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Horror Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spin Master

Game Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

  • Vision

  • Life

Exceptional technical writing skills with a focus on logic, syntax, and clarity for crafting airtight physical rules and card text. * Specialized knowledge of the aesthetics and history of the horror ...

LA 411

Executive Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$111.60 - $223.20/hr

... written and to be directed by John Funk. EP will work with the team on raising funds for the film ... and Horror Festival. It's been budgeted at $80K. We're raising the funds and shooting the film in ...

Bertelsmann

Editor, Del Rey (Open to Remote)

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Del Rey Books, a premiere publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, is excited to hire an ... Outstanding ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, with precision, persuasiveness, and ...

Bertelsmann-Jobs

Editor, Del Rey (Open to Remote)

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Del Rey Books, a premiere publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, is excited to hire an ... Outstanding ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, with precision, persuasiveness, and ...

Scream-A-Geddon

Security

Dade City, FL · On-site

$18.50 - $21.50/hr

... Report Writing and Documentation: Prepare accurate and detailed incident reports, including ... horror park event like no other.

Asmodee

Organized Play Relationship Manager

Roseville, MN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In addition, FFG has its own iconic universes such as Arkham Horror Files, Terrinoth Legends, and ... Excellent relationship management and communication skills, both written and verbal * Exceptional ...

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Horror Writer information

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$14

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How much do horror writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for horror writer in the United States is $38.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horror writer?

A Horror Writer is a professional who creates stories, novels, screenplays, or other content designed to evoke fear, suspense, and tension in readers or audiences. They use elements like supernatural forces, psychological terror, or gruesome themes to craft engaging and unsettling narratives. Horror Writers may work in publishing, film, television, or gaming, and often conduct research to develop realistic and immersive horror experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by horror writers, and how can they be managed?

Horror Writers often face the challenge of maintaining originality while delivering genuinely frightening and engaging stories, as the genre relies heavily on strong atmosphere and emotional impact. Writer's block and balancing commercial demands with creative vision can also be common hurdles. Many writers overcome these by staying up-to-date with genre trends, participating in writer workshops, and seeking feedback from critique groups. Additionally, working closely with editors and publishers can help refine their stories and adapt to industry expectations, making persistence and adaptability valuable assets in this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horror writer?

To thrive as a Horror Writer, a strong foundation in creative writing, storytelling, and a deep understanding of horror genre conventions is essential. Familiarity with word processing software, manuscript formatting tools, and sometimes specialized writing or editing platforms like Scrivener or Grammarly is common. Standout soft skills include creativity, resilience to feedback, time management, and the ability to evoke emotion and suspense. These capabilities are crucial for crafting compelling stories, meeting deadlines, and resonating with audiences in a competitive literary market.

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Horror Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horror Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,364 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Editor, Quirk Books Imprint

ANDREWS MCMEEL UNIVERSAL INC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Quirk Books, an imprint of Andrews McMeel Publishing, is seeking a Senior Editor to develop, acquire, and manage Quirk's unconventional list of commercial fiction and select nonfiction titles, while leading the strategic growth of Quirk's signature fiction publishing program.
This creative role is made for an idea person-an experienced writer/editor who has strong creative instincts, sharp market awareness, and a demonstrated ability to both originate concepts and acquire outside projects, strengthening both along the way. The Senior Editor will oversee Quirk's fiction list, including approximately 4-6 original titles annually in horror, mystery, and adjacent commercial genres distinguished by playful and humorous tones, high-concept hooks, reimaginations of pop-cultural tropes, inventive storytelling, and Quirk's aim to live up to its name and publish cross-genre breakout books.
The ideal candidate is a strong creative collaborator, working closely with the in-house team as well as authors and creators to build projects from the ground up, in addition to acquiring and editing agented manuscripts.
Key Responsibilities
Acquisitions & List Development
  • Acquire approximately 8-10 titles annually across fiction and select nonfiction categories aligned with Quirk's publishing strategy.
  • Lead and manage Quirk's fiction program, publishing 4-6 original fiction titles annually.
  • Identify market opportunities in horror, mystery, suspense, humor, speculative, and crossover commercial fiction.
  • Develop compelling P&Ls, acquisition memos, positioning rationale, and sales arguments for proposed titles.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with literary agents, authors, and entertainment/creative partners.

Concept Creation & Creator Collaboration
  • Generate original book concepts rooted in Quirk's brand strengths: playful twists, pop-cultural fluency, mash-ups, format innovation, and fresh takes on familiar genres or classics.
  • Collaborate with writers, IP holders, illustrators, and creators to shape proposals and manuscripts from early stages.
  • Pair clever concepts with talent and guide projects from ideation through publication.
  • Identify opportunities for reimaginations of classic literature, pop cultural tropes, nostalgic formats, and genre conventions. Remember that sometimes a great title gets you halfway there.

Editorial Management
  • Edit acquired manuscripts and proposals through all stages: developmental editing, line editing, copy preparation, and production handoff.
  • Manage schedules, author communication, contracts coordination, and title progress against deadlines.
  • Present projects effectively to internal stakeholders including sales, marketing, publicity, and design teams.
  • Write jacket copy, positioning documents, metadata guidance, and launch materials as needed.

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with Marketing, Publicity, Design, Production, and Sales to maximize title performance.
  • Help shape seasonal list balance and long-range publishing strategy.
  • Mentor junior editorial staff or interns as assigned.
  • Serve as a visible internal advocate for fiction publishing opportunities and trends.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • 5+ years of book publishing editorial experience, with meaningful acquisitions responsibility.
  • Proven track record acquiring and/or editing successful commercial fiction.
  • Strong knowledge of horror, mystery, suspense, and adjacent genre fiction markets.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop original concepts and collaborate creatively with authors.
  • Experience working with literary agents and negotiating acquisitions internally.
  • Excellent editorial skills, including developmental editing and manuscript shaping.
  • Strong understanding of positioning, audience targeting, and marketplace trends.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with humor-forward or genre-blending fiction-ideas that "so crazy they just might work."
  • Proven experience in adaptation, licensing, and IP-driven publishing opportunities.
  • A passion for pop-culture publishing and inventive concepts and formats.
  • Existing relationships with agents representing commercial fiction.

Core Competencies
  • Creative Development: Builds killer ideas into viable books through collaboration and iteration.
  • Commercial Instinct: Understands audience demand, positioning, and breakout sales potential.
  • Editorial Judgment: Identifies potentially strong concepts, talent, and marketable manuscripts and knows how to improve them.
  • Relationship Management: Builds and retains trust with agents, authors, and internal partners.
  • Project Management: Keeps multiple books moving on schedule and on budget.
  • Communication: Clear, persuasive, professional, and positive across all settings.
  • Initiative: Proactively generates opportunities
  • Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing market conditions and priorities.

Salary Range: $70,000-90,000 annually
Status: Full-time, exempt
Work Model: Hybrid; on-site expectations based on team needs
EEO Statement
Andrews McMeel Publishing and Quirk Books are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

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