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Freelance Manuscript Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

Production Editor

New York, NY ยท 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

Production Editor

New York, NY ยท 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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How much do freelance manuscript editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.

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Project Editor

Center for Responsive Schools

Turners Falls, MA โ€ข On-site

$53K/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 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.