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Freelance University Press Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work activities requireinterfacing with freelancers (copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, etc.)authors and internal editorial staff. This classification is generally assigned to the University Press ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Penn State University Press seeks a Journals Production Coordinator to ... Coordinate manuscripts and proofs among editors, authors, copyeditors, vendors, and printers to ...

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

The Free Press is growing fast. We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft ... Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ...

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

The Free Press is growing fast. We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft ... Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

The Free Press is growing fast. We need editors who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart ... Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ...

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

The Free Press is growing fast. We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft ... Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Free Press is growing fast. We need editors who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart ... Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

The Free Press is growing fast. We need editors who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart ... Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ...

This position serves as the University's primary internal communications Subject Matter Expert (SME ... to freelance writers and contractors, submit their invoices to purchasing, and track expenses ...

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Freelance University Press Editor information

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$11

$31

$57

How much do freelance university press editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance university press editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance University Press Editor vs Freelance Academic Editor?

AspectFreelance University Press EditorFreelance Academic Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or PhD in a relevant field, editing certificationsOften requires a master's or PhD, editing or publishing certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks with university presses, publishers, or independentlyWorks with academic authors, researchers, or institutions
Industry UsageCommon in academic publishing, university pressesUsed across academia, research institutions, and publishing
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those interested in academic publishing, editing for university pressesOften searched by researchers or academics seeking editing services

Both roles involve editing academic content, but a Freelance University Press Editor focuses on preparing manuscripts for publication by university presses, while a Freelance Academic Editor provides editing services directly to researchers and academics. The main differences lie in their typical clients and publishing environments.

What are common challenges faced by freelance university press editors, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance editors collaborating with university presses often encounter challenges such as managing varying academic style guidelines, coordinating with multiple stakeholders (authors, in-house editors, and peer reviewers), and meeting tight publication deadlines. To address these, it’s important to establish clear communication channels, clarify expectations early on, and stay organized using project management tools. Familiarizing yourself with the specific press’s editorial standards and fostering strong relationships with both the press staff and authors can also help streamline the editing process and minimize misunderstandings.

What is a freelance university press editor?

Freelance University Press Editors are independent professionals who work with university presses to edit academic manuscripts, such as scholarly books, research papers, and journals. They are responsible for improving clarity, structure, grammar, and adherence to style guides while collaborating with authors and editorial teams. Unlike in-house editors, freelancers are hired on a project-by-project basis and may work with multiple presses or academic authors simultaneously. Their expertise ensures that published works meet high academic and publishing standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance university press editor?

To thrive as a Freelance University Press Editor, you need advanced editorial skills, a keen eye for detail, and a strong background in academic publishing, usually supported by a relevant degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with style guides (such as Chicago Manual of Style), editing software (like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word), and manuscript management systems is crucial. Exceptional communication, time management, and the ability to collaborate with authors and production teams set successful editors apart. These skills ensure high-quality, accurate publications that uphold the press’s academic standards and reputation.
More about Freelance University Press Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance University Press Editor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance University Press Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of University Press Editor jobs? The most popular types of University Press Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance University Press Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance University Press Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance University Press Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance University Press Editor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance University Press Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

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Posted 26 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

287th of 617 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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