What Is an Acquisitions Editor and How to Become One

The role of an acquisitions editor is to acquire and prepare commercial books, academic papers, or other written projects for print or digital production. They work on the editorial team, and select projects based on their employer’s objectives. Common job duties are to read manuscripts, stay within budget, negotiate royalties, finalize contracts for new titles and reprints, build relationships with authors and agents, and hire contractors or contributors such as photographers and illustrators. Career qualifications for an acquisitions editor include a bachelor’s or master’s degree and publishing experience.

Qualifications to become an acquisitions editor include a master’s or bachelor’s degree and years of related experience, typically in publishing. Important job skills include budgeting, communication, and a strong grasp of written language and grammar. An acquisitions editor works on the editorial team, and select projects based on their employer’s objectives. Common job duties are to read manuscripts, stay within budget, negotiate royalties, and finalize contracts for new titles and reprints. They may also use their skills to build relationships with authors and agents.

While an acquisitions editor and executive editor may have some overlapping duties depending on the size of the editorial team, there are notable differences between the two positions. An executive editor is at the top of the editorial department and typically oversees the business side of the company as well as the content, setting the direction and making sure editors and writers uphold standards. The acquisitions editor works on the editorial team and selects projects based on the objectives of the executive editor. Their common job duties are to read manuscripts, stay within budget, negotiate royalties, finalize contracts for new titles and reprints, and build relationships with authors and agents.