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Literary Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY

The Books editor will help us sharpen how we connect readers to the expertise, recommendations and ... They have a deep, comprehensive knowledge of the publishing industry, contemporary literature ...

New

The New York Times

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

The Books editor will help us sharpen how we connect readers to the expertise, recommendations and ... They have a deep, comprehensive knowledge of the publishing industry, contemporary literature ...

EBSCO

Clinical/Medical Editor II, Critical Care

$68K - $97K/yr

Your Opportunity The Critical Care Clinical Editor will be responsible for supporting the Section ... Direct patient care experience and proficiency in systematic literature searching are required.

EBSCO

Clinical/Medical Editor II, Critical Care

$68K - $97K/yr

Your Opportunity The Critical Care Clinical Editor will be responsible for supporting the Section ... Direct patient care experience and proficiency in systematic literature searching are required.

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How much do literary editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for literary editor in the United States is $33.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $40.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common challenges faced by literary editors in their daily work?

Literary Editors often face the challenge of balancing an author's creative vision with the commercial needs and standards of publishers. Navigating tight deadlines, providing sensitive yet honest feedback, and managing multiple projects simultaneously are common aspects of the role. Additionally, keeping up with changes in literary trends and publication standards can require continuous learning. However, overcoming these challenges offers the rewarding opportunity to shape compelling manuscripts and help authors refine their voice and storytelling.

What is the job of a literary editor?

A literary editor reviews and revises manuscripts to improve clarity, coherence, and style, ensuring the work meets publishing standards. They work closely with authors, providing feedback and editing for grammar, structure, and tone, often using editing software and adhering to deadlines.

How much money do literary editors make?

Literary editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced editors in larger publishing houses earning over $80,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the publisher, and many editors work full-time with deadlines and editing software tools.

What does a literary editor do?

A Literary Editor reviews, revises, and refines written content to improve clarity, coherence, and style. They work with authors to enhance storytelling, correct grammatical errors, and ensure consistency in tone and structure. Literary Editors may also provide feedback on plot development, character arcs, and overall narrative flow. Their goal is to help create polished, compelling works that align with the author’s vision while meeting publishing standards.

How do you become a literary editor?

To become a literary editor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field, along with strong editing, writing, and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions and developing a good understanding of literary styles and publishing processes are also important steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a literary editor?

To thrive as a Literary Editor, you need strong language proficiency, a deep understanding of literary techniques, and a background in English, literature, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software such as Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word Track Changes, and citation management tools is often required, along with experience using style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to give constructive feedback are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the effective refinement of manuscripts and foster productive collaboration with authors and publishing teams.

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Literary Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Literary Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,294 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Editor, Books Desk

The New York Times

New York, NY

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The New York Times is seeking a visionary, deeply collaborative, and strategically minded editor to lead its coverage of books. 

In this role, you will oversee the Books desk for The New York Times, managing a stellar team of editors, critics, reporters and  contributors. You will define and execute  the editorial strategy of the prestigious New York Times Book Review while also steering the evolution of our coverage  across our website and app, newsletters, audio, video and social platforms.

The Times plays an essential role in answering the questions that so many smart readers have: What should I read, and why? The Books editor will help us sharpen how we connect readers to the expertise, recommendations and insights on books that our journalists and critics possess, and help The Times inspire conversations and foster community around the books that evoke passion and interest.

The ideal candidate is a cultural trendspotter with impeccable editorial judgment, a passion for both nonfiction writing and literature, news energy and a proven track record of managing high-performing creative teams in a fast-paced digital newsroom. They have a deep, comprehensive knowledge of the publishing industry, contemporary literature, publishing trends, and the cultural conversations surrounding books.

This is an in-office position, based in New York and includes regular attendance in the office at least four days each week. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Define and execute the overarching editorial strategy for books coverage, balancing the authoritative, deeply analytical tradition of The Book Review with innovative, inviting and accessible digital offerings.
  • Ensure coverage reflects a wide, diverse range of voices, genres, backgrounds, and ideological perspectives, and reflects the broad world of publishing, from mainstream blockbusters to important literary and non-fiction works. 
  • Oversee the selection of books to be reviewed, ensuring the Times remains the definitive voice in the literary world.
  • Direct high-profile projects, including the "10 Best Books of the Year," the "100 Notable Books," and develop new books franchises, in collaboration with our newly created modern canon team.
  • Produce aggressive coverage of the publishing industry, from the economics of bookselling and marketing to debates about writing, plagiarism, artificial intelligence, ideological disputes, marquee authors and more.
  • Collaborate with product, audio, video, and design teams to expand the Books desk's footprint across formats (e.g., The Book Review Podcast, newsletters, interactive graphics, and social media platforms).
  • Use audience insights to understand reader behavior and optimize headline writing, packaging, and publishing schedules while maintaining editorial integrity.
  • Manage, mentor, and inspire a dedicated team of editors, staff critics, and reporters, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth.
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • You will report to a Masthead Editor.

Basic Qualifications: 

  • 15+ years of experience in journalism or cultural criticism
  • 5+ years in a significant leadership or managerial role within a major media organization.
  • Deep, comprehensive knowledge of the publishing industry, contemporary literature, publishing trends, and the cultural conversations surrounding books.
  • Proven experience leading digital transformations, with a sophisticated vision and understanding of audience engagement and digital storytelling.
  • Demonstrated exceptional editing skills, with the ability to sharpen complex critiques, elevate prose, and guide writers toward their best work under tight deadlines.
  • Experience successfully navigating complex, matrixed organizational structures.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • A collaborative, diplomatic leadership style 

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a one-page cover letter that includes 3-5 examples of projects or sections you have edited or directed.

REQ-020463

Apply