editorial experience in trade book publishing (or equivalent)
  • Score of 85% or higher on in-house editorial/proofreading test
  • Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Planner, etc.) and Adobe applications
  • Strong command of The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Impeccable attention to detail
  • Experience working directly with authors through the editorial process
  • Familiarity with book production workflows, including typesetting, prepress, and print coordination
  • Knowledge of current publishing trends and the competitive trade market
  • Experience developing, editing, and managing cookbooks a plus
  • Strong understanding of fiction genres and tropes for adult, young adult, and middle-grade readers
  • Able to work independently as well as with various teams
  • Experience with metadata systems (e.g., Firebrand) a plus
  • Experience attending or presenting at writing conferences
  • A portfolio or list of projects you have worked on

BENEFITS
  • Excellent medical, dental, and life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan with company matching funds
  • Company-funded retirement plan
  • Merchandise discount
  • Discounted UTA Eco pass
  • Paid leave and holidays
  • Great work environment

Equal Opportunity
Deseret Book is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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