1

Science Fiction Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science fiction. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to acquire ...

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science fiction. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to acquire ...

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Be familiar with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic ... Work closely with authors during editing process and every stage of publishing thereafter ...

Crime Fiction Cowriter

KY ยท Remote

$23.56 - $27.40/wk

Using your knowledge of police/FBI procedures and scientific/forensic sources, ensure accuracy in ... After each editing pass, you will complete any requested revisions to further refine the manuscript ...

Crime Fiction Cowriter - Contract

KY ยท Remote

$23.56 - $27.40/wk

Using your knowledge of police/FBI procedures and scientific/forensic sources, ensure accuracy in ... After each editing pass, you will complete any requested revisions to further refine the manuscript ...

Developmentally editing long-form, non-fiction, research-based manuscripts (preferably in the field ... Islamic sciences: a proven grounding in the Islamic sciences with the ability to critically engage ...

We are building a development team with world-class talent to create a new science fiction universe ... Stay current on platform trends, creator formats, editing styles, and audience behaviors across ...

We are building a development team with world-class talent to create a new science fiction universe ... Stay current on platform trends, creator formats, editing styles, and audience behaviors across ...

Senior Editor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ... science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a ...

Senior Editor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ... science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY ยท On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ... science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Science Fiction Editor information

See salary details

$5

$33

$59

How much do science fiction editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for science fiction 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 does a science fiction editor do?

A Science Fiction Editor is responsible for reviewing, selecting, and refining science fiction manuscripts for publication. They work closely with authors to shape stories, ensure consistency, and maintain genre standards. Their tasks may include developmental editing, copy editing, and providing feedback on plot, character development, and world-building. Science Fiction Editors also stay updated on trends in the genre and may help acquire new works for publishers or magazines.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a science fiction editor?

To thrive as a Science Fiction Editor, you need a strong background in English, literature, or journalism, with a deep understanding of science fiction genres and editorial standards. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word, and content management systems is typically required. Creativity, keen attention to detail, and strong communication skills help editors shape compelling stories and collaborate effectively with authors. These skills ensure the publication of high-quality, engaging works that meet reader expectations and uphold the publication's reputation.

How does a science fiction editor collaborate with authors to refine manuscripts?

Science Fiction Editors work closely with authors throughout the editing process, offering detailed feedback on plot structure, world-building consistency, and character development. They often engage in multiple rounds of revisions, helping authors address genre-specific challenges such as scientific plausibility and internal logic. Editors also coordinate with copyeditors and proofreaders to ensure the manuscript meets publication standards, fostering a collaborative environment that supports both creative vision and professional quality.

What are popular job titles related to Science Fiction Editor jobs?

For Science Fiction Editor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Science Fiction Editor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 64% Full Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,294 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Senior Editor, TOR

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

Macmillan
Print Media Publishingย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Tor Publishing Group is looking to hire a senior editor to publish fantasy and science fiction. This role will primarily acquire for the Tor Books imprint, with additional opportunities to acquire and work across all TPG imprints, including Tor, Nightfire, Bramble and Tordotcom Publishing.

We are actively seeking job applicants who reflect a broad representation of differences, including race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical ability, neurodiversity, age, veteran, family and economic status and background, geographical background and status, and perspective. We believe that the best companies reflect the incredible diversity in viewpoints, backgrounds, and identities of the world in their staffs, and are committed to inclusive hiring across departments and levels.

What you'll do:

  • Acquire and edit approximately 10 - 15 original adult SFF titles a year. Be familiar with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic fantasies.
  • Be part of a collaborative team and be involved in every part of the publishing process, including contributing to marketing and publicity campaigns as needed, coordinating with art and design teams, facilitating production with managing ed and authors, etc.
  • Be a leader and positive influence within the Tor Publishing Group and Macmillan teams.
  • Work closely with authors during editing process and every stage of publishing thereafter, including close collaboration on discussions of positioning, cover, marketing, timelines, and other publishing needs.
  • Read and evaluate submissions from industry contacts, and provide second-reads for publisher and teammates.
  • Brief the cover designer on look, tone, and content of your titles; ensure the cover conveys specific positioning; negotiate all jacket concerns between designer, literary agent, and author.
  • Present selected titles to the national account reps each season at launch meetings.
  • Determine key selling points for all launches and convey them to the sales force, publicity, and marketing teams.
  • Create sharp, persuasive, tailored pitches for every stage of the publishing process, including acquisitions pitch, galley copy, presentation to the sales force, for blurb mailings, etc.
  • Actively seek to expand and nurture new and existing relationships with agents and agencies throughout the industry.

What you'll bring:

  • Extensive knowledge of publishing workflow
  • Familiarity with the science fiction and fantasy marketplace, specifically space operas and epic fantasies
  • Managerial experience preferred
  • Excellent literary agent contacts
  • Strong editing skills
  • Ability to write galley, catalog, flap/cover copy
  • Public speaking: ability to present titles to sales force

Ideal Experience:

  • 5+ years publishing or equivalent experience

This role will have an annual salary of $80,000-$90,000.

Macmillan Publishers is the U.S. trade company that is part of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned group of media companies headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Holtzbrinck Publishing Group's publishing companies include prominent imprints around the world that publish a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.

U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Childrenโ€™s Publishing Group, The St. Martin's Publishing Group, and Tor Publishing Group. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, companies in the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group publish under the Pan Macmillan name. The German publishing company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.

Macmillan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, consistently striving to foster a culture where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. Qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, physical ability, neurodiversity, genetic information, protected veteran status, family and economic status, and background or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.