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Senior Book Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development ...

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development ...

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

The Atlantic is seeking a senior editor to build and lead The Atlantic Book Club, our forthcoming membership-exclusive reading program. This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most distinctive ...

THE OPPORTUNITY The Senior Editor of SuperSTEM will be an integral part of the magazine's editorial ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

THE OPPORTUNITY The Senior Editor of SuperSTEM will be an integral part of the magazine's editorial ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Work with Production staff to determine production specifications and with senior Publishing staff ... Knowledge about book publishing, comics, manga, or anime * Experience writing and editing high ...

New

Product Development Reports To: Sr Director, Editorial Primary Roles & Responsibilities: Support ... Assume responsibility for assigned editorial aspects of book development, including manuscript ...

Coordinate color proofing and other stages of book production with internal and external parties ... Other duties as assigned by the Publisher or Senior Director for Exhibitions and Publications.

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Senior Book Editor information

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$37K

$83.1K

$120.5K

How much do senior book editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior book editor in the United States is $83,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior book editor do?

A Senior Book Editor oversees the editing and development process of manuscripts, working closely with authors to refine content, structure, and style. They are responsible for evaluating submissions, guiding projects through various editing stages, and ensuring high-quality publishing standards. Additionally, Senior Book Editors often mentor junior editors, coordinate with other publishing professionals, and help shape a publisher’s editorial direction. Their role is crucial in bringing manuscripts to publication-ready quality and aligning them with market demands.

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

To thrive as a Senior Book Editor, you need in-depth knowledge of grammar, narrative structure, and publishing standards, usually supported by a degree in English, Journalism, or a related field and significant editorial experience. Proficiency with editing tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and editorial project management systems is essential. Outstanding communication, leadership, and time management skills help you guide authors and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure polished, market-ready manuscripts and efficient workflow management in a competitive publishing environment.

What are some of the common challenges faced by a senior book editor when managing multiple manuscripts simultaneously?

As a Senior Book Editor, one common challenge is balancing the demands of several projects at various stages, from developmental editing to final proofreads. Prioritizing deadlines, maintaining clear communication with authors, and ensuring consistent quality across all manuscripts can be complex. Effective time management, organizational skills, and the ability to provide constructive feedback while fostering positive author relationships are essential to successfully navigate these challenges.

How much do senior book editors get paid?

Senior book editors typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. They often have advanced editing skills and may oversee other editors or manage multiple projects simultaneously.

How much do senior book editors make?

Senior book editors typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publishing company. They often have advanced editing skills and may oversee multiple projects or teams, which can influence salary levels.

Is there a demand for senior book editors?

There is steady demand for senior book editors in the publishing industry, especially for those with strong editing skills, industry experience, and familiarity with editing software. They are often sought after for their expertise in managing complex projects and mentoring junior staff, with employment opportunities available in traditional publishing houses, literary agencies, and freelance work.
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Infographic showing various Senior Book Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,110 per year, or $40 per hour.

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.Job Summary

Getty Publications is seeking a full-time Senior Editor to join the staff of its Editorial Department. Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Senior Editor will work closely with authors, designers, production coordinators, and other Getty staff and freelancers to develop, pitch, and produce a wide range of high-quality illustrated art books with an initial focus on general-audience titles that complement the collections and expertise of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Senior Editor may also edit exhibition catalogues, collections-based titles, academic monographs, trade titles, and children's books, for both print and digital formats.

Getty Publications produces award-winning books that result from or complement the work of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Foundation. The approximately 30 titles published each year cover the fields of art, photography, archaeology, architecture, conservation, and the humanities for both the general public and specialists.

Getty Publications offers a collegial and collaborative environment where work-life balance is prioritized. We support a hybrid work schedule, with some days at our Getty Center offices and some days at home. Staff members can choose to participate in community service and serve on committees on accessibility; mentorship and community building; and sustainability.

The Role

Under broad direction from the Editor in Chief and Managing Editor, the Senior Editor assumes full project management responsibility, performing all editorial functions-including proposal pitches and acquisitions, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development of junior staff in the department and of the freelance pool. Performs numerous tasks related to editorial development of publication content from strategic idea development and acquisition, peer review, project approval, manuscript development, and text editing to transmittal of manuscript and illustration program to design and production team.

Major Job Responsibilities
  • Identifies, generates, and recommends to leadership new book publishing opportunities based on organizational priorities, working with potential authors to develop viable project proposals and prepare sample materials
  • Under broad direction from supervisor, negotiates contracts with authors, agents, packagers, and freelance consultants
  • Provides editorial project management for print and digital publications for a wide range of audiences and of various levels of complexity
  • Collaborates closely with colleagues in Design and Production as well as Rights to establish schedule and track progress against schedule and budget
  • Ensures high quality of work performed by all consultants, including peer reviewers, translators, project editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers
  • Maintains project records and regularly reports on project status
  • With minimal supervision from manager, supervises peer review process: solicits and contracts reviewers, evaluates reviews, and works with authors to address concerns
  • Works closely with Rights Coordinators to ensure that illustrations can be acquired and transmitted according to schedule
  • May serve as a resource for development of budget and publications specifications in book project approval process
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in the humanities (preferably in English or Art History); Master's degree preferred
  • At least 7 years of relevant publishing experience, preferably including 4 years in either an art publishing or museum environment

Note: Los Angeles residency is required. This position is NOT fully remote and operates on a hybrid in-office and work-from-home schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Proven copyediting and proofreading skills; excellent knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style
  • Proficient in Microsoft products (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive) and collaboration tools such as Zoom and Docusign
  • Reading knowledge or familiarity with one or more European languages preferred
  • Substantial knowledge of art history and visual culture
  • Demonstrated excellence in project management
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills; capable of interacting professionally with various stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work independently
  • Able to adapt to changes and shifting priorities while maintaining a positive attitude
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME