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Freelance Manuscript Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistin editing book manuscripts; identifying and overseeing freelancers, electroniccoding and manuscript clean up, and interfacing with authors, contributors andeditors. * Provideassistance in ...

Assistin editing book manuscripts; identifying and overseeing freelancers, electroniccoding and manuscript clean up, and interfacing with authors, contributors andeditors. * Provideassistance in ...

Oversee any freelance copyeditor who has been signed up to help with this. * Read developed ... Put edited manuscript into electronic layout files. * Review page sets to ensure everything is in ...

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Manage 20-25 original titles per year from manuscript transmittal to bound book using electronic ... Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work

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Freelance Manuscript Editing information

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$29

$62

$71

How much do freelance manuscript editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance manuscript editing in the United States is $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.34 and $68.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Freelance Manuscript Editing job?

A Freelance Manuscript Editing job involves reviewing and refining written manuscripts for clarity, grammar, style, and coherence. Freelance editors work independently, often for authors, publishers, or academic institutions, to enhance the quality of a manuscript before publication. They may focus on different levels of editing, such as developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading, depending on the needs of the project.

What types of clients and manuscripts do freelance manuscript editors typically work with?

Freelance manuscript editors can work with a broad range of clients, including independent authors, academic researchers, publishing companies, and businesses creating technical documents. The manuscripts you may edit can range from novels and non-fiction books to academic journal articles, grant proposals, or business reports, depending on your area of expertise. Client needs can vary widely, making flexibility and the ability to adapt your editing style essential. This diversity provides opportunities to build a specialized portfolio while expanding your skill set across different writing genres.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freelance Manuscript Editing position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Manuscript Editor, you need exceptional command of grammar, style, and structure, along with attention to detail and a background in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software (such as Microsoft Word Track Changes), citation styles (APA, Chicago, MLA), and style guides is highly valuable. Strong time management, adaptability, and client communication skills help editors excel in a remote, deadline-driven environment. These abilities ensure high-quality, polished manuscripts that meet client expectations and industry standards.

More about Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Manuscript Editing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Manuscript Editing jobs? The most popular types of Manuscript Editing jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Manuscript Editing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

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Posted 20 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

POSITIONPURPOSE

Provide editorialassistance in the development and processing of manuscripts to ensure timelyand quality publication of books.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Assistin all facets of manuscript development.  Assist in reviewing unsolicited manuscripts and proposals, securingappropriate and qualified reviewers, and preparing materials for editorialboard review.  Maintain and monitormanuscript review and publication schedules.
  • Assistin all facets of editorial work.  Assistin editing book manuscripts; identifying and overseeing freelancers, electroniccoding and manuscript clean up, and interfacing with authors, contributors andeditors.
  • Provideassistance in screening and selecting book proposals and manuscripts; verifywriting competence; update department databases.  Assist in developing materials forpublications; maintain and monitor manuscript editing and copyeditingschedules.
  • Preparecorrespondence, transmittals and communications; assist in coordinatingprojects; perform miscellaneous administrative support functions.
  • Performrelated work as assigned.

ADDITIONALCOMMENTS

Thisclassification is designed to provide routine editorial assistance in thedevelopment and processing of manuscripts for publication. Skills inproofreading and editing and some understanding of scholarly book publishingare preferred.  Work activities requireproviding assistance in all facets of manuscript preparation, editorial workand publication.  Work activities requireinterfacing with freelancers (copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, etc.)authors and internal editorial staff.  This classification is generally assigned to the University Press withinthe University Library System.  Thisclassification reports to and receives technical guidance from a managementlevel position.


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