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Freelance Manuscript Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hachette Book Group

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

Brennan Center for Justice

Assistant Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Shepherd reports from manuscript through typesetting to publication, coordinating among authors, staff and freelance editors, and designers * Enforce production schedules, regularly update project ...

Brennan Center for Justice

Assistant Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Shepherd reports from manuscript through typesetting to publication, coordinating among authors, staff and freelance editors, and designers * Enforce production schedules, regularly update project ...

Benchmark Education

Dual Language Senior Content Developer

$125K - $131K/yr

... and freelance writers developing content, ensuring that content guidelines are observed * Review, edit, and approve manuscript and production stages, working directly with copy editors, graphic ...

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How much do freelance manuscript editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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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Freelance Manuscript Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Manuscript Editing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.
Production Editor

Production Editor

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY • On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 titles per year, from manuscript to bound book, as well as review reprints. The Production Editor will work closely with the editorial, design, and production teams, and will be responsible for managing a variety of nonfiction projects, such as cookbooks, decorating and design books, gardening books, travel books, self-help books, gift books, children's books, stationery, and more. This position will work across the Workman, Artisan, and Black Dog & Leventhal imprints. Please visit workman.com for more information.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage 20-25 original titles per year from manuscript transmittal to bound book using electronic workflow
  • Prepare and code manuscripts for design and typesetting
  • Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work
  • Review and collate author, editor, and proofreader corrections in Adobe Acrobat
  • Copyedit, proofread, and route jacket and cover materials from original copy through final proof
  • Work closely with various in-house departments including editorial, design, and production to troubleshoot and resolve problems that arise and ensure all deadlines are met
  • Comfortable working on books with accelerated schedules
  • Maintain high levels of accuracy throughout each project
  • Attend relevant department and interdepartmental meetings

Qualifications:
  • At least 5 years of production editorial experience required. Experience with heavily illustrated books required.
  • Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills
  • Strong computer skills, including using MS Word (track changes) and Adobe Acrobat (reviewing and collating electronic markup via PDF)
  • Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style and conscious language guidelines
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Must be detail- and accuracy-oriented and have the ability to balance many projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining high standards of quality
  • The ability to set and meet deadlines
  • Comfortable working independently and also as part of a team
  • Ability to identify, attract, and retain capable editorial freelancers a plus
  • Children's publishing experience a plus.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The compensation range for this position is $62,000-$66,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

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