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$37K

$83.1K

$120.5K

How much do senior book editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Book Editor, and why are they important?

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 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 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.
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Senior Book Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Book Editor job openings in the United States as of May 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, Simon & Schuster Books

Senior Editor, Simon & Schuster Books

Simon & Schuster

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Simon & Schuster rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 17 rated publishing

Job description

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
Simon & Schuster is seeking a Senior Editor to join the editorial team of our flagship imprint, with a focus on fiction publishing. This role offers the opportunity to acquire, develop, and publish a dynamic list of fiction, including upmarket fiction, book club fiction, commercial fiction, and select literary fiction.
The ideal candidate possesses exceptional editorial instincts, a strong network of agent relationships, and a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary fiction marketplace. This person should be passionate about discovering distinctive voices, shaping ambitious publishing programs, and contributing meaningfully to the continued growth and success of the imprint.
Responsibilities
  • Acquire and edit roughly 8 - 12 fiction titles per year Identify emerging trends, breakout talent, and market opportunities within the fiction landscape
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with literary agents, authors, and industry stakeholders
  • Manage projects through all stages of the publishing process, from acquisition through publication
  • Prepare and present acquisition materials, including profit-and-loss statements, title positioning, and competitive analyses
  • Collaborate closely with marketing, publicity, sales, design, and production teams to develop successful publishing strategies and campaigns
  • Edit manuscripts with a strong editorial vision and attention to both creative and commercial potential
  • Mentor and support junior editorial staff as needed
  • Represent the imprint at industry events, conferences, and author meetings
  • Contribute strategically to the growth and direction of the fiction publishing program

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • A minimum of 5 years of editorial experience in trade publishing, with a focus on fiction preferred
  • Proven track record of acquiring and publishing successful fiction titles
  • Strong relationships within the literary agent and author community
  • Excellent editorial judgment and deep knowledge of the contemporary fiction marketplace
  • Exceptional written, verbal, organizational, and negotiation skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments
  • Passion for discovering and developing distinctive storytelling and author brands
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and publishing workflows

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.

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