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Freelance Fiction Proofreading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... managing freelancers to proofreading and indexing page proofs as well as checking all stages of ... Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ...

New

Senior Production Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... managing freelancers to proofreading and indexing page proofs as well as checking all stages of ... Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ...

New

Freelance Fiction Proofreading information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance fiction proofreading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance fiction proofreading in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance fiction proofreading?

Freelance fiction proofreading is the process of reviewing and correcting written fiction manuscripts for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting before publication. Unlike copyediting, proofreading focuses mainly on surface-level mistakes rather than deeper issues like story structure or character development. Freelance proofreaders work independently and are often hired by authors, publishers, or literary agencies on a project-by-project basis. Their goal is to ensure the manuscript is polished and professional, ready for readers to enjoy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance fiction proofreader?

To thrive as a Freelance Fiction Proofreader, you need excellent command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as a keen eye for detail, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in English or editing. Familiarity with style guides (such as Chicago Manual of Style), track changes in word processing software, and proofreading tools like Grammarly is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and the ability to adapt to different writing voices are important soft skills. These skills ensure error-free, consistent manuscripts and help build trust with authors and publishers in a competitive freelance market.

What are some common challenges freelance fiction proofreaders face when working with multiple authors and genres?

Freelance fiction proofreaders often encounter challenges such as adapting to different authors’ writing styles, maintaining consistency across various genres, and managing deadlines for multiple projects at once. Each author may have unique preferences for tone and language, requiring strong communication skills and flexibility. Additionally, balancing workloads and keeping track of style guides or series continuity can be demanding, but establishing clear expectations and effective organizational systems can help proofreaders succeed.

What is the difference between Freelance Fiction Proofreading vs Freelance Copy Editor?

AspectFreelance Fiction ProofreadingFreelance Copy Editor
CredentialsTypically requires proofreading certifications or strong language skillsRequires editing certifications, strong language and style skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, often with individual authors or publishersRemote or in-house, working with authors, publishers, or agencies
Industry UsageCommon in publishing, literary, and self-publishing sectorsUsed across publishing, marketing, and corporate content

Freelance Fiction Proofreading focuses on correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation in fiction manuscripts, ensuring error-free text. Freelance Copy Editors go further by revising style, tone, and structure to improve clarity and flow. While both roles require strong language skills, copy editing often demands a deeper understanding of style guides and editing techniques. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer detailed editing or simple proofreading tasks.

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What cities are hiring for Freelance Fiction Proofreading jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Fiction Proofreading job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Fiction Proofreading jobs?

The most popular types of Fiction Proofreading jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Fiction Proofreading jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Fiction Proofreading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 16% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Senior Production Editor

Macmillan Learning

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Description

We are looking for a Senior Production Editor for Macmillan Adult Trade. This role will production-edit approximately 35 to 40 books a year, or 15 to 25 books at a time. They will manage the production editorial process from assessing manuscripts for copyediting needs to hiring and managing freelancers to proofreading and indexing page proofs as well as checking all stages of text, photo inserts, and jackets/covers throughout the bookmaking process. They will be responsible for quality control and compliance with departmental procedures. Proficiency with digital copyediting and routing required as well as knowledge of workflow systems.

What You'll Do:

  • Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to bound book, as well as paperback conversions.
  • Electronic styling of manuscripts for design and composition.
  • Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all passes.
  • Cleaning and preparing copyedited, author-reviewed manuscripts for design and typesetting.
  • Collating changes from authors and freelancers in page proofs and resolving queries ahead of transmittal.
  • Copyediting jacket/cover copy and ancillary marketing material, including sales quotes, reading group guides, bound galley cover copy, and proofreading jackets/covers, insert captions, and additional material.
  • Frequent and ongoing collaboration with Production, Design, and Editorial departments as needed concerning scheduling; editorial revisions suggested by authors, copyeditors, or proofreaders; complying with Legal department directives.
  • Updating progress of projects in various digital tracking systems, using correct file-naming conventions and adhering to documented best practices.
  • Providing task- and project-specific support for other production editors to ensure that coverage is maintained during planned vacation and discretionary days.

What You'll Bring:

  • Extensive background in adult trade fiction and nonfiction
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, anticipating problems, troubleshooting solutions, and prioritizing
  • Strong working knowledge of grammar and punctuation, including expertise with the Chicago Manual of Style, with an aptitude for enforcing style rules while also respecting author voice
  • Meticulous attention to detail; work well under pressure; good oral and verbal communication
  • Ability to meet deadlines while juggling multiple projects at once
  • Work well with others in a tactful manner, displaying common sense and initiative.
  • Seven to ten years' experience as a production editor, preferably in adult trade fiction/nonfiction
  • Copyediting and proofreading at a high level
  • Technical proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat (including comfort with PDF markup tools), and Workflow/Metadata systems
  • Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience

The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $75,000.

Macmillan Publishers is the U.S. trade company that is part of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned group of media companies headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Holtzbrinck Publishing Group's publishing companies include prominent imprints around the world that publish a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.

U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, The St. Martin's Publishing Group, and Tor Publishing Group. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, companies in the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group publish under the Pan Macmillan name. The German publishing company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.

Macmillan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, consistently striving to foster a culture where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. Qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, physical ability, neurodiversity, genetic information, protected veteran status, family and economic status, and background or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.



Equal Opportunity Employer
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