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Prose Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Wall Street Journal

National Policy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Reporting to the Politics Editor, you will oversee a diverse, dynamic team of reporters. Half of ... prose on tight deadlines. * A deep, sophisticated understanding of both federal policy mechanisms ...

The New York Times

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

The New York Times

Story Editor, NYT Magazine

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The editor will generate ideas quickly, make smart assignments for reported features and essays at ... stylish prose. You should be able to work with a diverse roster of writers, and know how to ...

Basis

Intelligence Architect

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... • Editors and writers who treat structured prose as engineering. • Academics tired of producing work that nobody acts on. • Anyone who reads about what we're doing and recognizes the work as ...

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Prose Editor information

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$18K

$72.1K

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How much do prose editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for prose editor in the United States is $72,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a prose editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members during the editing process?

A Prose Editor works closely with authors, providing constructive feedback to enhance clarity, flow, and consistency in the manuscript. Collaboration often involves multiple rounds of edits, discussions about narrative voice, and clarification of story elements. Editors also coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders, and sometimes designers to ensure the final work meets publication standards. Maintaining open communication and a supportive relationship with the author is key to a successful editing process.

What is the difference between Prose Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectProse EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related fieldSimilar educational background, often with certifications in editing or publishing
Work EnvironmentFocuses on improving the style, tone, and clarity of prose in manuscripts or articlesFocuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, and consistency in text
Industry UsageCommon in publishing, literary editing, and content creationWidely used in publishing, journalism, and corporate editing

Prose Editors primarily enhance the style and narrative flow of written content, while Copy Editors concentrate on grammatical accuracy and consistency. Both roles require strong language skills and often overlap, but Prose Editors focus more on the artistic and stylistic aspects of writing, whereas Copy Editors ensure technical correctness.

What is a prose editor?

A Prose Editor is a professional who reviews, revises, and refines written works of prose, such as novels, short stories, essays, and nonfiction manuscripts. Their main responsibility is to enhance the clarity, flow, structure, and overall quality of the text while preserving the author’s voice and intent. Prose Editors check for grammar, punctuation, syntax, and consistency, and may also provide feedback on plot, characterization, and style. They work closely with authors to ensure the final piece is polished and ready for publication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prose editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prose Editor, you need excellent command of grammar, style, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in English, literature, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and style guides such as Chicago Manual of Style is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure the clarity, coherence, and overall quality of written content, meeting both author and publication standards.
More about Prose Editor jobs
What job categories do people searching Prose Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prose Editor jobs are:
Prose Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prose Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,056 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

National Policy Editor

The Wall Street Journal

Washington, DC • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
The Wall Street Journal is seeking a sharp, versatile, and ambitious editor to join our Washington bureau as National Policy Editor. This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of governance and politics, responsible for bridging the gap between how policy is crafted in Washington and how it plays out on the campaign trail and in the lives of voters.
Reporting to the Politics Editor, you will oversee a diverse, dynamic team of reporters. Half of your team will focus on the high-stakes power struggles in D.C. to shape federal policy, while the other half will be deployed across the country covering national political issues, campaigns, and the electorate. The ideal candidate is a sophisticated journalist who can effortlessly toggle between complex policy debates and the raw mechanics of campaign politics, delivering timely, nuanced stories that capture the true pulse of Washington and the nation.
You Will:
  • Masterfully connect D.C. policy battles to the campaign trail, ensuring our coverage clearly explains how decisions made in Washington impact voters, businesses, and political outcomes.
  • Lead a diverse team of reporters, balancing the fast-moving daily news cycle of federal policymaking with the unpredictable, high-energy demands of national election and campaign reporting.
  • Work closely with reporters to sharpen their angles, pushing them to move past conventional political horse-race coverage to deliver deeply reported, character-driven narratives and sharp analytical pieces.
  • Partner with senior editors in Washington, New York, and our national desks to coordinate comprehensive, competitive coverage of major political moments, debates, and election nights.
  • Champion data-driven journalism, creative visuals, and digital formats that translate polling numbers, policy impacts, and election trends into indispensable content for our global audience.

You Have:
  • Exceptional narrative judgment and the ability to edit complex political strategy and dense policy initiatives into crisp, compelling, and accessible prose on tight deadlines.
  • A deep, sophisticated understanding of both federal policy mechanisms (regulatory, economic, and social) and national campaign politics, including polling, voter demographics, and election law.
  • Impeccable journalistic ethics and the ability to guide reporters through highly polarized environments with fairness, balance, and analytical rigor.
  • Proven leadership skills under the intense pressure of breaking news, major policy rollouts, and high-stakes election cycles.
  • A minimum of 4 years of high-level journalism experience, with a significant background in editing or reporting on national politics, federal policy, or major political campaigns.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and a cover letter explaining how you would approach this role by August 14th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submission as the position may be filled before the deadline.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.
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Business Area:
Dow Jones - News - WSJ
Job Category:
Editorial/Journalism
Union Status:
Non-Union role
Base Pay Range: $150,000 - $175,000
We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.
For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.
For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

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